CenterPeace

Every time I go to Stories & Tunes I think, this is the best one yet. And last night was no exception.

We heard stories from LGBTQ people who aren’t just “holding on” to their faith, but who are thriving and actively involved in their faith communities. And every time we gather like this, there are random people nearby, maybe from the coffeehouse who knew nothing about the event - who had never heard tell of CenterPeace - but who were drawn to the music and came to join us. At least three people I talked to last night!

Three more people who found a place to belong. And so many more of us simply encouraged to hold onto our faith in God, our love for Jesus, and our need for each other.

BIG THANKS to Jesse Lee Watts Music for leading our worship! If you’re not already familiar with his music, go check it out - he’s AMAZING! Another BIG THANKS to Chelsea Hopkins for sharing her story with us and to all of you who stepped up courageously, in the spur of the moment and shared your hearts! All of you were such an encouragement.

And thanks to Union ☕️ for allowing us to use your space!

Until next time, friends.

Brent Bailey grew up like so many of us, in a devoutly Christian family with parents who took him to church and instilled a love for Jesus in Brent from an early age. When he went off to college at a Christian university, he had every intention of majoring in Bible and following a calling into ministry.

And yet, like so many of us, Brent began to realize there was something different about him. Something that he would wrestle with throughout his college years and beyond.

But Brent knew he loved God and was born to serve. He would come to realize that his sexuality doesn’t disqualify him from ministry, but in fact has equipped him to pastor more authentically.

Today he lives with his husband Steve and their dog Hank, affectionately named after Henri Nouwen, where Brent serves as associate pastor at LaSalle Street Church in Chicago.

We’re thrilled to welcome Brent Bailey to the main-stage at the CenterPeace Conference, Oct 15-17, at First United Methodist Church in downtown Dallas. Register now at centerpeace.net/more.