World's First LGBTQ Baptist Church

Welcome to the first episode of This Little Light of Mine.  My name is James Powell and I’m thrilled to have you join me on this personal journey of healing, discovery and possibility.  

For full show notes visit www.ThisLittleLightOfMine.CA  

Here's a rundown of S01E01:

(3:52) Chapter 1 – Starting the world’s first, fully affirming LGBTQ Baptist Church

In the first part of my personal story, learn all the many things that fell into place that gave me self-esteem, strength and vision to allow this almost unbelievable transformation that to happen.

(22:23) Chapter 2 – Somewhere over the rainbow: Interview with Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes

In the interview portion of today’s episode I’m joined with civil rights & LGBTQ icon Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes.  If you don’t know Brent, he had the honor to officiate the first legal same sex marriages in the WORLD. He shares what his dream is for the church, advice for parents raising children in non-affirming churches and what he’s building now to bring more love into the world… and how you can get involved.

• (22:32) Brent's Top 5 Career Highlights
• (22:45) #1 - Finding his people
• (25:22) #2 - First legal same-sex marriages in the world
• (27:54) #3 - State funeral for Jack Layton
• Jack Layton was Canada's Nancy Pelosi/Joe Biden combination
• NDP Party of Canada
• Olivia Chow
• (29:47) #4 - Order of Canada
• Governor General's Office
• Knighted in England
• Order of Canada Pin
• (32:41) #5 - Individual Impact
• (34:51) - Your sexuality is your gift from God
• (36:52) - First feeling of shame for being gay
• (39:40) - Finding my calling outside an adult bookstore
• The Advocate
• Troy Perry
• (40:50) - Praying away the gay
• (54:40) - Guidance to parents raising children in non-affirming churches
• (59:37) - Rainbow Faith & Freedom
• Get involved with Rainbow Faith & Freedom
• Donate to Rainbow Faith & Freedom
• Global Justice Institute
• (1:00:54) - Brent's Vlog
• (1:06:40) - Who inspires Brent
• (1:07:16) - Advice to the 8y/o Brent
• (1:07:35) - What's stopping churches from affirming
• (1:09:48) - Women in faith communities
• (1:10:13) - The church needs to apologize
• Charles Fensham - Misguided Love

(1:12:48) - Share your voice questions

1. What would your life look like if you had been born into a completely affirming world? eg – religious institutions were 100% affirming of LGBTQ people, no racism, discrimination, a world where everyone loved and respected each other.
2. Have you ever been told that you were unworthy, unwanted or unlovable? Who told you this and at what age? What impact did these messages have on your life?

We hope you enjoyed today's episode. If you did, please remember to share, rate and review.

We would also love to hear your thoughts, comments and opinions. Drop us a note [email protected]

You are loved.

James.

Special thanks to Lisa M. Grey and Sound Mind Production for the strategic and loving production guidance for my very first podcast episode.