Nathaniel came to All Saints Lutheran Church because he was curious about God. He was raised in a religious environment that was harsh and judgmental, and he felt condemned by his previous faith community for his sexuality and gender identity. He wanted to know if a loving God was real, but was afraid of going back to church again. He was concerned that he would be pressured to change himself in ways that he couldn’t.
Ever curious, Nathaniel started watching sermons on the All Saints YouTube channel. One particular sermon, titled “Come and See,” told the story of the biblical character named Nathaniel. The biblical Nathaniel was skeptical, and yet he was seen and known by Jesus. “The idea that I could be loved and cherished while in a state of unbelief,” Nathaniel says, “was mind boggling.” After watching sermons online for several weeks, Nathaniel woke up one Sunday morning and thought he’d give in person worship a try.
At All Saints, Nathaniel has continued to learn about and experience God’s love. His faith has grown, and his curiosity is nurtured. “All Saints has been a place where my curiosity is not condemned,” he says, “and I’m given the opportunity to become a better person.” Nathaniel plans to continue his faith journey by attending seminary and helping others experience God’s love in the same way he has. “I want to meet others in their brokenness and share the love that I’ve been given,” he says. “I feel like a beloved child of God exactly the way I am.”
