still time to care

"Dr. Greg Johnson deserves our thanks for writing such a grace-filled book full of wisdom and insight. As a model pastor-theologian, Greg handles the sensitive and controversial topic of homosexuality with both pastoral candor and theological nuance. Drawing inspiration from such evangelical luminaries as C. S. Lewis, Billy Graham, Francis Schaeffer, and John Stott, Greg makes a compelling case for a 'paradigm of care' as opposed to a 'paradigm of cure.' The result is an excellent book with an inspiring gospel vision whatever your orientation—a vision marked not by hope in heterosexuality but hope in Christ. Highly recommended!"

—Todd Wilson, PhD, cofounder and president, The Center for Pastor Theologians

"Greg Johnson offers a fascinating look into the rise of the ex-gay movement and the reasons for a diminished ex-gay narrative today. He takes the reader back in history to key voices evangelicals admired to move the reader forward into a vision of biblical faithfulness and nuanced pastoral care and communal support for those who are both gay and Christian."

—Mark A. Yarhouse, PsyD, Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Professor of Psychology, Wheaton College

"In the suffocating quagmire of the church’s debates about same-sex sexuality, Greg Johnson’s Still Time to Care is a breath of fresh air. While Johnson unflinchingly documents the failures of the ex-gay movement of the 1980s and ’90s, he also defends a traditional sexual ethic and articulates a 'paradigm of care' to counter the 'paradigm of cure' that has harmed so many people. Drawing deeply from history, evangelical leaders, and Scripture, Johnson articulates a way forward for sexual minorities and those who love them. Winsome, intelligent, personal, and warm, this book is important and profoundly needed. I want everyone I know to read it."

—Tish Harrison Warren, Anglican priest; author, Liturgy of the Ordinary and Prayer in the Night

"After far too many damaging decades of the 'ex-gay' pushers’ bogus claims of 'cure,' Johnson sees there’s 'still time to care' – for those, like himself, who believe that same-sex behavior is wrong.... With a doctorate in historical theology, Johnson looks into the scandalous history of the 'ex-gay' movement and the relevant theological issues.... Johnson’s insights should be taken as instruction, not only for gay Christians who’ve not settled these issues, but for the heterosexual hierarchies that can be so insensitive."

—Dr. Ralph Blair, Founder and President, Evangelicals Concerned Inc.

"This fascinating book gives a thorough and enlightening account of how the evangelical church has historically mishandled and hurt gay and lesbian Christians. The damage done over the last forty years is eye opening. While defending the orthodox biblical sexual ethic, Greg Johnson lays out a healthy path forward for the church regarding the LGBTQ community that is both biblical and pastoral. Every Christian (especially leaders in the church) needs to read this book to better understand this nuanced and complex issue."

—Becket Cook, author, A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption; host, The Becket Cook Show

"This book is a lament for an evangelical road not taken. When it came to the pastoral care of lesbian and gay people, rather than heed the wisdom of their own leading lights like John Stott and Francis Schaeffer, many evangelicals opted instead for sexual-orientation change efforts and in the process left a legacy of pain and confusion that haunts the movement to this day. But this book is also a clarion call from a prophetic insider who believes that evangelicalism can change. Anyone wanting to understand better the current evangelical debates around sexuality—from 'ex-gay' ministries, to 'Side B gay Christians,' to 'mixed-orientation marriages'—should read this book and consider the costly and courageous witness of its author."

—Wesley Hill, author, Washed and Waiting and Spiritual Friendship

"This is a much-needed book for our times. In a refreshing, deeply thoughtful, and engaging style, this celibate pastor shares his experience of living in the tides of secular and evangelical Christian thought, language, and behavior in relation to homosexuality over the last forty years. Here is a strong challenge to Christians to reflect deeply on how we have drifted away from a truly biblical approach. Johnson calls the church back to a more compassionate life of family/community to love and encourage those who are celibate for any reason. You will not regret taking the time to have your understanding and attitude transformed by grappling with the vital issues in this well-researched and excellent book."

—Richard Winter, Professor Emeritus of Counseling, Covenant Theological Seminary

"I am in awe of all that Greg achieves so successfully in this incredible book: a critical history of the ex-gay movement, a culturally sensitive defense of traditional sexual ethics, a pastoral manifesto for a better future—all wrapped up in the gospel of grace and accompanied by his own story (and wry sense of humor). I loved every page and am looking forward to seeing the good it will do every church leader and member who reads it."

—Ed Shaw, ministry director, pastor, Emmanuel City Centre, Bristol (UK); author, Purposeful Sexuality: A Short Christian Introduction

"Greg offers a fast-paced, compelling historical account of the church’s failure to engage LGBT+ people. In missiology, we know that it’s so critical to learn history or else we’ll repeat it. And sure enough, today the church risks returning to culture war over gender identity. While there is still time to care, there isn’t much time! And this time, the next steps we take will impact our ability to extend Christ to an entire next generation."

—Bill Henson, founder and creator, Posture Shift Ministries, Inc.