I have been blown away by the emails that have been coming in from around the world of those that watched the NBC report. It’s been awesome to sit back and read some of the emails and thoughts on our vision for this church. I have seriously not had one negative email sent my way in regards to anything we are doing here, anything that we stand for, or anything that was said in the interview.
I have also been blown away by the attention this is getting in the blogging world. I have to say that is one that I didn’t see coming. And NO I don’t mean the negative attention…there has been a few negative blogs out there [always will be], but all-in-all there has been an out-pour of support.
Anyway, I thought I would share with you some of the emails that have been coming our way.
- Dear Pastor Grandstaff and Congregation, I watched your interview with Brian Williams. I am surprised and very much relieved that there is finally a pastor and a congregation that teaches that everyone deserves to love God and be loved by God. Politics, different religions, different lifestyles and beliefs, none of those things are reasons to tell people that they are not welcome in church, or won’t be saved. I am a 70 year old divorced great grand mother, and am very cynical regarding religion. I believe that many pastors, especially the ones on television, are grandstanders and are doing what they do to make money and fame and really don’t care a bit about God. Now I’m being judgmental! Well, I wish you the best and hope your church grows and your beliefs stay the same. This is what church is all about. There is hope after all. Toledo,Ohio
- I was so happy to have seen your video interview on MSN today 1 Nov 07 at around 11:22am. I’m also from NC and work at Ft Bragg. It has been a long time vision of mine to preach outside the box when it came to church and spreading the name of Jesus. That’s what I saw in your video. I see too many Youths these days falling away because the church is to busy worrying about offending its older members…Warm regards | Fayetteville/Ft Bragg, NC
- Hello! I am a 45 year old woman from Washington state, and I saw your church on the NBC newscast. I felt moved to write to you and just say thank-you, for finally spreading the true love and meaning of God that I have felt was missing for today’s Christians. I was overcome with feelings of Gladness and relief, knowing that you accept everyone and are not trying to make your faith a front for politics, like so many others. I may never make it to North Carolina, but I am heartened to see the good work you are doing there and have renewed hope that reason and love will win out, after all.God Bless all of you in your congregation.
- Hello I just saw a news segment on you and your church on my local NBC affiliate, I just want you to know in my opinion, I found the report to be refreshing and a positive message regarding Christianity. I was raised Catholic, now regard myself to be Spiritual but strangely enough, was drawn to your words. I am also a Democrat, liberal, heterosexual. I was very proud of you and your attitude towards gay people and feel you are on a road to greatness! Young man, again this is only my opinion but I think you are exactly what Christianity stands for, “unconditionally love”, I loved what you said about not alienating political parties, as Jesus is love and not political. I don’t know if I made any sense, but I felt compelled to say hello and to encourage you please keep up your good work. Thank you … God is Love and Love is God! | San Diego, Ca
- Hello, My name is $%^& im currently living in salt lake city, my religious background is that I grew up not being very religious about 6 years ago I joined a large evangelical church in new Mexico, but quit a few years later after being told what my politics have to be as a Christian. Anyway I just wanted to say I think its great your not pushing your politics on you congregation. Also, I was wondering if there is a church like yours in Salt lake city.
- I saw the story of your Church tonight on television and feel so compelled to send this e-mail. God bless you and all you reach. It is so refreshing to hear someone say; we love people. I recall bringing friends to Church only to have them feel hated and condemned because of their different beliefs. When will the Church see that their staunch approach only pushes people away ? Your attitude instills a welcoming feeling. Have a wonderful blessed Holiday!
- I just saw a news report and get the impression that you understand that Christianity is about following Jesus and not about following the letter of the law as the scribes and pharisees did. The Bible says prostitutes should be stoned to death, but Jesus said that only he who is without sin is qualified to cast a stone. I applaud you for striving to love your neighbors and follow the golden rule. Some will oppose you, just like Jesus was opposed by those who believed that the law was more important then the person. You are doing the right thing by putting Jesus first. Keep up the good work.
- I just saw the report about your church on NBC and found it very interesting — I would be excited to find a church similar to yours here where I live (Chester, VA). Are there any churches that you are aware of near me? Thank you in advance for your assistance.
- I saw you on the evening news yesterday and you sound like an awesome man. Thank you for believing in God and not politics. Best Wishes to you and your congregation. Happy Holidays dude!
- I just got done watching your interview with NBC Nightly News! Wow! That is all I can really say! I was so blown away by how you answered the questions and you stuck to what we [as Christians] are supposed to be about and that’s loving people. Too many Christians have given us a bad name for far too long because they spend all of their energy focusing on what they are against. I really appreciate you for taking a stand and for keeping your message about Him. Just knowing we are praying for you and rooting you on! New York, NY
Well, there is a few for now…I will post some more in the next day or two. Thank you to all of you that have sent in your blog comments and emails as well. It’s been overwhelming to read the emails from pastors and church planters across the country…you guys are awesome! I am slowing trying to return as many of these emails and comments as I can. Thanks for understanding!
