S5E29 Pastor John Jay Alvaro - Quirky Means Open door, Open Heart and Open table

John Jay Alvaro is Lead Pastor of the historic First Baptist Church of Pasadena. A friend of the Center for Restorative Justice, John Jay opened the door for the Center to move their offices into the church facility. The website puts it this way: “First Baptist Pasadena is a passionate, diverse, quirky, and kind congregation. We know that God loves this world, so we love fiercely, too. Spend some time among us and you will see what we mean.” When Ken and Betsey Newenhuyse visited the church with their friend Ken Fong (who is an active member), they came to appreciate the accuracy of that description. In this conversation held in John Jay’s distinctive office at the church, the two explore John Jay’s experience at Duke Divinity School and how he became the lead pastor. They review his little booklet titled “Ordinary Theology” (The Bible, God, Jesus, Eschatology) and how John Jay led the church to become fully inclusive. The website posts the question: MY STORY AND IDENTITY IS…COMPLEX. WILL THERE BE ROOM FOR ALL OF ME AT THIS CHURCH? Answer - “We are a fully inclusive church, so the simple answer is Yes(!) … Membership/leadership is not contingent on sexuality, gender, race, income, or doctrinal minutia.” Ken prompted John Jay to tell his story - a story we all need to hear. SHOW NOTES

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