Greetings from Chandler, AZ

[ChasAZ]

Greetings and salutations. My name is Chas and I live in Chandler AZ and I am happy, honored and blessed to have found Soulforce. I have been looking for a organization that I could assist in helping redefine how GLBT people are defined by the mainstream churches.

I have been in and out of ministry for several years I hold a Assoc. in Christian Ministry from Christ Evangelical Bible Institute (Phoenix, AZ). I have held positions from Deacon to Assoc. Pastor in a few ministries. I had started a business called Ministry Graphics (Website design and training for GLBT Ministries).

In the past few years I have fallen on severe hard times and have fallen away from the church but still maintain a strong Christ centered faith. It is my hope by joining these forums to share myself with others and meet like minded individuals and hopefully find a few friends on the way.

Well I suppose I said enough for a first post.... :)

God Bless,
Chas

----------------
-Philippians 4:8-
Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

[u-dog]

Greetings and salutations. My name is Chas and I live in Chandler AZ and I am happy, honored and blessed to have found Soulforce. I have been looking for a organization that I could assist in helping redefine how GLBT people are defined by the mainstream churches.

I have been in and out of ministry for several years I hold a Assoc. in Christian Ministry from Christ Evangelical Bible Institute (Phoenix, AZ). I have held positions from Deacon to Assoc. Pastor in a few ministries. I had started a business called Ministry Graphics (Website design and training for GLBT Ministries).

In the past few years I have fallen on severe hard times and have fallen away from the church but still maintain a strong Christ centered faith. It is my hope by joining these forums to share myself with others and meet like minded individuals and hopefully find a few friends on the way.

Well I suppose I said enough for a first post.... :)

God Bless,
Chas



Welcome Chas! This is a good place filled with good people! some of us a christian and some not but we are all caring, committed advocates for GLBT folks

[BenL]

You are not alone. Welcome home, Chaz.

I have had lapses in my affiliation to any church, often a couple of years at a time. Each time the presenting issue was something that I now view as trivial but which seemed so important at the time. I also now understand how difficult it was for me to be authentic when I couldn't be accepted as a gay man.

Anyhooo, as U-dog said, this a great bunch of people. Very diverse in our religous experiences and the spiritual paths we find ourselves on ... but very supportive of each other. I think you'll like it here.

[dsdrane]

Glad you found us.

Not only are you not alone, generally speaking; you also join the ranks of our other clergy and clergy-in-training here.

The best thing, in my view, is our inter-faith-edness. Though many here are Christian, not all are...some aren't even "religious"; but we all have something to say and something to contribute in the struggle for GBLT equality.

So...jump in! :):D

[antiochian]

Nice to have you here! I can relate to your situation a little, as I've basically fallen out of love with the Church myself. I still belong to a church, but I'm thinking of ending my membership. Anyhow, welcome and best wishes for your ministry.

[Gennee]

Welcome :wave: to Soulforce, Chas. I pray :pray: that this forum will help and strengthen you as you continue the journey. There are so many wonderful folks here. Feel free to join in the conversation.

Gennee

:love::rainbow:

[paul]

Hi Chas,
Welcome to our abode. Lots of wonderful people here who redefine glbt just by being...which is pretty refreshing. No one wandering onto this site would even have the chance to stereotype. Some very real, substantial people here. So, join in and give us the opportunity to know you better.
paul

[Zerbie]

A neighbor!

Welcome Chas from Chandler. I'm Zerbie from Mesa.

:)

[Pablo Rafael]

Hi Chas,

It's good to welcome you here. Also good to have a fellow westerner on the forums. (I'm just next door in SW Colorado.)

Indeed it is important to make an influence on mainstream churches encouraging the acceptance of LGBT individuals as loved children of God. Please let us know more abut yourself.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[SomervilleGuy]

Hi Chas,
Welcome to Soulforce. Chandler is a beautiful town. Love the palm trees, the saguaros, and the other beautiful desert plants there. Not to mention the fabulous Mexican food and the beautiful views of the mountains. I lived in Mesa for years before coming back to New Jersey for a job. I worked with a software company in Tempe for awhile and still work in that field here in NJ. I used to go to a big church in Gilbert, and played on their worship team. If you ever want to chat and compare "life notes", let me know.

Geoff

PS: Zerbie, I see you are from Mesa too! Cool! Well...in the summer it is NOT EXACTLY COOL! :) I lived in East Mesa; the ALta Mesa area to be exact. It was really nice there. Wouldnt mind moving back someday.

[Vanessa White]

So glad that you found us here, for you to wrap us around you like a warm blankie. we are so loving and comforting here, and also gently confront issues of concern when needed. I really like your avatar as well. Stick around! Love and peace, :love:

[Jennifer5]

Welcome, glad to have you here! :)