Episode 58 - Caleb Kaltenbach
Caleb Kaltenbach was given every reason to run as far away from Jesus and the Church as he could. Growing up with both of his parents in same-sex relationships, Caleb saw people hate his family in the name of God. But Caleb’s life would eventually be changed by an encounter with a Jesus who was different, and a group of Christians who modeled their faith by loving people no matter where they were. Caleb sits down with Davey to talk about this experience and his mission to reconcile the church and the LGBTQ community.
“A theological conviction should never be a catalyst to treat someone as less.”
Caleb Kaltenbach was raised by LGBT parents, marched in gay pride parades as a youngster, and experienced firsthand the hatred and bitterness of some Christians toward his family.
But then Caleb surprised everyone, including himself, by becoming a Christian…and a pastor.
Very few issues in Christianity are as divisive as the acceptance of the LGBT community in the church. As a pastor and as a person with beloved family members living a gay lifestyle, Caleb had to face this issue with courage and grace.
Messy Grace shows us that Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” doesn’t have an exception clause for a gay “neighbor”—or for that matter, any other “neighbor” we might find it hard to relate to. Jesus was able to love these people and yet still hold on to his beliefs. So can you. Even when it’s messy.
“Your words gain more weight when you have influence with someone, and the way you build influence is through investment.”