I was brought up conservative, Republican, Reformed, complementarian, patriarchal, postmillennial, theonomic. I have rejected most of that and have joined First English Lutheran Church of Faribault, MN. I am very thankful to my heritage for the confessions of the Reformed Churches – the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dordt – but I no longer consider myself Reformed. It sometimes catches me off guard to find myself in what I would have considered a “liberal, godless” church just a few years ago. So here are nine reasons why I have made First English my church home.
1. They have been so welcoming to my daughter. They don’t try to fix her. They don’t criticize us or hint that we have somehow morally failed her and that is why she is disabled. And they have never, ever rebuked us for asking for prayer for her. Yes, in the Reformed church I was rebuked for asking for prayer for my daughter.
2. They are thoroughly Trinitarian and understand the nuances of classical trinitarianism better than do conservative circles. I have never heard a hint of Wayne Grudem’s abhorrent theology. When I spoke to the pastor about ESS, he said, “That’s weird, isn’t it?” Yes. Yes it is.
3. They have never heard of Doug Wilson and do not have his books on the book table.
4. Christ is proclaimed every Sunday and the liturgy is beautiful and uplifting.
5. I have never had to fear “giving the wrong answer”, and have never felt like I was being tested. I can simply speak from my heart and I listen to others speak from theirs. The fear of failing the test and being rejected is very, very real in conservative circles, as so many of you know. No more.
6. There is more scripture read in a typical service than anything I have seen in my background. The rhythms of the liturgical year are soothing.
7. I have never heard the word “libtard” or “demoncrat” or “Ovomit” or “Let’s go brandon” in any fellowship time.
8. We are active in our community, providing school supplies, food, shelter housing, and comfort to all who are in need, as much as we are able.
9. They define “neighbor” as Jesus did: All who are in need. It is a congregation where anyone who walks in the door is welcome, loved and invited into the bosom of Jesus.
My Only Comfort 
That is so sad that you experienced such treatment regarding your daughter. As far as the Wilson/ culture war stuff, I know what you mean. My wife and I continue to correct those misinformed ideas all of the time. I am glad you and your family have found a place to rest in fellowship with others. You guys have been through a lot. There is no perfect church. May the Lord continue to lead and guide and reveal to you guys more and more of his love.