In this relatively brief article, I would like to show you how someone can have both a high view of scriptural authority while at the same time believing that LGBTQ+ people and their relationships can be in harmony with God’s purposes for human sexuality.
It wasn’t really until I was a young adult that, through some powerful experiences with the Holy Spirit, that I began to see the Bible in a new way. Maybe the Bible was more than just the categories I tried to fit it into.
Our church is dealing with a very complicated issue after the General Conference in St. Louis. And we are figuring out OUR own way forward.
I may not know what the denomination will look like in the weeks or months to come, but I know what FUMCFW will look like — a community of the faithful seeking to walk in the ways of Jesus.
We come into this life endowed by Love, inspired by Love. We belong. All belong. And the vote of 480 or so people at General Conference does not change any of that at FUMC Fort Worth.
Today is that day after the end of the called session of the General Conference in St. Louis. It was a very painful conference. It was painful for those of us who are for full inclusion of all our brothers and sisters, including LGBTQ people.
It is hard not to choose sides… whatever the argument, or cause, or creed, or need. It’s our biology as much as anything really. And yet we try to transcend our evolution.
It is great to be back in the saddle after General Conference. You are already aware of the major action of the General Conference regarding unity and the issues around human sexuality (see my blog dated May 19 about “An Offering for a Way Forward”).
Dr. Tim Bruster, senior pastor at FUMC Fort Worth and the lead clergy delegate from the Central Texas Conference UMC to General Conference 2016, was chosen by the body of General Council to serve as the first alternate to the UMC Judicial Council.
Academy Sunday School
Music Programs
Annual Events
Baby Registry
Baptisms
Sunday Nursery
Music Programs
Parents’ Night Out
Acolytes
FUMC Day School
Worship & Weekly Programming
Retreats
Mission Trips
Local Service
Events
Basketball
Confirmation
Sunday School
Outdoor
Men
Women (UMW)
Young Professionals
Wesleyan Adventurers (Seniors)
Singles
Grace Groups
Welcoming Ministries
Lay Leadership
Focus First
Volunteer
Neighbor 2 Neighbor
First Street Methodist Mission
Food Pantry
Infant Formula
Food 4 Kids
Clothing Bank
Home Start-Up Kits
Room in the Inn
Methodist Justice Ministry
Kids Hope Mentoring
Community Advocate
United Community Centers
Project Transformation
Mission Teams
Costa Rica Mission
Kenya Mission
Disaster Response
Habitat for Humanity
Short Term Domestic Mission Trips
UMCOR
Methodist Children’s Home
Wesleyan Homes
Providence Place
