Hello

[timhamlin]

Hello, my name is Tim Hamlin. I'm 45, partnered, living in Deland, Florida. I found the website while watching the Sundance Channel's documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So." I was moved to tears. For many years I've felt that my faith has been failing. After recording and watching the documentary, I no longer feel that I can remain "in the pew." I have struggled with my lifestyle and what the church teaches for too long.

I was raised in the Church of the Nazarene, a fundamentalist offshoot of the Weslyan Church. I have not attended any formal churches for many years, and I feel like there's something missing. Even having attended the Metropolitan Community Church, I still felt alone.

Thank you for the website. I realize now that it's time to become involved in a church home somewhere close, even it if means I must keep my lifestyle to myself for a while longer.

[nmwolfboy]

Welcome, Tim!

It was with much trepidation that i entered a church almost two years ago, for the first time in many years. Luckily it turned out better than i ever could have hoped!

There are some websites that maintain listings of glbt friendly churches. Here are some links:

• Institue for Welcoming Resources (NGLTF)
• Welcoming Churches
• gaychurch.org

You'll find a welcoming supportive community here at SF, whatever you decide about attending a church!

Pax,
scott

[BenL]

Welcome, Tim.

I, too, spent some years away from any church simply because I knew I was gay (that doesn't mean I was happy about it) and I refused to be marginalized because of it. What I ended up doing is marginalizing myself.

I now see those years as my own personal spiritual desert, a gift from God, as it were. Like you, I knew I was ready to return but was quite reluctant to walk in the door.

What I had to do is grow up spiritually. To stretch the ideas I had learned in Sunday school to accommodate life as an adult. I also needed to find a church home that came "pre-stretched," as it were. Yet the more complex things seemed, the simpler they turned out to be. "God is Love," and that love is unconditional.

Giving up control and turning it over to God is harder than it sounds. Oh, too preachy. You'll know when you've found the right community for you. Meanwhile, welcome to our little neighborhood in cyberspace.

[matthewspeed]

Tim,

I, too have been there. Stay connected. We are here to support one another. You are most welcome here!

-Matthew

[Zerbie]

Welcome, Tim.

These stories sadden me. A lot.
I am glad you found this forum - there are so many great people here. Tim, you are sure to meet like minds here. I hope you will stick around and connect.

I think the guys are right: if there is a right church for you somewhere nearby, you will find it at the right time.
I hope you will feel confident in your personal spiritual path whether you are going to a church or keeping to yourself for a while. The inner feeling is what's important.

[Pablo Rafael]

Hi Tim,

Glad you found your way here. I think For the Bible Tells Me So is one of the most influential documentaries ever made. I wish everyone could see it.

I am a very happy gay Christian. I could never be without a church. I am sure that there is a place waiting for you. I always recommend the Episcopal church or ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). I am a Catholic and love my church, but the Catholic church is a mixed bag when it comes to accepting LGBT individuals. I think it is important for gay individuals to be active in Christian churches. That is how we can make changes so that one day the words gay and Christian will be regulary joined together.

Glad to have you here with us. Please make your thoughts known.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[Vanessa White]

So glad that you have found us here, and don't lose hope; I believe that there are many welcoming church communities that are embracing and loving, and that can help you establish your faith, again or for maybe the first time. I left a church and a denomination before I found my way to it again......it has been a blessing. Peace and welcome to the forums, Vanessa

[Gennee]

Welcome to Soulforce, Tim. I will pray that God will lead you to a church home. I am a transgender individual who supports GLBT issues. It hurts when people are shut out from serving and worshipping God because of who they are. I'm happy that you found Soulforce and pray we can be of service to you.

Gennee