When I moved away to college, I knew that one of the most important things I could do to make my home here was to find a church. A bit of my backstory as a Christian is that I didn't grow up in church but I grew up in a somewhat Christian family and my grandmother was my predominant source of religious influence.
I began exploring my personal faith at fourteen and it never stopped although I still didn't attend church. The reason I didn't attend a church was almost exclusively because every church around was not an affirming environment.
Every church in my small town in the middle of the Bible belt seemed like a paradoxical example of the Savior that they claim to follow. That's not to say I believe the people within these churches are all bad, in no way am I saying that.
But the fact of the matter is that churches in my hometown are highly invested in the conservative rhetoric that is perpetuated. But I knew that moving to a bigger city, I might find a more accepting, and honestly, liberal, religious community.
So when I moved up here, I tried out a mega-church for a few weeks. And much to my disappointment but not surprise, I did not find the loving, accepting environment I desperately wanted and needed.
So I left that church with a heavy heart and began a subtle search for the environment I desperately longed for. And a few weeks later, I was at a local Me Too Rally and found out about the church I currently attend and my interest was immediately peaked.
I was lured in by the sweet, smiling faces of the girls running the booth and loved the pink hair and Planned Parenthood pin that my dear friend Larissa adorned. I chatted for a bit and decided that I would definitely look into attending and got the church's information.
And low and behold a few days later one girl I met communicated with me on social media and invited me to a sit with her that Sunday. Needless to say, I was shocked and so receptive to her kindness, generosity, and genuine spirit. And that is exactly how I would describe the people at The Venues.
I sat through one sermon and immediately fell in love. And now every time I get ready for church, I'm excited and hopeful. It makes my heart happy and my soul full. I love getting to communicate with so many amazing humans in my community and learn how to be the love of Christ to every person I meet.
One thing I love about my church is that we accept everyone with no exceptions. Of course, I am completely biased, but it is one of the best environments I've ever been in.
The love that they meet you with is the love of Jesus. And that's how a church should be. We have programs that help resettle refugee families, help out our homeless friends, send love to our kiddos in foster care, and a million other social response activities.
And guys, if any of you are struggling to find your community, keep up the search because I promise that truly Christ-centered communities do exist.
And I live in the Bible-belt in southern Missouri so I know that loving, affirming churches exist other places too. I truly believe that Jesus wants us to have a community that is the embodiment of his love and acceptance.
I hope and pray that every one of you who are struggling to find your place in the world is met with nothing but open arms, love, and acceptance. Make no mistake, you deserve to have that in a church.
