Thomas Wants to be Safe at Church Artwork

Sermons Out of Rural Ministry

Dynamic, contextual sermons from Pastor Josh Ehrler, who serves a small town ELCA Lutheran congregation in Northern Illinois. Sermons are rooted in scripture and reflect the local community, as well as the movements of the wider world. He and his congregation are affirming of LGBTQ+ personhood and live out their baptismal promise to seek (racial, economic, identity, environmental) justice and peace.

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Sermons Out of Rural Ministry

Thomas Wants to be Safe at Church

April 30, 2019 • Pastor Josh Ehrler

Maybe Thomas isn't doubting at all, maybe he's trying to protect himself. Any worshipping community can call itself welcoming and safe, but is it? That is a hard thought for the disciples, who experience the risen Christ in the midst of their fears and now are trying to convince Thomas that he'll be fine. He's not ready, yet. Thomas doesn't want words, he's not interested in good media campaigns, and firm handshakes, he wants to know that he will be safe and loved, even if he doesn't believe as others believe. Or live as others live.Or love as others love. Thomas is our reminder that, as we celebrate the gift of life in Christ, many LGBTQ+, African American, impoverished, and countless others cut off from community, are still waiting for proof that Christ's resurrection is fully available for all. An Easter sermon on John 20.19-31.