Debbie Christie's Dialogue Response

From: Debbie Christie
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009
To: Pastors
Subject: mission dialogue input

Overall, - I don’t think this is about any of those things listed in the new mission statement except GLBT. I don’t know if people are “born” GLBT or choose the lifestyle but I am quite sure it’s not my place to make a call on that. I’m a little disappointed that we have to have a dialogue around welcoming people in though. Regardless of what individuals feel about GLBT, they are people who follow Christ and want to grow in that relationship. I hope that our actions speak louder than the words on a paper to the GLBT community and that they do feel welcome.

To Reach out to all people seeking a deeper relationship with God, regardless of age, racial, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental ability, marital status, religious experience, affectional orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status, Welcome them into a community of followers of Jesus who freely choose to worship, serve, and live together prayerfully and in peace following a Methodist understanding of God’s gift of grace, Equip them to live as the Holy Spirit gifts and guides, and Send them to serve and reach out to all people in Christ's name.

1) What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?

If it makes someone in one of those groups feel more comfortable with coming to our worship service, then I’m fine with it.

2) How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?

On the one hand, I don’t really feel that we need to change the mission statement but on the other, if it gives an outsider some level of comfort they haven’t had before, then that would be ok too. Bottom line is, once people come through the doors if our actions (welcoming, loving, accepting) are not speaking louder than the words on a piece of paper, they’ll leave.

Also, I’d be concerned if joining the Reconciling Ministries Network, in any way, had any (perceived or real) negative effect on the Pastor’s Appointments to Skyline.

3) How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?

Little if any impact to me or my household, although, as a parent, I would need more education on how to address questions my son might ask.

From a church perspective, I believe that as new people come to church and we fellowship, learn about each other, and grow as Believers. we’ll continue to grow as a family.

For the community and for the people in the church, it’s probably a good thing to welcome all people and let them know they are welcome.. but again, it’s not the words on the paper that will do this – it’s the actions we take, the programs we have and the love that we show to each other that will get around – by word of mouth.

4) How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?
As I would behave toward anyone.

Debbie Christie