Why I Love Westhope

Gary Ruschke
Doubter, Questioner, Servant, Seeker and Congregation Member

I have doubts, oh so many doubts. Doubts about God, the bible, the interpretation of the bible, doubts about who Jesus really was, so many doubts. I love Westhope because no one will try to extinguish my doubts. I can openly talk about my doubts and be told that it is okay to have them, share them, wrestle with them and explore them.

I have questions, oh so many questions. Questions about how to be a “good” person, love my neighbor (especially when they irritate me), process world events and, navigate life’s never-ending challenges. I love Westhope because those questions are welcome and encouraged. I love Westhope because it does not offer simplistic answers based on rigid beliefs or dogma. Westhope offers a community where we can work through those questions together.

I have a need to belong. I believe everyone does. I also believe that you must work at it. I believe authentic community requires that we freely give of ourselves, share our gifts and talents, share our wisdom and knowledge, and above all, be present for others when they are in need. I love Westhope because it is that authentic community. At Westhope, all that I give is freely given in return.

I love Westhope because it is unique. Westhope is true to its Christian presence in the world but is not fearful of my deepest doubts and hardest questions. It is a genuinely caring spiritual community that welcomes everyone, yet it does not try to be some watered down, all things to all people place that lacks a sense of purpose or conviction. Westhope puts our connection to God at the center of everything we do without being an oppressive Jesus theme park. The fact that we manage this balancing act continues to delight and astound me.