Category: Reflections

God loves us as we are

In August of 2013, I packed up everything I owned and moved (along with my dog and my cat) from Michigan to Kansas, where I had just been accepted as a seminary student at Central Baptist Theological Seminary. I entered seminary because although I am a passionate follower of Christ, I had experienced first-hand the pain of being told that I could not be gay and be a Christian. While I was unsure whether seminary would lead me to become a Pastor, I knew that I was being called to do ministry with those who have been told that they are not welcome in the church.

I am currently serving as the Associate Pastor at Country Club Congregational United Church of Christ. This church believes wholeheartedly that God loves and affirms lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. Beyond providing me with the experience I need to preach, teach, and be a pastoral presence in a church, CCCUCC has also encouraged me to do ministry with the LGBT community in Kansas City!

There was a time when I believed that God could not love me because I was gay. Today, I am proud to be at a seminary which is preparing me to share the message that God loves each and every one of us as we are. I am proud to have become a part of the United Church of Christ, which has welcomed me with open arms. I am still discerning where God will lead me to do ministry after graduation, but thanks to CBTS and the UCC, I have faith that I will be ready!