About Gordon F. Stoneburner Expertise I am a Principal/Superintendent at a Faith Lutheran School/Church in
Houston, Texas. I have served as a Director of Christian Education, teacher, and principal in the past. I have a BA in education/theology, and a MA in human services (counseling) from Concordia University, Chicago, IL. I have worked youth and adults in the education/theology field for 25 years.
Question I was raised in a ALC (ELCA) church. I was baptized and confirmed. I had an abortion I didn't want at the age of 19, counseled and approved of by a Lutheran Pastor. My mother took me to see him. I sat there for 15 minutes saying I didn't want an abortion. My mother took me and I had one. Since then, I've been married and divorced three times. I'm married now (ten years) to a very Godly husband. We've tried churches in every Christian denomination (searching) going every Sunday, joining some. We are now at at Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, taking membership classes. I'm SCARED, because I feel like if they knew I was married four times, they would not want me. Would anyone want me? ELCA? I love the Lord.
Answer Jane:
I am sorry to hear of your past experience(s). I am also very disappointed and saddened to hear of your teenage pastoral experience in the area of abortion.
While you may be correct in thinking that people may be surprised by your past experiences, that should not, in any way, become a situation of not accepting you.
Christ came to pay the price for our sins. When we believe and have faith in that message, we are forgiven for our sins. The important point is not how surprised people are, but if you have turned to Christ for forgiveness of your sins. If so, you are just like the rest of us - a chosen, called, and forgiven child of God!
See John 4:1-32 for a story about Christ's acceptance and the life that was changed. Note the disciples did not have the same attitude, but God used the woman to attract new believers!
If you have not done so already, you may want to make an appointment with the pastor and share you concerns with him.
