God is so awesome you guys. I am a LGBT follower of Christ. Some Christians and even some LGBT folks would call that an oxymoron.

I LOVINGLY disagree…I have seen the pain that Church had caused our community, I have felt that same pain myself. Over and over again.

I met many LGBTQ Christians like myself through amazing organizations such as The Reformation Project and Gay Christian Network.

I have been so happy to know these groups and others like them exist.

But they always felt just a little far away, because they exist to help everyone. But the majority of LGBTQ strongholds are in big cities where there is lots of support anyway.

My wife and I currently live in a small college town in Kansas. Hours away from big cities with lots of support. I only know two other LGBTQ Christians here. There may be more but I am not aware of them.

So finding a church has been really hard. For the past few months my wife and I have been attending a small ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) church. We have heard whisperings ofa quiet acceptance. One of the other LGBTQ Christians I was referring to is the president of the council.

So we felt at least a little safe. But this church has never official stated that they are welcoming and affirming.

Today my wife and I were invited to stay and watch the council meeting. They were going g to bring up starting the process of making our church an inclusive Church. I was nervous. I was biting my thumb the entire time as we waited for the topic to come up in the minutes.

Not only was the council open to learning more they seem really excited by it.

But what brought tears to my eyes was my pastor saying the words, “As an Ally I know how much it means to openly say that we are inclusive.”

I was so happy. This church could be a key in helping the hurt that so many LGBTQ People have felt. I pray that hearts will be willing to hear and that they will be open to love.