I went to the inclusive church today

[Willow]

It was Donny and Reba McGuire's church! Reba preached and apart from having some triggers... I felt safe there. Too far to go to church... but I'm so glad there's a church out there somewhere that accepts people just as they are... truly... with no strings attached.

[hornblower]

Fantastic! Good for you Willow. Im proud of you.

[FreeinJesus]

It was Donny and Reba McGuire's church! Reba preached and apart from having some triggers... I felt safe there. Too far to go to church... but I'm so glad there's a church out there somewhere that accepts people just as they are... truly... with no strings attached.

I don't know who those folks are you mention, but I'm glad if it was a positive experience for you!:):)

[Willow]

They're well known in southern gospel music circles.

[FreeinJesus]

They're well known in southern gospel music circles.

that explains it!:o

I'm an ole yankee here!...if 44 is old. :p:D:D

Funny tidbit, xpastor is from the south...it's my personal opinion that he brought a brand of *slavery religion* here..but anyhoo...it was around new years & I wore an outfit, which included a black beret & xpastor mentioned to me how "a good southern woman wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit"! Of course I was speechless then later thought to myself...."pal you aint in the *south* & I never have been, nor ever will be a "southern lady"!!!:rolleyes::o

[Lvanett]

Willow, that is SO great and cool that you found a church where they accept you as is. Too bad it's so far away...that's the way it is around my area, too. Oh there are churches that are nearby, but they're either cultic (like the one I'm leaving), have unscriptural beliefs/teachings about God and Christianity (like the 7th Day Adventist church down the road), or are abusive (like the church in the next town, (which is 1/4 mile from where I live)). It'd be so nice to find a church like the one you visited.....:::daydreaming:::

Free, I'm going to be 44 in a couple weeks, and I don't consider myself old...just a kid at heart! (Literally...I'm a vintage Barbie, Dawn, Bratz and My Scene collector.)

[Willow]

I doubt it's the perfect church... but if my gay guy friends can go and be accepted just as they are without one plea... then I figure it's safe for me too!

[Lvanett]

I know it's not perfect, no church is....but as long as it's safe, and not legalistic or abusive then I'd certainly want to reconsider going regularly. :)

[Grey]

Willow, I'm glad you had a good experience. :)

FIJ, what's wrong with a beret? :confused:

[JaniceB]

It was Donny and Reba McGuire's church! Reba preached and apart from having some triggers... I felt safe there. Too far to go to church... but I'm so glad there's a church out there somewhere that accepts people just as they are... truly... with no strings attached.

I'm glad you enjoyed this church even if it is too far to attend weekly.

I'm having some questions in my mind about "inclusive" and "tolerant." I suppose tolerant is better than intolerant but I think I need a church--if I ever go back--that is inclusive. By that I mean not just putting up with oddballs like me but truly welcoming and including us and seeing our value to the congregation.

I think in the years since I left the abuse I've been settling for tolerance when I really needed inclusion. I wonder if I'll find it. I wonder if I'll even look.