pastor from Texas

[revcobb]

Hi, all.

I'm pastor of an increasingly progressive (but not quite open and affirming yet) congregation near Houston. The community I live in is pretty hostile to glbt, so we have a long way to go to be as open as the churches I've served in Dallas. I've been following Soulforce on and off for a few years, but mostly I've been guilty of not working hard enough in my own denomination for a more hospitable church. I've had gay or lesbian couples contact me to see if the church is a safe place for them, and I've always had to say, "not yet." I don't ever want to have to say that again. I'd rather say, "let's get there together."

I'm looking forward in the next year or so to building a strong enough base in the congregation to begin the discernment process that will lead toward becoming O&A. Right now we don't have any openly glbt folks in the church. However, there's a growing number of straights who've left closed churches and are interested in creating a safe community here. None of us knows exaclty what we're doing, but I hope to listen a lot on the board and ask questions that help me become more aware. By joining the forums here, I'm getting started on something I should have been doing years ago.

Do you know of any movement toward starting a Soulforce group in Houston?

revcobb

[Daniel]

Welcome!

While I have no personal knowledge of SF's involvement In Houston, I bet it won't be too long before you hear from someone. That said, you might try contacting the SF office for more information. Or if you are in haste: google! (soulforce Houston) Never know what might find there. In any case: welcome.

It's great to hear that you are stepping up to the plate and are intent on creating an open and affirming community where you live.

[BenL]

revcobb,

Welcome to Soulforce. We sure do need allies like you. My hope is that before long we won't even have to distinguish between "us" and "you."

"Open and affirming" is the language used by the UCC, although I don't know if your congregation is part of that fellowship. Southern Voice has an article addressing the very dynamics you're talking about:

http://www.sovo.com/2005/7-29/news/l...imberleigh.cfm

Way down in the article, Rev. Ann Day is quoted. She is a wonderful resource. I would get in touch with her through the UCC national office. I have heard her preach, and she is a delight.

Good luck. And thanks for the effort you're making.

BenL

[pnggrad79]

Hi David,

I saw your post and am glad you are putting yourself out there for folks like us. It really encourages me that people like you are stepping out and making strides in the acceptance process. People fear what they don't understand, and it is imperative that pastors of churches like you, start putting the issue out there, being open to questions, willing to patiently explain to people why it is important to be an inclusive congregation to ALL people. You may lose some of your congregation, but God doesn't close a door that he doesn't open a window. "All things work together for good to them who love the Lord." Romans 8:28. "For I know the plans I have for you..." Jeremiah 29:11. Take heart dear pastor, you are doing a good work and God will bless you for it. Thank you so much for your willingness and your minister's heart. This is true Christianity!

[revcobb]

Thanks for the welcome. We use the open and affirming language in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), too. SF is connected to one of our great, old, progressive congregations, First Christian Church in Lynchburg VA. It's going to be hard work in this rural-to-suburban Texas community, but it's work I can't not do.

I haven't heard Ann Day preach, but I've heard John Thomas, general minister and president of the UCC for many years. Thanks for the link. She sounds great.

We Disciples went through a very public debate in the early 90s when we had a gmp candidate who took the right stand. His election failed by a close margin. Since then, we've had leadership at the denominational level that's been supportive. With a congregational structure like ours, there's no hierarchy to tell congregations what to believe or how to act. That places the blessing and burden of theological and moral teaching with congregations and indivudual Christians. Since our tradition highly values the individual's ability to interpret scripture and make moral and theological judgements, there's room for great diversity when we get together.

revcobb

[keltic63]

welcome revcobb!

glad you were able to make a post finally! (we had some trouble getting his account activated) How strange that you could send pm's yet not post!

one of the things that I enjoy about being in the Disciples is that individuals are not only encouraged to read and interpret scripture, but that they are expected to! God gave us brains, no need to check them at the door of the sanctuary!

[Zerbie]

Hi revcobb,

Sounds like you and your church are poised to fill a real need. Welcome.

I like Houston - lived there for several years. I like the moist heat thing. And all the greenery. Nice place in many ways, becoming nicer all the time thanks to you.

It would be great to see a SF chapter start up there - or here for that matter.

[BenL]

Originally Posted by revcobb

Thanks for the welcome. We use the open and affirming language in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), too. SF is connected to one of our great, old, progressive congregations, First Christian Church in Lynchburg VA. It's going to be hard work in this rural-to-suburban Texas community, but it's work I can't not do.

We don't have many Disciples churches here in New England, so I don't think of them first off. I do know about the denomination and have a lot of respect for it.

I value your witness and that of your congregants as they learn and stretch their hearts and souls to include all of God's people. As I said before, I long for the day when our differences don't count as much as our similarities: human beings and children of God.

Read the forums, ask questions. That's what this community does best.

BenL