Recently, it seems that I have been having the same conversation with different people in different contexts. They ask me about the church where I serve – how do I feel after being here for more than half my life, what is it like to pastor here, what are the members like, what kind of church is it, and other similar questions.
I find my answers are always along the same lines. I find Sligo to be an extremely unique church. I appreciate not only the cultural and ethnic diversity, but also the diversity of thought and of practice. I have always found Sligo to be an accepting and non-judgmental space. While we come from various backgrounds and cover the whole spectrum of Adventist theology, beliefs, and lifestyle, we each allow the other to be, think, and practice as each one is led by the Spirit. There is not a spirit of retribution or finger-pointing; it is rather a spirit of rehabilitation, generosity, and of love. It is not just that we sit together in worship, but it is also that we sit in each other’s living rooms and dining rooms, it is that we raise our children with those who are so very different from us, and it is that we allow each one to have the freedom to be what God has called us to be.
I admit that for a young Pastor, it is difficult to start out ministry in a church like Sligo, but this is the kind of pastorate that is a dream, not because of its size or its resources, but because of its people and their embodiment of grace and love, regardless of personal creed.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to find safe spaces where we can be ourselves, serve God according to our conscience, and be loved for whom we are. Sligo is not a safe space because we all think the same, or believe the same, or practice in the same way. We are a safe space for the very fact that we are all so different, cover the spectrum of beliefs and practice, come from every corner of the globe, and not only occupy the same space, but thrive in it. That is what true diversity and unity are.
Some years ago a friend of mine visited Sligo for the first time. She didn’t pay much attention to the service, because she was texting the whole time. I found out later that while she came from New York City, she had never been in a worship service where so many different kinds of people worshipped together. She was texting her Mom all through service, ‘Mom, white people and black people worship together here.’ ‘Mom, there are Russians, there are Filipinos, there are Indians, there are Latinos.’ ‘Mom, they’re all sitting side by side.’
What sets Sligo apart and makes us so unique, is not just that we sit side by side; it is that we make room for each other. Wherever we come from, whatever we believe, however we practice our faith, however we think and interpret Scripture; there is room for everyone at this table. There is love and grace enough to go around.
None of this would be possible at Sligo if not for its members. Each member creates and sustains this culture of acceptance. Each member contributes to what makes this place so very unique. This rich and colorful tapestry of individuals, countries, beliefs, practices, and backgrounds is what we celebrate here next week at Sligo’s 10th Homecoming. What a lot we have to celebrate!