Behind Enemy Lines

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:

1. You can believe however you want if you want. You do anyway.
2. You need not have to fear the constant surveillance of behavior.
3. You do not have to submit to, support, or subject yourself to a vision.
4. You are free to question. Even the pastor. Take that both ways.
5. You aren’t pressured at all into giving your money.
6. You need not be ashamed of your failures or weaknesses, perceived or otherwise.
7. You aren’t expected to fit into a certain lifestyle.
8. You can embrace and/or choose your own orientation.
9. You can bring your unedited authentic self into the community.
10. 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!