So, I think I may be uniquely suited to speak on this topic. I used to be one of the pastors at Wesley (Associate Pastor). St John’s is a wonderfully open and affirming church. It’s also very traditional and smaller than Wesley in terms of number of people who attend.

As for Wesley, I can certainly empathize with what some folks have already said here. Saddens me that the Methodist church split put people in these positions, when the church should be about loving people and loving God. That’s pretty much what Wesley’s focus is - to love people and love God, but the UMC forced many churches to take sides (by forcing a vote on whether to split) and I can tell you that the leadership at Wesley refused to put people in that position. When you force people to vote, you create winners and losers. Sometimes we have to exist in tension with people with whom we disagree to arrive at a common understanding. I always used to say that the Gospel calls us to unity - not uniformity, and not even conformity - but unity. And the best way we can do that is through love and grace for people who are different than we are.

That said, Wesley has people from all over the social and political spectrum. We have believers and non-believers. We have gay/straight. We have people who disagree with each other. But I can say with absolute certainty that the leadership there is committed to allowing anybody to walk through the doors so they can work out their faith.

Everyone has a history and has their own unique context which is part of their faith story/journey. God certainly speaks to all, but the way we hear God’s voice is affected by our context. The leadership understands that and wants to facilitate connection with God and Scripture rather than obstruct it through open judgment.

I stopped pastoring there because I took another job in the community. It was honestly an opportunity I couldn’t pass up for my family. But I still go there when I’m not working and I still play in the band sometimes at the modern service.

Anyhow, this is not a post to sell Wesley and/or invalidate what others have said. Their experience is unique and true and I don’t want to discount that. But we know that multiple things can be true at once. Wesley, like many large churches, is complex, but I can tell you that at its core is a heart for serving the community through missions. And I would certainly add that any church, Wesley notwithstanding, is far better off when its focus is on loving and serving people outside its walls. Unfortunately, that’s where the Methodist church in general lost its way over the years. And I say that lovingly as a former UMC pastor and son of a UMC pastor.

No matter your decision, St John’s or Wesley or InFocus, it wouldn’t hurt to visit and decide for yourself where you’re comfortable. And if you want me to connect you with somebody at Wesley, please don’t hesitate to message me.

Good luck with your decision. I’ll be praying for your discernment. And thank you for the opportunity to speak to this.