I usually consider myself fairly open-minded. That's how I normally come across to those who walk into our church for the first time. In fact, that's the kind of ethos we've been working very hard to establish within our community of faith. Everyone is welcome, regardless of creed, gender, sexual orientation, education, or economic status. A single mother once walked in after I'd been pastor for a few months and said: "I used to come here...until I had my son...and then all I received was judgement." She had stopped coming for about 10 years. And although I personally had nothing to do with her reason for departure, I felt a corporate responsibility to ask for her forgiveness on behalf of our church, and told her that she was welcome back with open arms, without fear of judgement. Continue reading →

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