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Focus on the Family is “A Little Hurt”
Orginally published on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 7:00 AM
by Todd Rhoades
Focus on the Family said it is a little hurt over the shock that came in response to its sponsorship and participation in a local bike race this weekend to raise funds for AIDS relief in Colorado. “There seems to be the perception that [because] AIDS is seen as typically associated with the gay community, that Focus on the Family wouldn’t care for these people,” said Devin Knuckles, a spokesman for the ministry, according to the Denver Post. “It’s kind of hurtful,” Knuckles said. “It’s our mission to help people who need help.” The Christian ministry paid the $1,000 sponsorship fee, reserved a booth and registered two riders for the 100-mile Pikes Peak Classic race this Sunday. Many locals expressed shock at FOTF’s willingness to be involved in the AIDS fundraiser because of the ministry’s long and outspoken battle against same-sex “marriage” and “the homosexuality agenda.”
FOTF holds “Love Won Out” conferences throughout the country where former homosexuals and ministry leaders equip the church to respond biblically and in a Christ-like way to the issue of homosexuality. Speakers also share how those who struggle against unwanted same-sex attractions can overcome their desires with the Gospel.
However, not all are happy with FOTF’s participation.
“We have had some complaints,” said Linda Boedeker, executive director of the AIDS project where the money raised will go to, according to the Denver Post. “There are a lot of people [who] think that Focus on the Family must have an agenda … [but] I think they are trying to do what’s right in their community.”
Source: The Christian Post
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Hi... I'm Todd Rhoades. I'm a Christ-follower, husband, father and I love to connect leaders with other leaders. Hopefully you'll find something here at MMI you like and will return often. If you want, you can find out more about me or follow my every step on Twitter.
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Posted by
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 7:53 AM
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Posted by Snoop
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 8:21 AM
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Posted by Daniel D. Farmer
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 10:01 AM
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Posted by
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 12:45 PM
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Posted by Stewart
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 9:00 PM
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Posted by
Monday, August 27, 2007 at 3:14 PM
Post Your Comments:WTG FOF!
{way to go focus on the family}
This is what happens when you become so involved in political activism that you forget the personal side of ministry.
A little hurt? Maybe they should be repentant of the attitudes and actions that have caused people to be so surprised and upset that they are taking part in this event. When their founder champions the war on homosexuality and pushes for the ouster of leadership of the NAE because they do not put enough emphasis on abortion and homosexuality (http://resilientemergence.com/2007/03/07/who-would-jesus-dismiss/) it is no wonder people are shocked to find out that Focus is involved with an event like this.
I am glad to see that they are involved in this. I hope that they will learn from the reaction that they are getting and realize that they have a ways to go to restore public goodwill, and maybe begin the process of repentance.
I second Snoop’s comments. As long as FOTF did what it used to do (research and publication to support the family), they did great (who doesn’t remember and love ‘Adventures in Odyssey’?). As soon as Dobson and company went live, telling the world ‘you need to pass these laws’… they ruined pretty much everything positive about their witness. I have trouble thinking a single positive thing about them.
They involvement in the race is to be lauded, but they shouldn’t be surprised by the hurt feelings they’re going to encounter.
As an aside, this isn’t even about their political views. You can be socially conservative and kind. FOTF has been chronically unkind in its political maneuvering.
My two cents.
-Daniel-
Yep - I agree with Snoop and Daniel. I wish, rather than making a public statement that they were “a little hurt,” they had used the opportunity to take responsibility for the reaction of their followers. FOTF has worked so hard to get its followers all riled up against the gay/lesbian community, it is no surprise that these same people see the organizations participation in an Aids event as hypocritical to the values they’ve been professing.
Jim Collins, in Good to Great, describes a Level 5 Leader as one who lives by the principle of the window and the mirror. When things are going great, they look out the window and credit the team for the success. When something goes wrong, they look into the mirror and take responsibility themselves. This doesn’t mean they don’t hold people personally accountable for their actions, the principle relates primarily to public positions. As one who aspires to be a Level 5 Leader (I have a long way to go), when someone reacts to something I say or do in a way that surprises me, rather than telling them that they shouldn’t have reacted that way, I think I’m better served to look in the mirror and ask myself, “what have I done or said that might have triggered this surprising reaction.” I think FOTF missed the Level 5 mark here . . . a good long look into the mirror is in order.
Wendi
Just another comment in agreement with Snoop, Daniel and Wendi. Wendi’s suggestion is great… rather than pout and ask for sympathy “we’re a little hurt”, they have an opportunity here to say, “Wow. Our activities and beliefs are really being misunderstood here. We’re going to work on better communicating our love for all people.”
Of course, in fairness to FOTF, many people will probably never accept the idea that you can love them and still not agree with every aspect of their lifestyle.
We need to think about how Jesus treated people before we condemn them. He loved them. We should do nothing less. FOTF needs to get back to that, and get away from the political rhetoric.
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