As a mom of three kids and with a busy career as a Physician’s Assistant at Washington University, a thriving faith community is very important to Amy and her family. Both Amy and her husband Greg grew up as Christians, but in different denominations. 

When they became parents, they knew they wanted to raise their children in the Church. Early on, they attended the faith tradition in which Amy had been raised. This fit for a while, but as their kids got older, they began to feel a dissonance between their picture of Jesus and what they were experiencing. As parents, they found themselves in an uncomfortable position of correcting or explaining away things that were taught which were contrary to the Jesus they knew. “We went every week,” Amy recalls, “but it just felt like we were checking a box.” People were nice and the church claimed that God loved everyone, yet, “it always felt like there was a ‘but.”’  Amy and Greg wanted their three children to grow up in a faith community that consistently showed their kids that God loves them fully. No ‘but’, no ‘except’, no ‘if.’ God loves you, period.

They decided it was time for a change, but neither of the familiar faith traditions they grew up with seemed to fit anymore. Greg suggested exploring an ELCA congregation, and they found Good Shepherd. 

The moment they walked in they were struck by the open, welcoming, friendly atmosphere, but when they found a pew and worship began, they could hardly believe what they heard. Amy remembers vividly, “I turned to Greg and said, ‘did they know we were coming?!”’ 

That first day, one of Good Shepherd’s members spoke about beginning a process to create Welcome Statement. It was the first day of what would become a long, intentional journey to develop a clear, beautiful statement and become a congregation that would be fully inclusive and affirming for all people, no exceptions, including those who are LGBTQ+. 

You see, Amy’s sister is one of the most important people in her life, and in the life of her kids. “My sister is lesbian,” Amy shares, “and she has always been a very special part of our lives.” Most churches say all are welcome, “yet there was always a ‘but.’” God brought them here on that day to hear exactly what their hearts had been yearning for. It was a pivotal moment in their spiritual journey. “We felt like we were supposed to be here that day,” Amy remembers with a smile on her face. 

Five years later, Amy, Greg, and their three children feel very connected to Good Shepherd. “I don’t feel like I’m just checking a box,” Amy shares, “There is always something meaningful we take away with us.” Like most parents of young kids, there are days when it is a struggle to get here, but when they leave worship and her youngest son says, “That was worth it. That felt good, Mom.” They know it’s worth the effort. Amy is so grateful be a part of a church that strives to welcome everyone, and a community that has something for every age and stage of life, from kids, to parents, to CG’s (Chronologically Gifted).

Your generosity makes it possible for Good Shepherd to continue striving to be a community that loves and welcomes all people. Your support enables exceptional ministry with children and youth to truly create a church where our kids know that God loves them fully, no buts.