I was telling a friend today that I feel like I am a voice crying in the wilderness sometimes. I sense I am working behind enemy lines in very hostile territory. My style of pastoring is very different. I know that. And our church community is very different. We know that. The result of my and our uniqueness* brings harassment verbally, socially, spiritually, etc. Here are just some of the reasons:
- You can believe however you want if you want. You do anyway.
- You need not have to fear the constant surveillance of behavior.
- You do not have to submit to, support, or subject yourself to a vision.
- You are free to question. Even the pastor. Take that both ways.
- You aren’t pressured at all into giving your money.
- You need not be ashamed of your failures or weaknesses, perceived or otherwise.
- You aren’t expected to fit into a certain lifestyle.
- You can embrace and/or choose your own orientation.
- You can bring your unedited authentic self into the community.
- You do not have to fear authority, manipulation or control.
*We don’t look unique. But the spirit of the community is definitely unique. You’d have to be here to feel what I mean. You are welcome anytime!