The Holy Spirit’s outworking in my life over the last 25 years has been confirmed and encouraged by Brian D. McLaren. Over the last couple of years in a weekly Bible study, his books have been read and discussed. We Make the Road by Walking (2014) and Do I Stay Christian? (2022) serve as a capstone to my spiritual journey of the last couple decades.

Brian McLaren, a pastor for 24 years, grew up in a fundamentalist, conservative church as did I from the age of 15.

My high school and university were as fundamentalist as my church, even after my marriage.

I spent the first 12 years of my teaching career at an equally fundamentalist and conservative school. Even after moving to Portland, I taught for 19 years in a school with similar philosophies and worldviews.

When I began my master’s work in 2000, I had no idea how life-changing it would be for me because it took more than 20 years for me to see it for the catalyst that it was.

Studying the McLaren books has brought me to this insight. After reading chapter 26, “Renounce and Announce” of Do I Stay Christian? , I knew that I had to do just that, beginning two weeks ago with “Thoughts from the Manger” and last week with “The Spirit’s Outworking.”

So now it’s time for my announcement. But first, more history.

Between 2010 to 2013 or so, I really struggled with my church membership. I had been a member of Hinson Baptist Church since 1984. I had faithfully sung in its choir and had played handbells, directed plays and dinner theaters, taught Sunday school, and led the Merry Hatters’ women’s group.

But those artistic ministries ended.

I was bereft of my areas of service, unable to use my artistic gifts in the church that had been my home for 26 years, even though it was a 13-mile round-trip.

Three churches stood only a half mile from home. One of them, Resurrection Lutheran Church, included a vocal choir, a handbell choir, and a very active drama ministry. At first attending Christmas and Easter services, I accepted the invitation to attend a meeting of The Players. Fairly soon, I was involved in the same ministries that Hinson had terminated.

But there were some Lutheran teachings that contradicted Baptist teachings like infant baptism and transubstantiation. To seriously attend a church that taught such things smacked of heresy. Or so I thought. And I thought others would think the same–especially the Baptists.

Yet each congregation in their Sunday morning worship services quoted the Apostle’s Creed. Each believed the same, basic tenants of the faith.

Oh, the lively discussions we had as a family during that time!

And finally, I came to say, I am a member of the body of Christ as expressed in two different congregations. I’ve confessed this to my Lutheran family but not to my Baptist one.

And now I have. How will this announcement be received? I’ll only know if you respond.

Regardless, I do know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day. (I am not ashamed of whom I believe. His name is Jesus Christ my Savior , my Healer, and my soon coming King.) 2Timothy 1:12, NKJV