Seeking a genuine, down to earth church in the Tampa Bay area (St. Petersburg: living in)

[ejlupton]

Hi, I'm a 25 year old female living in Tampa for about a year and a half now. My girlfriend and I have been looking for a church for quite some time and have become very frustrated with not being able to find what we're looking for. What complicates things is that we are obviously in a same-sex relationship, but we still strongly believe in a lot of christian teachings that gay affirming churches tend to not focus on. To give an example that hopefully clarifies what I mean, we want to wait until we are married (marriage to us is a commitment to each other before God, family, and friends.. whether the state recognizes it or not!) for lots of things like living together, financial unity, and complete physical intimacy, based on our belief that God intended full physical, emotional, and financial unity for marriage.

So far, most of the churches we've tried have come across as superficial or showy, or have been churches we felt wouldn't be open to our relationship. We purposely haven't tried any churches that state negative views towards homosexuality on their website. We aren't necessarily looking for a church that is gay affirming, more so just a church that we feel like we can live in community with without feeling like people are praying for us to "turn from our life of sin". We just want people that are open to the idea that same-sex relationships can be pleasing to God.

We are looking for a down to earth church where people are genuine and the worship aspect of the service doesn't feel like a show/production. We would love a church that has a heart for serving the community and for serving international communities in need. We want a church that shows the love of Jesus through loving people and working to meet people's needs.

Lastly we want to find a church that has a focus on community. We want to know the people around us at church on Sunday, instead of being at a church so large you don't recognize anyone you're sitting with.

If anyone has any suggestions for churches to try, we are willing to make a drive up to an hour to be able to find what we're looking for, though we'd obviously prefer a shorter drive . We greatly appreciate any help people have to offer! Thank you!!!

[tinytrump]

think on clearwater side near the clearwater airport, and def st pete area, there are a few. God loves all His kids,,, good luck,,, in Tampa side I have no clue,,

[vaughanwilliams]

Church St. Petersburg | King of Peace MCC

[rcm267]

There is also an MCC in Tampa, in Seminole Heights. My friends/next door neighbors go there and have for many years. I went once for their child's baptism and then another couple of times for service with them and everyone I encountered there was very nice and very welcoming each time.

There is also the United Church of Christ First United Church of Tampa | Progressive Christianity since 1885. They are up on Fowler Avenue in the Temple Terrace area.

[stpeteguy]

So your looking for a christian church where nobody will notice/care/gossip about you having a gay lover?

lol, good luck.

Having grown up in those types of churches, i've always found most of the congregation to be incredibly close minded on just about everything and especially homosexuality.

[Nyce_1]

lfcc.tv

[tinytrump]

Originally Posted by stpeteguy

So your looking for a christian church where nobody will notice/care/gossip about you having a gay lover?

lol, good luck.

Having grown up in those types of churches, i've always found most of the congregation to be incredibly close minded on just about everything and especially homosexuality.

by your posts you seem to be in line...

[stpeteguy]

Originally Posted by tinytrump

by your posts you seem to be in line...

I'm open minded about lots of things.

I think two chicks together is kinda hot.