Chip and Joanna Gaines Draw Strong Criticism from Evangelicals for New Show Featuring Gay Couple

“I don’t see people assuring the world [that] Chip and Jo are still the wonderful people we’ve come to love,” said Crenshaw. “But they’re also imperfect and human, like the rest of us.” 

“So, question their theology, their hermeneutics on this. Ask them to offer a Gospel-driven apologetics for their recent decision. Encourage them to build content that aligns with a biblical standard for family,” she said. “That’s all fair.”

“But just know this: Who you thought Chip and Jo were last week— a Jesus loving, family fostering, mutually supportive spouse… this remains true,” said Crenshaw. “Even when we disagree with this week’s ostensibly affirming decision.”   

One X user replied to Chip, alluding to his words, “It’s a sad sunday,” by saying, “We are extremely sad because of how much we have grown to admire and appreciate you both.” Chip answered, “Well I appreciate that.. sincerely. So if you admire and appreciate us so much. Any chance there’s more to this?” 

“But that’s my point.. no one knows,” he said. “But the ‘Christians’ have certainly come out in full force as if they do know.. ‘judge not….’ ‘Love one another’ its not difficult.”

Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood President Denny Burk commented, “If there is some redemptive angle to this, praise the Lord. Will the show reveal these people being introduced to the gospel and called to repent and believe?”

“If not, then what are you doing but normalizing a corruption of marriage, family, and childbirth?” he asked. “It is not right for you [to] rebuke Christians for being grieved over what looks to be a massive capitulation to worldliness. If this is something other than what it looks like, then say so in clear language.”

“I hope this isn’t true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic association. “If it is true, it is very disappointing.” 

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“While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word,” Graham said. “His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.”

Progressive author and pastor Dr. Kevin M. Young posted his own critique of Graham, saying:

FRANKLIN GRAHAM: God hates Chip and Joanna Gaines for recognizing that gay people exist and for their war on traditional marriage. ALSO FRANKLIN GRAHAM: Donald Trump is a model Christian, does God’s will, and Christians must support him no matter what.

Ed Vitagliano, vice president of American Family Association, posted the following statement:

This is sad and disappointing, because Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential in the evangelical community. Moreover, in the past, they have stood firm on the sanctity of marriage regardless of the personal cost that has entailed. We aren’t sure why the Gaines have reversed course, but we are sure of this: Back to the Frontier promotes an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and family—a view no Christian should embrace.

“I would never let my kids watch this filth,” posted worship leader and activist Sean Feucht.

A number of people found and commented on a 2016 tweet from Chip, in which he said, “In times of trouble.. you’ll find the Gaines family at church.”