Joined at the Hip (1 of 4)
Series: Balanced
James Merritt
John 1:14-17
Introduction
1. A few years ago, a family visited our church and they received a follow-up phone call and an email from one of our staff members. The staff member received a long email in response fathering his major concern. This is part of his email.
''My biggest concern is regarding your church's policy/views with whom they welcome and accept in the church. My view is that God is a loving God and created ''everyone'' in His image. Everyone is all inclusive... Last Sunday during my visit, I asked Pastor Merritt about the church's view on homosexuality. With the opinion if the church is willing to accept these people into the congregation then they will accept everyone who wants to attend [by the way - I totally agree with that statement]. They told me they are welcome, but that it is a sin to be homosexual. I was very disappointed to hear him say that. That tells me that they would not be welcome in your church, as your church's view believes it is wrong to be homosexual. It appears to me you are welcome in our church only as long as you believe as we do. [Those last two statements are absolutely false.]
My wife and I have many friends in the gay/lesbian community. Our children's god-parents are gay/lesbian. I will not attend a church that will not accept my friends only because their views/lifestyles are different from the guy who is standing at the pulpit telling everyone in his congregation that God only loves certain people. [Again, that is an absolutely false statement. I have never said in my ministry said that God only loves certain people and I've made it plain that everyone is welcome in our church.]
I regret to inform you that I will not be returning. I will continue to look for another church to take my family. It is very important to me to find a place I can take my children to learn about God the correct way. He loves everyone unconditionally. I will not have ...
Series: Balanced
James Merritt
John 1:14-17
Introduction
1. A few years ago, a family visited our church and they received a follow-up phone call and an email from one of our staff members. The staff member received a long email in response fathering his major concern. This is part of his email.
''My biggest concern is regarding your church's policy/views with whom they welcome and accept in the church. My view is that God is a loving God and created ''everyone'' in His image. Everyone is all inclusive... Last Sunday during my visit, I asked Pastor Merritt about the church's view on homosexuality. With the opinion if the church is willing to accept these people into the congregation then they will accept everyone who wants to attend [by the way - I totally agree with that statement]. They told me they are welcome, but that it is a sin to be homosexual. I was very disappointed to hear him say that. That tells me that they would not be welcome in your church, as your church's view believes it is wrong to be homosexual. It appears to me you are welcome in our church only as long as you believe as we do. [Those last two statements are absolutely false.]
My wife and I have many friends in the gay/lesbian community. Our children's god-parents are gay/lesbian. I will not attend a church that will not accept my friends only because their views/lifestyles are different from the guy who is standing at the pulpit telling everyone in his congregation that God only loves certain people. [Again, that is an absolutely false statement. I have never said in my ministry said that God only loves certain people and I've made it plain that everyone is welcome in our church.]
I regret to inform you that I will not be returning. I will continue to look for another church to take my family. It is very important to me to find a place I can take my children to learn about God the correct way. He loves everyone unconditionally. I will not have ...
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