Don't Judge Me Just Because I am a Pastor

I ran into someone today who after learning I was a pastor, apparently thought I would think it was funny when he referred to someone who cross-dresses as a "thing."  

I get that a lot.  People make assumptions about what I believe just because I am a pastor.  Here is some advice:  ask first.  Not every Christian believes the same thing. 

I once interviewed to be the youth leader of a church where they asked me "If a teenager came to you and said they were gay, what would you do?"    ....like, really??  You need to ask me that question?  I would tell them God loves them, just like every other youth in the youth group.  That God's love is NOT measured according to our sexuality, but given freely.  I went on to tell the group of people interviewing me about my best friend who is gay and how she is the best friend I have ever had, hands down.  Not only is she the best friend I have ever had, but she is the most peaceful, driven, loving person I know.  SHE teaches ME about love; I don't tell HER how to love. 

Needless to say, I did NOT get the job.  But I didn't care because I could never pretend to believe something I don't. We often put human limitations on God, boxing God in to settle our own fears, judgments, and limitations...that we dump on to the people around us.  When in reality, no one can fully describe God because God is bigger than our human understanding.  

So don't assume you know what I believe just because I'm clergy.  And I won't assume I know what you believe either.  

Shalom!

Pastor Annette