Not just ‘welcoming’ you but ‘affirming’ you: Admiral Church’s new pastor discusses the difference on eve of his debut
(WSB photos) By Tracy Record West Seattle Blog editor What a time for a pastor to start a new gig: Rev. Jermell Witherspoon ‘s first sermon as the new pastor of West Seattle’s oldest church will be on Ash Wednesday. The title: “ Do You Want to Be Made Well ?” (From John 5, 6-10.) That is not a reference to “fixing” anyone. In fact, one of the first things we discussed in a chat with Admiral Church ‘s new pastor on Monday was the difference between being an “affirming” church and a “welcoming” church. It’s easy to say everyone’s “welcome,” he explains, but not so easy to find a place that will affirm you as what and who you are. But before we get into that, a bit about who Rev. Witherspoon is. He’s the new minister called by Admiral Church after the departure of Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom . He’s from a family of ministers, though he grew up in “the Pentecostal space,” he says, so his family’s churches are “directly opposite” from what he’s been preaching, teaching, and exploring f...