Pastors can provide that encouragement by letting the person know how well they have done in coming and sharing with you. Let them know that they are accepted and loved as they are and give them the opportunity to share their feelings so you can understand, help and support them. Let them know their confidence will be honoured. It is important for the person to be an active member of a stable Christian fellowship where instruction, encouragement, exhortation and correction all play a part in the normal Christian life. Such a church provides spiritual growth, good male and female role models, and the opportunity to develop healthy, non-sexual relationships with others.
Pastors can be instrumental in helping an individual become a more active part of the church.
The principles that work for straight Christians are also effective for believers with same-sex desires. For example, the same principles that help a heterosexual man deal with his sexual desires and fantasies will help the homosexual man deal with his. What works for a woman who falls deeply in love with a married man, can be effective in helping a recovering lesbian woman untangle her emotions toward another woman. As a pastor, you may consider referring the person to a Christian counsellor or a ministry like New Direction in order to deal with the root issues through counselling. Homosexual attractions and behaviour are just a symptom of deeper emotional hurts and needs.