Standing in the River

In 2018, a small congregation in Nashville voted to become a fully affirming church. The pastor knew what it would cost — denominational funding, longtime members, the approval of colleagues she had loved for decades. The Sunday after the vote, half the parking lot sat empty. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."…