Chip Gaines and Waco Pastor Respond to Continued Criticism over New Magnolia Series
The pastor of reality TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, best known for hosting the popular HGTV show Fixer Upper, issued a response affirming the church's "stance on marriage, family, and sexuality after the Gaines faced backlash over featuring a gay couple in their new series Back to the Frontier. "Over the last two or three months, we've had now thousands of inquiries around this simple topic: what do you guys believe about marriage? What do you believe about family? What do you believe about sexuality?" Pastor Jimmy Seibert, senior pastor of Antioch in Waco, TX, said in a video titled "Clarity and Compassion" posted to Instagram on Saturday.
"As you guys know, we have been clear about this over the last 25 years in a multitude of ways," he added.
Seibert then went on to stress that Christians are both people of compassion and clarity.
"Compassion in this way: the world is broken. People are trying to figure out, who am I? Who is God? Which way is up? And how do we find solid ground? And we believe with clarity that is in the person of Jesus and in the Word of God", the pastor said.
He then said that the Bible affirms that God created humanity as two genders, male and female, and that marriage is between one man and one woman, "in covenant for life and children are to be born in that context of covenantal marriage."
Regarding the matter of sexuality, including how we conduct ourselves as human beings, especially Christians, Seibert said, "We looked to God, His Word, and His truth is our best."
"Regardless of our feelings, regardless of our pain, regardless of the brokenness and confusion in our minds, we find Jesus and His Word is central to live our lives."
Last week, the Gaines faced backlash from Christians after their new show "Back To The Frontier" released earlier this month on HBO Max and the Magnolia Network featured a gay couple, Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, and their 10-year-old sons. At the time, Chip Gaines issued a response accusing Christians, particularly those of modern American culture, of hate and vitriol.
"Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never
Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never
— Chip Gaines (@chipgaines) July 13, 2025
It’s a sad sunday when “non believers” have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian💔
It's a sad Sunday when 'non believers' have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian," Gaines tweeted on July 13th.
In one response to Babylon Bee editor Joe Berry, who was sad about the move, Gaines wrote, "Don't be sad... plenty of other stuff out there. I'm sure everyone will be fine. BUT I sincerely appreciate the advice about taking some of the thoughtful, heartfelt, encouraging constructive criticism to heart.. and I certainly will."
Don’t be sad Joel.. plenty of other stuff out there. I’m sure everyone will be fine.
— Chip Gaines (@chipgaines) July 13, 2025
BUT I sincerely appreciate the advice about taking some of the thoughtful, heartfelt, encouraging constructive criticism to heart.. and I certainly will
Another X user told Chip, "We are extremely sad because of how much we have grown to admire and appreciate you both."
In response, Chip said, "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. But the 'Christians' have certainly come out in full force as if they do know.. 'judge not….' 'Love one another' its not difficult."
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. But the “Christians” have certainly come out in full force as if they do know.. “judge not….” “Love one another” its not difficult
— Chip Gaines (@chipgaines) July 13, 2025
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Noam Galai/Stringer
Originally published July 22, 2025.
