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Regular insights from a Talbot-trained Bible scholar mobilizing the church toward full LGBTQIA+ inclusion—rooted in Scripture, not sentiment.
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Amanda Pence is a Talbot educated Biblical Scholar & LGBTQIA+ Advocate mobilizing evangelical communities to build biblically-based, inclusive church communities that reflect God’s love and truth by empowering faithful Christians to read Scripture consistently.
“If you're serious about Scripture, you’re in the right place. It’s time to apply the tools we already have to all areas of the Bible–with intellectual honesty and spiritual integrity.”
- Amanda Pence
You love the Bible. But how are you reading it?
As Evangelicals, we pride ourselves on taking Scripture seriously. We carefully consider the literary context of both the passage at hand and how it fits into the overarching story of the Bible. We study original languages. We consider historical and cultural context. We read the Bible in light of historical doctrines of the faith. We’ve been trained to interpret responsibly.
But when it comes to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, those same tools often get left behind.
We say we’re “just reading what it says”—but are we really?
What if we apply our trusted historical-grammatical method to all of Scripture?
What if doing so points us to a more inclusive gospel?
Hi, I’m Amanda.
I’m a Biblical Scholar and LGBTQIA+ Advocate helping evangelicals read Scripture with both intellectual honesty and spiritual depth. My area of specialty is reading the Bible biblically and in context.
I specialize in biblical exegesis (what the text says and meant in its original context) and hermeneutics (the lenses used by the reader to interpret the text)
“I’m not rewriting Scripture. I’m reading the whole Bible with consistency, using the techniques I have been taught.”
—Amanda Pence
When I say I know how to read the Bible biblically, I mean it!
In 2024, I graduated with an MA Bible Exposition from Biola University Talbot School of Theology. In addition to the requirements for my degree, my program included:
One-on-one study of Advanced Hermeneutics with the Chair of Christian Ministry and Leadership Department
Work as the TA for several sections of Hermeneutics and Bible Study Methods classes
Graduation with highest honors
Academic publication of one of my essays, with plans to publish another
High praise from my professors: my writing has been called "outstanding," "lucid," "articulate," and "irenic" (peacemaking); I have even been referred to as “my star student!”
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Too often, the very methods we use to study the Bible are abandoned when it comes to LGBTQIA+ inclusion. I believe we don’t need to rewrite the Bible—we need to apply our own tools faithfully and consistently.
I’m passionate about helping believers:
Read Scripture with clarity and context
Recognize how biases form a lens which shapes interpretation
Share affirming interpretations with biblical credibility
If you’re ready to read the Bible with clarity, conviction, and compassion—you’re in the right place.
As Seen At
Q Christian Fellowship (QCF) Conference Speaker
Adam & Adam: God’s Design for Humanity 2025:
Reclaiming Romans By Reading It Backwards: Coming in 2026!
Fullerton Free Women’s Ministries Bible Teacher
CBE International Student Paper Competition winner, 2022
Vindicating Bathsheba
Presented at 2022 CBE Conference
Published in the Autumn 2022 Priscilla Papers, an academic journal
Radical Love Live Podcast Contributor
My “Bible Moment” segment at the end of these episodes:
Billie Hoard Parts 1 & 2 (Bible Moment at end of part 2)
→ Watch Part 1
Love Beyond Tolerance: The True Meaning of Giving “Grace”
Oh My [BLEEP]: Who is this God Person Anyway?
Please Note: Collaboration with Radical Love Live does not indicate doctrinal/theological alignment. I affirm the Apostle’s Creed, Nicene Creed, and other historical doctrines of the faith.
Biola University Talbot School of Theology
MA Bible Exposition ‘24
Professional memberships:
Evangelical Theological Society
Society of Biblical Literature
Vindicating Bathsheba
What if the way Bathsheba has been taught says more about our biases than the Bible itself?
A methodologically faithful look at a woman we’ve misunderstood for too long.
For years, Bathsheba has been portrayed as either a seductress or a silent object of David’s desire. But when I sat down with the text and studied it in its literary context, I realized those portrayals say more about our assumptions than about what Scripture actually teaches.
In this article, I walk you through a close, evangelical reading of Bathsheba’s story using the same interpretive tools we’ve long held essential: literary context, original language, and responsible interpretation. Rather than reading the story of David and Bathsheba through our modern biases, we need to study it in light of the Torah.
This isn’t a rewrite. It’s a return to integrity.
I invite you to apply our shared methodology with care. Come see what emerges when we take the text seriously.
→ Access the Free Article #MAILCHIMP
(You’ll also get occasional updates and new resources from me.)Watch a reading of the article here: → Watch here
Find Your People
Faithful. Curious. In This Together.Join my private Facebook group for thoughtful Christians who love the Bible and think there’s a chance LGBTQIA+ siblings of faith belong in the church. Get access to the “Loving LGBTQ+ Neighbors Challenge,” Scripture discussions, shared resources, and a welcoming space to ask hard questions—without fear of judgment.
Affirming Evangelicals: Construction Zone
FAQs
Can you be gay and Christian?
Yes! Salvation is by grace, through faith, to anyone who believes in Jesus. Do you believe in Jesus? Then you’re in! Excluding siblings of faith from the family of God is not ok.
What are exegesis and hermeneutics?
Exegesis is reading the Bible in literary, historical, and cultural context to seek the original meaning of the text. Hermeneutics is identifying and using interpretive lenses to determine if the conclusions drawn from exegesis are valid.
Are you really an evangelical?
Yes, I am an evangelical. Evangelicals study the Bible in context and according to Protestant historical doctrines of the faith, and place a strong emphasis on sharing the good news that salvation is by grace, through faith to those who believe in Jesus. That’s who I am and what I do! I’m all about reading the Bible in context. I have been a lifetime member of a church in the Evangelical Free Church of America and was educated at Biola University for undergrad and Biola University Talbot School of Theology for seminary.
Did you just become affirming because you have a loved one who came out?
No. I am committed first and foremost to the Bible and the biblical framework I have held firmly since I was a young child. It was through careful analysis within the bounds of my evangelical tradition - as a lifelong member of a church in the Evangelical Free Church of America and as a Biola educated undergraduate and graduate - that led me to my conclusions. In fact, I knew very few queer folks before “coming out” as affirming.
Do you still attend Fullerton Free Church (EV Free)?
Unfortunately, my family does not feel safe attending Fullerton Free, the church my spouse and I grew up in, at this time. While I agree with the general statement of faith of Fullerton Free and its denomination, the Evangelical Free Church of America, anti-LGBTQ+ language in the bylaws prevents us from volunteering or participating in the community at Fullerton Free as our authentic selves. We have found a small, affirming, supportive congregation in a UMC (Methodist) church for Christian fellowship.
What is your relationship status?
I am a lesbian, but married a “man” because that’s what I had been told to do. My spouse came out as nonbinary recently and uses they/them pronouns. We have been married over 13 years and have two young children. We make a great team and remain committed to each other.
Ready to read the Bible in context?
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