Rev. Tim Trussell-Smith

Though I grew up surrounded by Christians, I didn't grow up going to church. In fact, I was pretty sure there was no church where I would feel at home. It was the ordination of openly-gay Gene Robinson as bishop by the Episcopal church and encounters with thoughtful, justice-seeking Christians at Mercer University that led me to explore progressive Mainline churches. And I found there were churches where I felt not only welcomed but electrified and inspired.

In the years since I became a Christian, I have met many, many people like me -- open to the message of Jesus, seeking for a place to belong, but sure no church would welcome them. Some are members of groups that have long been marginalized and dismissed by traditional Christian churches. Some are actively seeking diverse and integrated spaces, and most churches don't fit that bill. Some have had off-putting experiences with churches or with Christians. Some have just never considered the possibility that church has anything to offer them.

It is my desire and my calling to create spaces where these people - my people - the ones who don't think church is for them - feel welcome, included, and empowered. It is my passion to build new ministries and to transform traditional worshipping communities into communities of radical welcome, building Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "beloved community," a community where all are beloved by each other because all are beloved of God.