A bit of confession/explanation is necessary. My denomination has a mixed reputation. There are many wonderful aspects of our history and heritage, and much of which we can be proud. And, frankly, there’s a lot of stuff we’d probably like to sweep under the rug and pretend never happened. (In talking to friends from other denominations I am learning that they have the same things, so it’s not just us.)
Some of us were having a bit of fun one day talking about some of the best and brightest from among us who had left for greener pastures because of some of our past issues, and when we started making a list, we joked that we’d need to rent a stadium to have a former-members gathering. Some of those who moved on left, understandably, with some bitterness and hurt feelings. Time may not heal all wounds, but time and distance have given some badly needed perspective to the church and to some of its former members. Some is the key word. Recently I had some interaction with one of the “formers” that left me disappointed. An invitation was issued for this person to do what they do — and they do it well — at the church I lead. As the exchange progressed it became apparent that it was not going to happen. I had the distinct impression that our church was being typecast and prejudged as one of those from the bad-old-days. Nothing could be further from reality.