Third Way Church FAQ

Not sure what Third Way even means? Before diving into these frequently asked questions, check out our companion post, What Does It Mean to Be Third Way? It unpacks the position, posture, and practice behind this growing approach to LGBTQ questions in the church—and why it matters today more than ever.

What is a Third Way church?

A Third Way church centers its unity on core Christian beliefs while allowing for faithful disagreement on non-salvific issues, including LGBTQ questions. It affirms that sincere, Jesus-following Christians can reach different conclusions and still belong to the same community. It welcomes both affirming and non-affirming people into the life and leadership of the church at all levels.

A Third Way church stands united on the authority of scripture while recognizing diversity in interpreting scripture.

A Third Way church seeks theological unity without uniformity as it navigates LGBTQ questions. See Y our Church’s Own Discovery Journey around LGBTQ Questions for a full framework.

Is Third Way just a middle ground between affirming and non-affirming?

No. Third Way is not a compromise position but a theological framework that distinguishes between essential doctrines and disputable matters. It prioritizes faithfulness, humility, and relationship over forcing uniformity.

Sometimes an approach called Accomodationism is confused with Third Way. Accomodationism is the theological theological position that believes a behavior is sinful while still practicing full inclusion. For example, holding the theological conviction that remarriage after divorce is sinful (Mt 5:32) and yet still allows remarried people in church leadership. The difference with Third Way is that Third Way recognizes that there are differing theological interpretations of the sinfulness of a behavior, and therefore allows for theological diversity in leadership, etc.

Can you be Third Way and still have a clear theological position?

Yes. Third Way churches are clear about their positions while refusing to make agreement on LGBTQ questions a condition of salvation, belonging, or Christian identity. Clarity and generosity are not opposites.

Typically, in Third Way churches, individuals hold a spectrum of clear beliefs that are in disagreement with each other, rather than individuals holding unclear positions.

Do Third Way churches perform same-sex weddings?

Some do, some don’t. Third Way churches recognize a range of faithful practices shaped by conscience, context, denominational constraints, and pastoral discernment, while remaining united in Christ.

Often Third Way churches with multiple staff also have multiple perspectives on performing same-sex weddings. So one pastor may officiate a same-sex wedding while another may not, each depending on the conscience of the pastor.

If a church considers whether to perform same‑sex weddings, clear communication matters see How Do I Share LGBTQ Resources with My Pastor?

How is Third Way different from being affirming?

Affirming churches typically hold a specific theological conclusion about LGBTQ relationships, while Third Way churches intentionally make space for multiple conclusions within one community. The difference is not about love, but about how theological diversity is handled.

Often Third Way churches are confused with Affirming Churches because they both may conduct same-sex weddings. However, the Third Way church intentionally creates space for those with traditional ethics at all levels of leadership. The Third Way church will also actively support LGBTQ people who hold the non-affirming position, e.g., by providing support groups or accountability for those who are celibate.

While Third Way churches are not the same as fully affirming ones, understanding contemporary LGBTQ church demographics can inform why different approaches are emerging. See LGBTQ People and the Church: 31 Million Stories

What do I say if someone asks what our church believes about LGBTQ people?

You can say: “We believe LGBTQ people are fully made in God’s image and belong here. We hold clear convictions, but we also believe faithful Christians can disagree and still follow Jesus together.”

Do Third Way Churches inherently create unsafe spaces for LGBTQ people?

Some “Third Way” churches have created equal mic time for those who teach that it is immoral to be LGBTQ. The new wave of Third Way churches do not do this. Instead, they platform and celebrate LGBTQ people’s stories publicly in ways that honors the theological complexity of the issues, that combats homophobia, and that affirms LGBTQ people as made in the image of God and beloved. One helpful Third Way church statement on these matters reads this way:

More important to us than how leaders think is how they live and love. All of our leaders are committed to supporting affirming practices, for example: gladly welcoming everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, extending leadership opportunities to those qualified (again regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity), pastors performing gay weddings and transgender renaming ceremonies, and honoring and supporting LGBTQ folks in the community who choose to follow Jesus according to a more traditional sexual ethic.

What are the risks of taking a Third Way approach?

You may frustrate people on both ends who want certainty or uniformity. But the alternative often costs relationships, credibility, and the next generation, who are already navigating difference in their everyday lives.

How do we talk to our congregation about this?

Start with shared commitments: Jesus at the center, Scripture taken seriously, and love as the highest calling. Frame the conversation around how Christians disagree faithfully, not just what conclusions people reach.

Effective communication matters when discussing inclusion. For example, You Can’t Wait for Your Senior Pastor highlights how straightforward, pastoral language helps in sensitive conversations and 3 Reasons Why Youth Pastors Struggle with LGBTQ Questions illustrates common pastoral tensions that might inform your wording.

And if you haven’t read the series Your Church’s Own Discovery Journey Around LGBTQ Questions you should start here to read an overview of a healthy process for having these vital, but sensitive conversations.

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