Former Anti-Gay Pastor: 'I Was Wrong About LGBTQ+ People'

"For years, I stood in the pulpit and preached that homosexuality was a sin. I believed the Bible was clear. I thought I was right. I was wrong."In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Pastor Joe Smith, a straight, cisgender pastor who spent years preaching traditional, non-affirming theology—until his understanding completely transformed.This isn't a story about a pastor who came out. It's about a pastor who changed his mind.Joe shares his journey from confidently condemning LGBTQ+ people from the pulpit to becoming an advocate and ally. He talks about what scriptures he got wrong, what made him reconsider his theology, and why he now believes you absolutely CAN be gay and Christian.This conversation is for:✅ Pastors and church leaders wrestling with LGBTQ+ theology✅ LGBTQ+ people hurt by the church✅ Parents trying to reconcile their faith and their LGBTQ+ child✅ Anyone who's been told they have to choose between faith and identityJoe shares:✅ Why he used to preach against homosexuality✅ The moment he started questioning his theology✅ How he studied scripture with fresh eyes✅ What the "clobber passages" actually mean in context✅ The harm he caused and his journey toward repair✅ Why he now proudly affirms LGBTQ+ people✅ His message to pastors still preaching condemnation✅ His message to LGBTQ+ people hurt by the churchIN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Introduction[02:30] Joe's background: Growing up in conservative Christianity[08:15] Why he preached against homosexuality[14:40] The moment doubt crept in[22:10] Re-studying the "clobber passages"[30:45] What the Bible actually says (and doesn't say)[38:20] The harm of non-affirming theology[45:00] His apology to the LGBTQ+ community[52:15] What he wants other pastors to know[58:30] What he wants LGBTQ+ people to know[01:04:00] How churches can become truly affirmingRESOURCES:📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide:👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🏳️‍🌈 Crisis Support:The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth)GLAAD: Resources for LGBTQ+ ChristiansQ Christian Fellowship: Community for LGBTQ+ Christians💜 Support the Mission:If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals and allies navigating faith and identity.👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothFOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH:📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth]🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth]🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listenFOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA:📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta]🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta]🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.comSHARE THIS MESSAGE:💬 Know a pastor questioning their theology? Share this episode.💬 Know an LGBTQ+ person hurt by the church? Send them this story of change.💬 Know parents struggling to reconcile faith and their child's identity? This is for them.🔔 Subscribe so you never miss stories of transformation and hope.👍 Leave a comment—your story matters.The church CAN change. Theology CAN evolve. Love CAN win. You can be both.A NOTE FROM LAUREN:If you're a pastor or church leader reading this, please know: It's okay to change your mind. Admitting you were wrong takes more courage than doubling down on harmful theology. The LGBTQ+ community needs more leaders like Joe—people willing to do the hard work of rethinking what they were taught.If you're LGBTQ+ and you've been hurt by churches like the one Joe used to lead, please know: Not all pastors stay stuck. Some are willing to learn, grow, and change. And those who hurt you were wrong—not you.#AffirmingPastor #GayChristian #PastorChanges #AffirmingTheology #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #ProgressiveChristianity #LGBTQAffirming #YouCanBeBoth #ChristianAlly