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GENE PALMER


Sharing the peace is done with extra enthusiasm at Refor- mation Lutheran Church, Columbia, S.C., since members, like Harold and Jean Crout (inset), offered themselves up to transformational ministry.


been smooth. Harold Crout, 90, initially questioned the decisions but now celebrates the changes. Christine White, in charge of the kitchen for years but unable to continue in that capacity, had her prayers answered as new members took over those duties. Newer members also had concerns at first. Many, like Philip Gee, had not worshiped regularly for a long time. Despite their deep desire to do so, many had been hurt by the church. One lesbian couple had been involved in other churches but in an atmosphere of “don’t ask, don’t tell” rather than full acceptance. Eiwen estimates that half of new members have little or no recent church affiliation. He tries to avoid “inadver- tent arrogance,” giving frequent explanations during wor- ship. Newcomers also receive a year’s subscription to The Lutheran magazine to help them learn about the church and about being Lutheran. In somewhat of a transforming pinnacle, Reformation hosted 150 visitors in January on an interdenominational “Welcoming Sunday,” expanding the event to a weekend


that featured Herbert Chilstrom, the first presiding bishop of the ELCA. He preached about the prophet Micah and others throughout church history who have “bucked the system,” boldly standing against injustice. Chilstrom also chronicled his journey of understanding human sexuality and his conviction that the Christian response is to wel- come all without reserve or conditions. Like other churches, Reformation continues to


face challenges, but there is a resounding consensus, expressed by Paul Bouknight, who joined Reformation because of the welcoming ministry: “We don’t want to be a ‘gay church.’ We want to be bigger than that.” And Ref- ormation’s neighbors are diverse in many ways, provid- ing rich opportunities for ministry. In its transformation, Reformation has been guided by two scriptural themes : love the neighbor and be willing to lose one’s life for the sake of the gospel. Leaders say that once they were willing to risk their life for God’s sake and not hold on in maintenance mode, true transformation began. 


August 2011 15


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