Growing up we went to the same church from the time I could remember clear through when I left for college. My dad grew up going there; my grandmother's grandmother gave the land for the church to be built on. You could say we were rooted there. As a kid you sat with your parent or grandparent (always in the same place), in Junior High you got to move to the front right pew and High School students got the front two pews on the left side.
PSA: Church does not have assigned seats.
Now when I walk into a church to visit, I feel very hesitant to sit down until its time for service to start. I don't want to take someone's pew. Isn't that such a weird thing to worry about? However, I have pastored churches that people have gotten upset about a visitor sitting in "their" spot.
As a gay Christian, coming into church with my wife and sometimes our brood of scruffy young men, knowing where to sit is even harder. I don't know if I am even welcome as a gay person let alone a gay person with a family. I often find myself asking "Can I share this pew?" or "Does someone usually sit here?"
I don't want to take your seat. I don't want to make you uncomfortable. I don't want to take away the place you volunteer. I just want to sit down and worship God without the fear of rejection.
So, can I share your pew?
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