What is a Third Way church?

Answer

Politicians and economists have been discussing the concept of the “Third Way” for approximately a century. Only recently has the term Third Way been applied in a religious context, with certain churches now identifying themselves as “Third Way” congregations. In a secular sense, Third Way denotes a “middle ground” between two perceived extremes. Political liberalism and conservatism, for instance, are at times considered too “extreme,” leading to a call for a Third Way between the two. Advocates of Third Way ideology often label themselves as “Moderates” and strive to incorporate values from both ends of the spectrum. In a religious setting, Third Way typically pertains to individuals seeking a balanced approach on matters such as homosexuality or same-sex marriage.

Third Way churches oppose the societal divide. They aim to “engage with the culture” without passing judgment on others or compromising their core beliefs. They neither desire to isolate themselves from society nor to forsake their convictions. Faced with the options of fighting or surrendering, they opt for neither. The Third Way is championed as a path of acceptance, love, equality, and engagement. Theological stances are considered less important than “love.”

Regarding the topic of homosexuality, proponents of the Third Way advocate for peace, asserting that sexual orientation should not create divisions among Christians. On one side, they challenge the traditional church view that homosexuality is inherently sinful; on the other hand, they may refrain from conducting same-sex weddings. The “middle ground” sought by the Third Way involves the belief that individuals with homosexual orientation can indeed be genuine Christians, deserving of affirmation and support, and that it is time to cease opposing homosexuals and begin integrating them into the church. Interestingly, proponents of the Third Way do not view their position as a “compromise” whatsoever.

The challenge arises when, on certain matters, a genuine “Third Way” does not exist. As much as there is a desire to find middle ground, some issues simply do not lend themselves to such a solution.

As some people love to dwell in the gray areas, there does exist a black and a white in the matter of homosexual behavior. The Bible is abundantly clear that homosexual practice is evil, and it is just as clear that marriage is a lifetime commitment between one man and one woman. Will the church of the living God continue to be “the pillar and foundation of the truth” «But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. », (1 Timothy 3:15), or will the church abandon its mission in a morass of compromise and concession?

The church is God’s ekklesia, His “called-out assembly.” We are to reflect the holiness of God into a sin-darkened world, not reflect society’s gloominess back upon itself. The biblical principle of “come out from them and be separate” «Wherefore Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch not the unclean thing; And I will receive you, », (2 Corinthians 6:17) is still valid; the church is called to choose sides on moral issues, not to find a “third way.”

Dr. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, points out the impossibility of finding middle ground on the issue of gay marriage. He writes, “There is no third way on this issue. . . . The issue is binary. A church will recognize same-sex relationships, or it will not. A congregation will teach a biblical position on the sinfulness of same-sex acts, or it will affirm same-sex behaviors as morally acceptable. Ministers will perform same-sex ceremonies, or they will not” (“There Is No ‘Third Way’—Southern Baptists Face a Moment of Decision (and so will you),” AlbertMohler.com, June 2, 2014).

Churches that have opted to identify as “Third Way” congregations areFinding that even their middle-of-the-road stance is divisive. In choosing to affirm homosexual behavior, they, by necessity, turn their backs on the traditionalists within their congregations. In ignoring biblical teaching, Third Way churches are, in fact, choosing a side, and congregations are being split as a result.

There is a broad road, Jesus said, and a narrow road (Matthew 7:13-14). There is the right way and the wrong way, but no Third Way. The idea that a church can choose to not take an official position on homosexuality is wishful thinking. Culture is drawing a line in the sand, and the church must be equipped with the full armor of God and be willing to “stand firm” «Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; », (Ephesians 6:14).