heal

One at a time, I help wounded seekers all over the country return to Christian community.

"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."  Psalms 147:3

bad break-up?

Jesus came to show us what Godly love looks like in human form.  He continually tried to teach that the ultimate expression of faith was how well we loved each other and not how well we followed the rules.  I am one of the lucky ones:  I wasn't hurt by organized religion.  Church is my happy place.  Unfortunately, not everyone's experience with Christian community is positive and some left with a broken heart.  If you have been hurt at the hands of Christians, the Church owes it to you to make it right.  If you are still looking for the Jesus-Loves-Me Jesus, keep searching.  You are completely and totally loved by God and if you've been told otherwise, they lied.  You deserve a relationship that supports your walk with Christ in a way that builds you up and not tears you down.  Abusive Christians are like abusive lovers - they have no right to take up space in our lives or hearts.  

falling fast

As the mother of a previous transgender queer child, I belong to some closed Facebook groups for parents of LGBTQ+ children.  Every Christmas and Easter, the sad posts start coming in from folks who have no church to attend on these holidays and the painful reasons why.  These parents left their churches after their children were condemned by clergy and people they thought were their friends.  I have even heard of clergy sending certified letters to LGBTQ+ congregants to make sure they got the message not to come back.  It is heartbreaking.  One day, I impulsively posted that I would help anyone anywhere find an open and affirming church.  And that's how I became a Church Finder.  Now I help people, who for all kinds of reasons, are looking for a more loving and merciful Christianity.  Some are Christians of the LGBTQ+ community and others are Christians recovering from harsh fundamentalist traditions.  While I'm partial to the Episcopal Church (of course!), I regularly make referrals to other denominations as well and it is the joy of my life to witness the healing that happens as a result.

match making

We start by scheduling a time to talk.  I will share my story with you and I'll listen to your story.  I've heard a lot of hard things and I am honored to hear your journey with all its scars and detours.  Then I research churches in your area that may be a fit for you.  I talk directly with clergy to learn more about the church's culture, beliefs, mission, and theology.   This is all confidential.  I do not release your name to anyone, nor do I publish a list of "approved" churches.  A church that works for one person doesn't work for everyone.  When I finish my research, we talk again to review my recommendations.  This usually takes about a month or so.  One thing to keep in mind is that leaving your church involves grieving.  It's like any kind of break up:  you need time to process before getting into a new relationship.  I don't pressure anyone and there is no cost involved.  If you would like help or more info about how this works, contact me through the Connect page.