@Forgiven_One: Wow. That is horrible. We are all sinners and for the pastors to treat you that way is awful. I have never heard of such a thing. Thank you for your honesty about your experience. Church should be a place you feel accepted, especially by the clergy.
@angelpie: It felt pretty horrible at the time. I'm so sorry for the negativity, but it's my honest/truthful experience. My intent however was never to badmouth or speak down or again the pastors/leadership. I do think they are good people, trying to do the right thing and unfortunately in my case I believe they went the wrong direction. But please know that mine is just one person's experience & it was huge & very hurtful, but the pastors/leadership did lots of good in the time that I was there before this happened. They reached out and helped me and prayed with/for me, etc. And I witnessed them do the same with many other families in the church. I feel like they were perhaps pulled the wrong way for reasons I don't know. I can't imagine how difficult a leadership position must be, especially a Pastor! I do think the person that went to them and gossiped about me is someone who has been at their church for a few years vs. myself having only been there about 6 months, so they knew the other person better. Nothing justifies their actions and/or choices, but they're human as well. Yes, they are leaders, so I do believe they are held to a higher standard. But remember they were fairly new pastors at the time, still learning & growing themselves. I don't want to paint an ugly picture of the pastors at all. They made a poor choice (in my opinion), but who hasn't? I have nothing but grace, love & forgiveness for them. They are human, Christians & good pastors, striving to become better. Please do not let my experience keep you from visiting the church. This happened a little over a year ago. I hope/pray they've grown and learned since then. I totally agree that church should be a place where you feel accepted, most definitely by the clergy. And I know there are many people at Journey who do feel accepted, by clergy & all. I'm just one person that it was made very clear to that I wasn't welcome at the time. There's always a bigger picture though. I pray that you will be lead by God to the right church for you/your family & that my experience will not interfere in any way with what or where God calls you to serve,fellowship, learn, grow, etc. Blessings...
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