CRESTVIEW — The first installment of First United Methodist Church’s “Fearless Conversations” series, a discussion on same-sex attracted Christians, drew no protest marches, placards or heckling.

The topic attracted plenty of debate on social media, but the Jan. 28 discussion — featuring Alan Chambers, former president of Exodus International, the world's largest “ex-gay” ministry until it closed in 2013 — saw just civil, sometimes emotional discourse.

More than 100 residents attended the first of three conversations between the church’s pastor, the Rev. Michael Precht, and renowned guest speakers on how same-sex attracted Christians view their Christianity.

Chambers said he's been happily married to his wife, Leslie, for more than 20 years, but still has same-sex attractions. “Don’t you find yourself attracted to someone outside the marriage?" he said. "Does that mean you’re going to do something sinful? No.”

Attendees responded to the opportunity to expand their knowledge of such a sensitive topic.

“The thing for me is, what can we do about what we’ve learned? What can I do about it?” church member Cathy Thigpen said. “I want more. I want to know how Jesus would look at it.”

“Through these ‘Fearless Conversations,’ which are conversations without fear of sharing openly without ridicule, we all have an greater opportunity to learn,” Lynn Yort, another church member, said. “I need to understand this.”

Chambers said the fact that there are more than 45,000 Christian denominations means “we disagree with one another on everything," and that he saw the discussion series as a step toward Christians appreciating each other’s differences.

“What I long for is for us to have a conversation on things we disagree with passionately, but realizing at the same time we are all brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said. “I long for the day when we have these conversations but we don’t break fellowship.”

 “One of the great gifts of being in a conversation is understanding,” Precht said. “When we speak with each other, we come to places where we (civilly) disagree.”

What: “Fearless Conversations”

When: 7-8:30 p.m., Feb. 9, featuring Justin Lee; and Feb. 11, Eve Tushnet

Where: First United Methodist Church Crossroads Center, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview church's discussion on same-sex attraction draws education, understanding

CRESTVIEW — Kingdom Life Worship and Training Center is hosting a banquet to raise funds for a band trip and youth ministry.

The "It's All About Love" celebration banquet, is 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the center, 798 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Semi-formal attire is required. Daycare will be provided on-site for a donation.

Elders Dewayne and Jacqueline Thomas, of Relate Ministries, are guest speakers for the banquet, and service will be provided by Men of Valor and Truth Youth Ministries.

Cost is $10 per person.

For more information call 417-7017 or email Kingdom Life Rev. Darlene Haynes Scheuermann at darlenes7@cox.net.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview church banquet to benefit band, youth group

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa residents can celebrate their faith and grow closer to God during these upcoming events.

FIFTH SUNDAY HYMN SING: 9 a.m. Jan. 31, Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 Fourth Ave., Laurel Hill. Congregation members choose favorite hymns from the church's current and traditional hymnals. Fellowship with refreshments follows.

EGLIN CHAPEL PROTESTANT WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY: 6 p.m. Mondays, starting Feb. 1, Eglin Chapel Center Annex, 202 N. 8th St., Eglin Air Force Base. Subject: "The Warrior Princess" series, based on 1 John 4:4.  Sarah Percy, 496-6697.

DIXIE MELODY BOYS CONCERT: 6 p.m. Feb. 13, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. $10 donation at the door suggested. Love offering received. Libby White, 496-7106, www.libbyandfriendsgospel concerts.com.

RECURRING

PROGRAM FOR LAPSED CATHOLICS: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 550 Adams Drive, Crestview. Returning and inactive Catholics are welcome. Listen, be heard, ask questions, and reconnect with the faith. Details: Jim or Molli Pazienza, 398-8611, pazman33@yahoo.com.

AWANA PROGRAM: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Joy Fellowship, 5978 Old Bethel Road, Crestview. Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed is for 3-year-olds through eighth-graders. Register: $35 for the uniform, book bag and book. Dues: $15 per year, with a $25 maximum per family. 682-6219.

REFORMERS UNANIMOUS: 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays, Central Baptist Church, 951 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview. Faith-based recovery program for people with any addiction. Directed by Wendell Morgan. 682-5525.

Email us your church's announcements!

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa hymn sing, Protestant women's bible study scheduled

There has been a stir of controversy at First United Methodist Church in Crestview since the Rev. Michael Precht lined up speakers to talk about homosexuality and its effects on life and faith.

I, for one, applaud his effort.

As I have read Rev. Precht’s invitations and explanations, this series does not promote homosexuality. Nor does it condemn homosexual persons.

It is about learning and understanding.

In the Presbyterian Church (USA), the topic of human sexuality has dogged us for longer than my 36 years as a pastor. It has caused more division, anguish and heartbreak than any other topic.

Several years ago, our General Assembly — our national conference made up of over 700 representatives of varying ages and theological positions — voted to allow ordination of gay and lesbian persons who were called, trained and approved by their local council for the vocation.

More recently, Presbyterian pastors were granted permission to follow their conscience, as led by God’s Holy Spirit, to perform same-gender weddings — or not. Rejoicing on one side of the human sexuality issue was just as palpable as grief on the opposite side.

Many members have left their congregations as a result. Many congregations have withdrawn from the denomination as a result.  

The congregations I serve have not gone unaffected. Several families have left the church, no longer wanting to be affiliated with a denomination that allows such interpretations of the scriptures.

As the United Methodist denomination engages more deeply in the same types of debates, arguments and discussions that the Presbyterian Church (USA) has faced, education and understanding are paramount. Providing educational opportunities is necessary.

My hope and prayer is for a successful result for Rev. Precht's series.

What would make it successful? That people would attend, listen, ask questions and be informed; that actions and reactions would be made, not based on prejudice, but with understanding and knowledge; that persons would agree or disagree with the speakers and others without hostility, but by simply agreeing to disagree.

And, that all will remember that every person is a child of God and to be treated as such.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

WHAT: "Fearless Conversations," the Rev. Michael Precht's interviews and discussions with nationally known authors on "what the gospel means for gay and lesbian Christians"

WHEN: 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 28, featuring Alan Chambers; Feb. 9, Justin Lee; and Feb. 11, Eve Tushnet

WHERE: First United Methodist Church, Crossroads Center, 599 Eighth Ave., corner of Texas Parkway, Crestview

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Crestview church's homosexuality series is necessary