ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 14, 2026
Yesterday, I joined other church leaders from NW Harris County and Montgomery County to talk about love, acceptance, affirmation, and safety for our LGBTQ+ neighbors. This was actually the third meeting of church leaders I attended in this past ten days, though the other two were not on that specific topic. But because we are in Pride Month, the topic came up in the other two meetings. In some private conversations, with pastors of more conservative churches, they spoke somewhat enviously of Cypress Creek Christian Church. I jokingly pointed out that we are dealing with the usual church building stuff that can drive a pastor crazy, so there is nothing to envy. But I was somewhat surprised by a couple of pastors who clearly have a different take on scripture and theology than I do. Despite this, they spoke openly with me about their quiet disagreement with their congregations and/or denominations regarding the topic of inclusion. They felt constrained, particularly in the current political climate. Their intention wasn’t to engage in political discussions at their churches; rather, they simply wanted to have serious conversations about what the Bible says and what it does not say. However, due to their fear of losing their jobs, they navigate their ministry without actually saying what they feel.
It is interesting to me how pastors are accused of being political from the pulpit, when in fact, most of those sermons are simply on topics that make people feel uncomfortable. I have been accused of getting too political, though I must laugh just a little because two of those specific sermons were, in fact, some of my most conservative and entirely Biblically based messages. You can call it political, but if you do, you’re calling Jesus or the prophets political. There are things I find challenging, even disagreeing with portions of scripture. I don’t ignore them. Instead, I try to speak real and honestly about why, while also leaving room for people to disagree with my take. My hope is that no one has ever heard me say, “You must believe this!” I might speak with some passion, but at the end of the day, I hope the passion inspires passion, even if a person thinks of things a little differently than I do. Maybe there is something I need to hear.
Continue to expand my thinking, Merciful and Patient God. Continue to help me explore my faith and how it speaks to situations and concerns in today’s world, including those that were never discussed in scripture. Help me to lead with love, even when I’d rather not. Amen.
