An Authentic Life 1.1 for pdf - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

I felt baptism was for people who joined the
church or children of members. It is an initiation rite
or a promise made by the parents that their children
will become confirmed members. As clergy, it was my
duty to protect the integrity of the sacraments. This
became an issue when I wouldn’t baptize children of
nonmembers or the grandchildren of members whose
grown children didn’t belong to the church. Jack
Seville came and preached on this subject, backed me
up, and answered questions after worship. Jack was
an excellent conference minister who always encouraged
me.
In seminary, I learned to write sermons and
read them from the pulpit. Jack suggested I speak extemporaneously
from my heart and share my
thoughts more freely. I took his advice and preached
that way since. It’s the way I preached before seminary
and is natural for me.
I also stopped wearing my black Geneva robe
for worship. I preferred a contemporary look, worship
style, and music. We even started a coffee house
night of music, poetry, fellowship, etc.
Things went fairly well at church. The level of
conflict was low compared to Clinton. Yet after three
years, I felt like I was slowly dying inside day by day.
I decided to do something about it. Geraldine and I
discussed our future. I am a prophet by nature, and
always used my pastoral ministry to further the gospel
values of peace, justice, and integrity of creation. I
worked hard to pastor conservative, rural Midwesterners.
I did my best, but we’re from such different
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