out, how many kids went on new believer walk, and those who stood at ‘Say-So.’)” Controversies Statement of Non-negotiables In November 2007, Jeff McSwain, the Area Director of Durham and Chapel Hill, along with others, publicly took issue with the organization's presentation of the concept of sin. McSwain's theology emphasizes that “God has a covenant, marriage-like relationship with the world he has created, not a contract relationship that demands obedience prior to acceptance.” McSwain also said that he felt Young Life's 2007 “statement of non-negotiables” often ended up sounding “more Unitarian than Trinitarian by drawing a sharp contrast between the holy God and incarnated Son who ‘actually became sin.’” Tony Jones describes Young Life's Statement of “non-negotiables” as telling staffers that “they must not introduce the concept of Jesus and his grace until the students have been sufficiently convinced of their own depravity and been allowed to stew in that depravity (preferably overnight).” This has never been YoungLife's style. Eight members of Young Life's teaching staff based in Durham, North Carolina resigned their positions after these “non-negotiables” were announced. LGBTQ+ policy Young Life (USA) allows LGBTQ students to participate in Young Life activities, but does not allow them to volunteer or take leadership roles. In the organization's forms homosexuality is described as a “lifestyle” which is “clearly not in accord with God's creation purposes.” Conner Mertens, the first active college football player to come out as LGBTQ, was active in the group as a teenager, and planned to work with the group in college, but was not allowed due to his sexuality. Young Life's policy also extends to LGBTQ allies. Local leader Pam Elliott stepped down after being asked to remove a photo from her Facebook page showing her support for the LGBTQ community. Notable people J.D. Gibbs – former president of Joe Gibbs Racing of NASCAR; volunteer leader throughout college and adulthood, longtime committee chairman for Young Life in Lake Norman. Clint Gresham - former NFL long snapper. Volunteer leader in Seattle, Washington. Brandon Heath – a contemporary Christian musician; attended Malibu Club as a high school student, became a leader in college and is still involved today. Drew Holcomb and Ellie Holcomb – Americana and folk rock musicians; member of local committee in Nashville, Tennessee, summer camp musicians. Marcus Johnson – American football wide receiver. Volunteer Young Life leader. Wore Young Life cleats for the NFL's cleats for