I met our pastor, Randy McCain, when he came to be the music minister at my father's church. He was the greatest singer I had ever heard at church, at my ripe age of 12. His passion for Jesus was so evident through his singing. Even though I had been in church my entire life, no one had ever drawn my attention, or made me feel worshipful quite like Randy. God was definitely working through him, and using his gifts to minister to all those who came in contact with his singing and dramas. Randy was not married, but that didn't mean anything. A friend of his named Gary, moved here form South Dakota shortly after Randy came to our church. He was Randy's "roommate." I was 13, I had no idea what gay was.
Week after week, Randy kept ministering to my heart and my spiritual needs. And throughout my volatile teenage years, Randy and Gary were a major part of my family. They were actually my second fathers, who spent holidays with us, and came to my cheerleading events, and other school functions. I still thought Gary was Randy's roommate and best friend, because I did not know what gay was still. In fact, I did not know for sure, until Randy decided he did not want to hide what God had blessed him with; the beautiful gift of love that was his committed relationship with Gary Eddy. He told my father's church that he was gay, though my dad had known the whole time, and they fired him. I was confused and devastated.
For me, I did not know how the revelation that he was gay, changed the fact that he had been ministering to us for five years, how God had been so evident in everything that he did, and how the Christ-centered man that had been a part of my life, was somehow different? I guess I have it easier than other straight people, I came to my beliefs somewhat backwards. I knew the person first, then the issue. Most people know the issue first, then the person. I am so glad that my loving savior sees us as "persons" and not issues. "For God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn it, but to save it!" (John 3:17)
Despite the fact that my old church members did not hold to this belief and Randy was fired, God took an unfair situation and made it his, as he so often does. Randy went on to start the wonderful and beautiful place that I call my real church home. It is 10 years old now, and bursting at the seams! Open Door Community Church is a haven for the broken and the hurting. I love Open Door because it is "Christ-centered." It doesn't get any more basic than that. I am proud of my church, and I challenge you to go one Sunday, and experience the Holy Spirit, and just get knocked down by grace! From the moment you step foot in the door, I promise you will feel love, where out in the world you may have not. That is what Jesus is REALLY all about, even though some may have portrayed him otherwise. Those of us at Open Door are commmitted to being true Fishers of Men, to ALL men.
Together, we can change the world, in our time, and for all time!
This testimonial is from Micah Qualls, a long time friend and supporter of Open Door Community Church who has blessed us for years with her musical gifts, and who now considers this her church.