If you read yesterday’s post, you read my thought “Way too often we are more known for what we are against than what we are for.” I mentioned sharing another positive which took place within the past week or so. It is a lot more controversial but I hope you will read this post all the way through.
Our church’s mission statement is “To Win the HEART of Owen County.”
Our vision is taking H-E-A-R-T and telling how we hope to accomplish that:
H– Hear Truth
E– Exalt Christ
A- Accept the Imperfect
R– Restore Relationships
T– Teach Service
It is easy having a Mission and Vision Statement; it is a totally ‘nother ballgame living it. Here is what happened.
Every year our county has the Apple Butter Festival. It goes all day Saturday and Sunday. Our first year we did both days (opening the booth at 1:00) but the past two years we have just done Saturday. We give away free water and snacks and try to let the community know who we are. Other than the “thanks for the water” we haven’t really had any dialogue. That changed this year. Saturday morning Ryan, our youth pastor, was handing out water when a woman approached him with this loaded question:
“Do you welcome gays? My wife and I have been looking for a place to worship in Spencer and haven’t found one or have not been welcome. Would you allow us to come?’
Ryan’s answer: “Yes we would. Our Mission statement says ‘Accept the Imperfect’ which we try to do. We will probably define marriage differently than you-between a man and a woman-but you are welcome to worship with us.”
Was that not a great answer? No condemnation. No judgment. But they also know No Compromise of our beliefs.
Was it a test? Possibly. There are a few churches in town who are militantly against them. And Spencer PRIDE can be militant in their exchange. But then again, maybe it was the answer they needed to hear. Maybe some day (it has not happened yet) they will come through our doors and find “acceptance” and in the process even find Jesus.
Who knows?
I’m sure we will mess up along the way. I’m sure there will be those who will be offended by our stand on gays, sexual sin, and other hot button issues. But I am so proud of Ryan’s grace and wisdom in his answer. His grace and answer allows us another chance to speak the truth of Jesus’ love into someone’s life.
How would you have answered?
Add on: thanks to Daniel’s comment I need to add something Ryan also said (I forgot it when I originally wrote this). When we he said, “Our Mission Statement says, ‘Accept the Imperfect” he also added, ‘We are all imperfect.'”
If I told you that I struggle mightily with lust, would your church accept me? If I told you that I have a real problem with pride or anger or envy, would you turn me away? Why in God’s great and holy name does the church think they can pick and choose which sins they will be tolerant of and which will cause them to say “get lost”? Perhaps the reason why you have not seen these people at your church is Ryan’s label of them “imperfect”? If you try to brand me with a scarlet letter, you will only see my back as I walk away from you and the small god that you seem to worship. (This reply submitted with humility and respect.)
The truth is Daniel yes we would accept you. You do raise a good point and one I failed to include but corrected. Ryan also added “we are all imperfect.” But I do see your point. And for the record: we do have some who come whom we know are gay. They are accepted and loved. I also know your heart and know you would only submit with humility and respect. 🙂
I want everyone to come to our church. If we can’t love those who we disagree with then we aren’t following Christ.
Spot on Larry.
Excellent response by Daniel…I love it!
I agree.
We would say, “All sinners are welcome”
And you would be correct.
Wow! Speaking the truth in love! Wonderful answer, Ryan!
I thought so also Pam.
Thank God for the church in Kentucky who went after the imperfect and invited them to church. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. (title of a southern gospel song)
This post excites me…you are trampling on satans territory, he loves to keep believers in a judgemental mindset for it will keep others from coming to know Him.
I’m guessing you are the one they went after Betty. Great testimony. Glad you are excited. Please make sure you pray for us if we are indeed trampling on the enemy’s territory. He doesn’t like that.
Wonderful answer by Ryan! I think one problem might be that a lot of people do not see being gay as a sin. Education in the word is important and the more we can touch people with the word, the better!!! We are all sinners!