As an adult, I was never involved with church at all, except occasionally on holidays. I felt that religion was just a man-made belief system created by desperate people to fill some sort of void within.  When I thought of Christianity, I thought of bigots and gay-bashers. My hometown of Topeka, Kansas is also the home of a nationally known street preacher. On every major intersection, he and his congregation held high their signs proclaiming, “God hates fags” in the name of Christianity. I knew I would never align myself with people like these.

My husband, Tucker, was raised in the church and wanted to look for one to attend when we moved to Austin. When friends invited us to Gateway, I figured this church would be like all the rest; I’d be uninspired and unimpressed. The first thing I always looked for when we visited a new church was what that church did for the community. I figured if I had to go to church, I might as well go to one that understood their responsibility to address social injustice. Right away, I noticed Gateway had an impressive Compassion Ministry.  I needed to see that they cared about other people to give the church consideration.

After attending Gateway for over a year, asking questions openly, researching, and soul-searching my current beliefs, I was able to see Jesus and Christianity in a whole new light.  Studying Jesus’ life and teachings at Gateway also helped me realize that Jesus modeled something totally different than what I saw modeled growing up.  Jesus loved and served others.  He is the ultimate servant. He is not judgmental; he is the greatest advocate for social justice!  All people are welcome to come to Christ, no matter who they are or where they have been. I couldn’t believe the truth about Jesus had been so obscured. When I came to understand the nature and character of Jesus, I gave my heart to Christ and was baptized.  I am so glad Gateway strives to be a safe place for people to discover the true Jesus, who is compassionate, serving, and loving, and who longs to bring even feminists and liberals into his love!

 –Kylie