Side B Christianity Exposed: How Major Ministries are Failing LGBTQ Students
- May 16
- 3 min read
Updated: May 18
Brady Cone (founder of Calibrate Ministries) joins us to discuss the Side B approach to ministering to those who struggle with same sex attraction. Several major Christian institutions use the Side B approach to disciple college students, including Biola University and CRU.
Brady draws from his own journey out of the LGBTQ life to explain what Side B actually teaches, how it differs from both Side A and biblical discipleship, and why labeling ourselves by our attractions undermines the full freedom the gospel provides.
It’s the first episode of Season 8! Monique and Krista will be highlighting issues of biblical justice as a key theme for the season. This episode focuses on discipleship approaches to same-sex attraction (SSA), particularly critiquing the "Side B" approach. Tonight’s guest is Brady Cone, who shares his testimony and ministry experience. The conversation contrasts Side B with a more transformative, sanctification-focused model (sometimes called Side Y or Side X).
Brady’s Testimony:
Brady grew up in conservative rural churches struggling with SSA, feeling deep shame, legalism, and suicidal ideation after harmful comments from a youth pastor. He lived a double life in college (Christian community + underground LGBTQ involvement) before surrendering to Christ. Key turning point: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ("such were some of you"). He describes a multi-year sanctification process where God changed his identity from SSA to being in Christ. He is now married with children and has ministered in this area for nearly 20 years. His experience informs his empathy but also his conviction that change is possible through discipleship.
Common Lies and Cultural Narratives:
People are defined by their feelings/attractions (identity = SSA → "gay").
SSA is inborn/fixed ("born this way") and unchangeable.
The church often adopts modern psychological categories like "sexual orientation" rather than starting with biblical categories.
Feelings must be investigated against Scripture, not automatically trusted or celebrated (referencing James 1:14 and Romans 1).
What is the Side B Approach?:
Side B affirms traditional sexual ethics (no acting on SSA; celibacy or mixed-orientation marriage) but:
Embraces SSA as a core, enduring part of identity ("celibate gay Christian," "gay Christian").
Buys into the modern psychological model of fixed "orientations."
Views SSA largely as a non-disordered or unchangeable aspect of the Fall, leading to lifelong celibacy with little expectation of heart-level transformation.
Promoted by figures like Preston Sprinkle and Greg Coles; associated with Revoice.
Problems/Impacts of Side B:
Creates a "halfway" identity that can lead people toward (rather than away from) the LGBTQ lifestyle by normalizing the label and community.
Fosters hopelessness, despair, and "white-knuckling" without real sanctification.
Encourages "spiritual friendship" or celibate gay relationships that often become romantic/emotionally entangled and fail.
Leads to disillusionment with the church (which rejects the "gay Christian" identity).
Confuses the church’s witness to the world (the term "gay" carries affirming connotations culturally).
Example: A children’s pastor who adopted Side B and publicly came out, causing widespread confusion.
Biblical/Transformative Alternative:
SSA is a disordered desire resulting from the Fall, lies believed, trauma, insecurity, or coveting (Romans 1 framework).
Sanctification is lifelong: God can untwist desires, renew the mind, and change identity/affections through discipleship, community, repentance, and the Holy Spirit.
Identity is exclusively in Christ, not attractions.
Hope is rooted in the gospel’s power to transform (not "pray away the gay" overnight expectations).
Emphasis on deep heart discipleship rather than behavior modification alone.
Practical Advice:
Parents/Families: Believe God redeems; disciple the whole heart, not just sexuality. Create open environments so kids don’t hide struggles. Address underlying lies/trauma (e.g., higher rates of sexual abuse in LGBTQ-identifying people). Focus first on whether the person knows Jesus.
Church/Youth Leaders: Avoid Side B materials. Provide long-term discipleship, a high view of biblical sexuality/marriage, and identity in Christ. Be curious about feelings without over-focusing on one issue. Teach a better vision of relationships centered on Christ.
Everyone: Model humility, apply the gospel to root issues, build authentic community.
Conclusion:
Side B is well-intentioned but flawed and potentially harmful. The church should offer hope through full gospel transformation rather than accommodation to cultural psychological categories.
Connect with the Guest:
Stay in touch with Brady's work at Calibrate Ministries.
Sponsor:
Tonight's show is brought to you by the Center for Biblical Unity.
Stay up to date with all of our content and events by downloading our mobile app: https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/mobileapp
Be sure to check out our BRAND NEW program, Ambassadors for Biblical Justice! Visit the link to find out all the details and sign up for this transformative experience.
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