A Twenty Year Journey Of LGBT Ministry

Quick to smile and slow to criticize, Rev. Jim Lucas is one of the last people you’d expect to stir up controversy and encourage what some would term “radical” change. Yet, he’s done just that, making our society more accepting in the process.

This year Jim is celebrating his 20 years of ministry to the LGBT community in West Michigan. But to reach this point he’s traveled worlds of change within himself and at times wondered if life was worth the trip.

Recently, he recounted highlights from these years in a presentation at First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids titled, “From Shame to Shalom.” The word “shalom” means peace in Hebrew.

Since 1992 Jim has provided individual and group pastoral care for hundreds of LGBT persons, as well as their family members and friends. Speaking extensively in churches, college classes, and other community venues, he’s helped audiences understand what it’s like to be a gay Christian in West Michigan.

Read the whole story at Pride Source

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