Inclusive Christian worship services beginning at Resource Center in February

In the time passed since my podcast interview with Minister, now Evangelist Byron Zealey, he’s continuing his outreach within the LGBT community with a new worship service that open to all starting Friday, February 6, at the Resource Center of Dallas at 2701 Reagan Street. Choir rehearsal begins at 5pm, followed by praise and worship at 6:15, and food and fellowship at 7pm. I sent Evangelist Zealey a few questions about the event via email:

JW: Evangelist Zealey, you’re beginning an inclusive Christian worship series at the Resource Center. Why Friday night and why at the Resource Center?

EBZ: The lives of our participants are growing and the dynamic of the ministry is changing. Atmosphere of Praise is moving out more into its purpose for evangelism in the community and in world.

The Resource Center has provided us a safe, stable and consistent environment to conduct ministry for over a year now in a location that is easily identifiable. The Resource Center is also symbolic and is well known for their services not only to the LGBT community but to all people without discrimination.

Our Friday Night Gatherings Kick off on February 6, 2009. Friday nights are a great opportunity for individuals to kick of their weekends with spiritual activities. So often we want to see change in our lives but lack the opportunity to make adjustments in our routines for change to occur.

As a Preacher it is my desire to create as many opportunities for people to connect with God as possible. So on Friday night at 5pm we will start with Choir Rehearsals that wil lead directly into our Praise and Worship service around 6:15pm. I will endeavor to teach individuals about the saving grace of God and what it means to be in relationship with Jesus Christ. We will spend time praying for one another and fortifying our spirits to live out our relationships with God in the world.

I believe that being able to fellowship together with people of like mind is so important in a world where so many negative things can capture our attention so quickly. So we will be fostering our bonds with each other each Friday after services by sharing a meal together for those that will come.

JW: Your series is publicized to begin with choir rehearsal. Is this an open call interested persons to join the choir, WWB (Whosoever Will Believe)?

EBZ: Yes all are welcome to come and participate in the choir. WWB has always been on an open audition basis. Singers, Rappers, Musicians, Poets, Audio Visual Techs, Producers all your talents are welcome. If you can’t carry a tune in a bucket You come out anyway and enjoy the presence of God. The Holy Spirit will reveal how you are going to fit in.

JW: Since the passage of California’s Proposition 8, there’s been national protest against particular churches and Dallas has seen some protests of that nature of late. As an Christian evangelist with an inclusive ministry, what is your response to such protests?

EBZ: I think it is important that people DO, (be obedient to) what God is telling them to do. I feel that some of the protests as well as the catalysts for the protest that I am aware of in Dallas were knee jerk responses to Prop 8 and were less about being led by the Spirit of God.

It is difficult enough at times for believers to clearly hear the voice of God. I don’t even like to think about what it was like for me making decisions about life and decisions that impact the lives of others when I didn’t even have a relationship with God.

Churches are private entities and they can preach ad teach whatever they decide is valuable to preach and teach within their four walls. Churches are also sanctuaries where people should feel safe to come and meet with God. I don’t think I would have made the choice on my own to go protest at someone elses church anymore than I would want people coming to protest at mine.

Though those who are on the opposite theological end of the debate about homosexuality than I am may disagree with me, we ARE serving the same God. Hence we all need to be “Walking in a manner worthy of the call with which we have been called. With humility and gentleness. With patience showing tolerance for one another in love. Being diligent to preserve the unity of the bond of peace (Ephesian 4:1-3 NASB)”

Related posts:

1. Out The Box: A Christian-affirming Community Evangelism Event in Dallas
2. Dialogue between gays and the evangelical Christian church in Dallas
3. Remembering E. Lynn Harris @ South Dallas Cultural Center