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CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: 🚨 “My LGBTQ Friends Matter More Than the Bible” | Pastor Josh Hilburn Sparks Controversy

Pastor Josh Hilburn of Gather Houston shocked many by declaring that his LGBTQ friends and family are “more important than what the Bible says.” This statement has sparked intense debate among Christians, progressives, and conservatives alike. Is this radical love—or rejection of Scripture?

Hi everyone,

Pastor Josh Hilburn of Gather Houston has sparked major controversy with a bold statement:

“I love the Bible. I preach from it every week… but my LGBTQ friends and family members are more important to me than what the Bible says.”

This shocking admission is drawing strong reactions across the Christian world.

For progressive Christians, Hilburn’s words are a refreshing example of radical honesty and love, putting individuals before doctrine. They see it as aligning with the compassionate ministry of Jesus, especially toward marginalized communities like LGBTQ individuals.

For traditional believers, however, this statement is deeply troubling. Many say it represents a compromise with culture, undermining the authority of Scripture and distorting the gospel message. To them, elevating relationships over biblical truth is dangerous and misleading.

Why does it matter? Hilburn’s statement highlights the deep divide within Christianity today. On one side are those who believe the Bible as the final authority (Sola Scriptura). On the other are those who believe love and inclusion should take precedence, even when Scripture disagrees.

The wider consequences extend far beyond a single church. This debate touches the future of Christianity itself—its teachings, its role in society, and how it engages with culture in an era of increasing polarization.

In this video, we answer these 4 questions:

Question #1. What did Hilburn say?
Question #2. Why does it matter?
Question #3. What are the reactions from both progressive Christians and traditional believers?
Question #4. What are the larger implications for the Church and society?

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Question #1. What did Hilburn say?

Hilburn said:
“It’s important to me what the Bible says about it. It is. I love the Bible. I preach from it every week. It’s very important to me what the Bible says about it.

But we say every week that we want the kind of faith that the people in front of us are more important than our beliefs. And the people I know and love, my LGBTQ friends and family members, are more important to me. They’re more important to me than what the Bible says.

And the data tells us that LGBTQ youth are four times as likely to commit to take their own life than other folks. And if they have one, one single affirming adult in their life that that number goes way down.

And so for me, if we stand here and say every week that are the people in front of us are more important than our beliefs, there’s a big group of people that are really struggling and I want to be affirming adults for them no matter what.

So you can disagree with me about what the Bible says, but there’s a whole big group of people that for me are not up for debate. They are people. And that’s it.”

Question #2. Why does it matter?

In historic Christianity, the Bible has always been considered the final authority—a principle known as Sola Scriptura. In contrast, Hilburn openly prioritizes human relationships above biblical authority. This represents a significant shift in priorities and raises serious questions about the role Scripture still plays in guiding faith and practice.

Traditional and conservative Christians interpret his statement as a dangerous compromise that undermines the foundation of Christian teaching. On the other hand, progressive Christians view the statement as radical honesty and love that prioritizes individuals over ideology. In this way, Hilburn’s statement reflects the wider split dividing the church today.

The cultural impact of his statement also cannot be overlooked. It resonates with broader societal debates about LGBTQ+ inclusion, tolerance, and justice. By making such a public declaration, Hilburn positions himself and his church firmly within the progressive Christian movement, which continues to grow but also generates significant controversy.

Finally, as a pastor, Hilburn’s statement is particularly important. He is modeling a method of prioritizing relationships over doctrine, something his supporters will celebrate as compassionate leadership. At the same time, critics claim that such a stance misleads people by moving them away from biblical truth.

In short, Hilburn’s statement matters because it is more than just personal. It represents a flashpoint in modern Christianity, where love and inclusion are increasingly viewed by some as as more important than traditional biblical interpretation.

Question #3. What are the reactions from both progressive Christians and traditional believers?

Progressive Christians have largely welcomed Hilburn’s honesty and vulnerability. For many in this camp, his words reflect the heart of Jesus’ ministry—valuing people, especially marginalized groups, over rigid dogma. They claim that true Christian love requires prioritizing relationships and inclusion, even if it means rethinking or reinterpreting Scripture. Supporters see Hilburn as courageous, offering a compassionate model of pastoral leadership in an age where LGBTQ individuals often feel excluded from church life.

Traditional and conservative believers, however, view Hilburn’s statement as deeply troubling. For them, placing human relationships above the authority of Scripture undermines the very foundation of Christianity. Many critics claim that his words represent compromise with cultural pressures and a dangerous departure from biblical truth. To this group, Hilburn’s approach is not an act of love but a distortion of the gospel message that risks leading people astray.

Together, these contrasting responses highlight the deep divide in modern Christianity—between those who believe the Bible’s authority is non-negotiable and those who believe love and inclusion must take precedence, even when Scripture disagrees.

Question #4: What are the larger implications for the church and society?

The implications of Hilburn’s statement extend far beyond Gather Houston. Within the church, this intensifies the divide between traditional and progressive movements. Questions about biblical authority, pastoral responsibility, and the nature of Christian love are becoming fault lines that determine denominational identity and existence.

For society, Hilburn’s statement reflects cultural shifts toward greater LGBTQ acceptance. Supporters see churches like his as keeping faith relevant and inclusive. Critics are concerned that Christianity is being reshaped to reflect culture rather than challenge it.

Ultimately, Hilburn’s statement represents a critical crossroads. It forces churches and believers to wrestle with a fundamental question: Should love and inclusion ever take precedence over Scripture? The way Christians respond may influence not only the future of their faith communities but also the church’s role in society for decades to come.

We believe Pastor Hilburn is abandoning biblical truth rather than showing true Christian love. This is dangerous compromise.

QUESTION TO YOU: What do YOU think—Should relationships come before Scripture? Type “RELATIONSHIPS” or Type “SCRIPTURE”. Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section.