Moving for Church?

[merlin2921]

I haven't been on here in a while. *Waves* How you folks doing?

Anyway. Background: I was an assistant pastor until I came out as a lesbian about two years ago, at which time a whole lot of crap went down, as I'm sure people can well imagine. Essentially I lost everything. It was worth it, and I'm not bitter about it anymore, since I knew what was going to happen when I came out.

I'm thinking of relocating a few hundred miles to Vancouver (BC), because it has a number of Rainbow-friendly churches. Would it be worth it, though? Can you really and honestly be both a Christian and a lesbian, when you have to disregard so much of Scripture to get there? I can't seem to think of my faith as being anything but broken.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[Gennee]

Perhaps this is a time where you can have your faith stretched and refreshed. Churches and people may disappoint but God never does. Pray that the Lord will lead you to the place where He wants you. You expressed relief about what was lost. God will reward you doubly in the future. I believe that your life will be a blessing to many.

Gennee




p.s. God loves you and created you as you are.

[Pablo Rafael]

Hi Merlin,

I can't answer whether it would be worth it to move, but I can say that it has been well worth it to me to be in a welcoming church. My little Episcopal church has been a great blessing to me. I live in a town with 377 people, and I am a long way from an urban area. Even rural America can be warm and welcoming.

I would disagree with one point you made. I don't think one has to disregard any Scripture to be comfortably gay and Christian. I solidly believe that the Bible is God's Word. I am not a literalist, but I am fairly conservative.

I don't see anyplace in the Bible that leads one to believe that God is anti-gay. I see nothing but affirmation in the Scriptures for love shown to God and to others. I believe God is very pleased when two people pledge themselves to each other to love and support.

I feel that the same rules that apply to heterosexual relationships and homosexual relationships. Selflessness and love are the key.

God's blessings on your journey.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[celestial_rain]

Originally Posted by Pablo Rafael

I would disagree with one point you made. I don't think one has to disregard any Scripture to be comfortably gay and Christian. I solidly believe that the Bible is God's Word. I am not a literalist, but I am fairly conservative.

I don't see anyplace in the Bible that leads one to believe that God is anti-gay. I see nothing but affirmation in the Scriptures for love shown to God and to others. I believe God is very pleased when two people pledge themselves to each other to love and support.

I would have to agree with Pablo on this one. I used to feel like the scriptures told me it was wrong for me to be a lesbian, but through all of my prayers, not once has God told me I was wrong. There are many articles that offer different stances on the scriptures, and I now fully believe that the Bible does not say anything about homosexuality being wrong. I think that finding an accepting church is always helpful. Whether or not moving is worth it? well, thats for you to decide, but I think I would take the risk...as a student at a highly conservative Christian college, I can tell you that an accepting church would be absolutely wonderful in helping to keep my faith strong.
God will be with you no matter what decision you make, but lean on Him to lead you down the right path, don't try to decide on your own.

you will be in my prayers

[koneill08]

I agree with the others who responded to your post Merlin. I would also add to make sure you don't confuse church and scripture with your faith. Faith is spiritual. Church and scripture can be spiritual too if you allow the Spirit to flow in and through you. You make the Church.

I recently have realized that I made church and scripture into my God. I was kicked out of a church (not unusual for folks who post to this site). Church was my whole life. When I wasn't working, I was either praying, studying the bible, worshipping, going to church, being around church, small bible study groups, or spending time with my child. That was it. And when church was "taken" away from me, so to speak and I got angry for what went down I stopped reading and praying for a while. I'm still not back to where I was, and it's been over a year now. But what I have found during this time is what many who are POW's realize. When you can't go to church, and you're not allowed a bible to read or study, what do you have left? If you still have a vibrant relationship with God and you still partner with His Spirit's work in and through you then you're on good ground. Anything else is shifting sand, as Jesus once said.

I hope this helps. I'm new to the threads, and this is an old post so don't even know if anyone will read it, but thought I would add my two cents for what they're worth these days!

Enjoy