Created in Wonder: Embracing Trans Lives as Part of God's Story

As we celebrate Trans awareness week (11/13/25 – 11/19/25) I believe it is important as a Christian Pastor to speak up regarding the value of trans people both inside and outside the church.

Fact, Trans people exist, have always existed, and being trans isn’t a sin.  As Christian psychologist Mark Yarhouse explains, gender identity is “how you experience yourself… as male or female, including how masculine or feminine a person feels” (Understanding Gender Dysphoria, p. 13).  

I know that this language makes many people uncomfortable so let me make an important statement of my own: societally defined gender can be experienced on a spectrum while biological sex is generally recognized as male, female, or in a condition known as intersex where the individual possess both male and female traits in their biological make up. I do not pretend to understand all this reality fully, but I do intentionally and without apology support the dignity, value, and beauty of the wonderful trans people who I am blessed to have as part of my journey through this life.

As Christians we often think in binaries because we believe in a world that is neatly divided in black and white. However, the reality is this world is not that simple. Our amazing God created a world so filled with wonder, and dare I say mystery, that leaves room for the magnificent grey areas that are beyond our comprehension. The modern western church, much like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, has created lines of exclusion that simply do not exist in God’s economy.

Does the Bible support my position?  I believe the answer is a resounding yes. When I read Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28 -29 I can’t help but see space for my Trans siblings in the church, as well as those yet to find a home in this beloved family. 

• "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave or free, nor is there male or female, for you are all on in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and hers according to the promise." - Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV)

When Paul wrote these words, he wasn’t trying to smooth over some minor disagreement but was directly confronting a church that was on the verge of losing the very heart of the Gospel. He was challenging theology that stated, “you can be part of us but only if you become exactly like us.”.

Often, the church seeks to exclude people that don’t fit our binary thinking because we forget that Jesus came to include people that society sees as outsiders. In my ministry I prefer to recognize that “outsiders are actually insiders in the Kingdom of God”.  We must chose to embrace the vision Paul maps out for us, that is built on the foundation of the Gospel of reconciliation & grace of Jesus.

THE Gospel does not tolerate exclusion disguised as holiness.

The church must not be a place where identity – racial, social, or gendered – is weaponized to limit access of anyone! The church that Christ created is to be a place where we all feel welcomed, embraced, and loved. No change required! God will orchestrate whatever change is needed to best experience the fullness of His plan for everyone. Whether we are gay, straight, trans, cis, or intersex, God welcomes us to the lifelong journey of transformation available through the Spirit.

In summary, to affirm a trans person’s full dignity & inclusion isn’t a departure from the gospel – it is an expression of the fullness of it. It is choosing to stand on the side of grace over gatekeeping. It is fully believing in the promise of God, which Paul says belongs to “all heirs”.

We are not called to guard the door but rather to do our part to ensure it remains open for ALL.