Episode 115: A conversation about Leadership, Jesus and the LGBTQ+ community with Richard Dahlstrom

In this episode, Jeff and Terra dive into a conversation many leaders want to have but are uncertain where to begin or how to do it well. They discuss the tension pastors and Christian leaders experience in trying to hold true to God’s Word and leaning into the complex challenges of their communities, such as the LGBTQ community and their real needs. There are very few who know how to love well, without confusing love with “no limits”. This intro may have already triggered some of you as leaders practice and hold a wide variety of beliefs. Please hang around for a bit. We hope you will find this conversation helpful wherever you land in your theology. Our guest is very familiar with leading in uncomfortable places for many decades and his principles might be helpful and even challenging to some.

Pastor Richard Dahlstrom was the senior pastor for Bethany Community Church, a multi-site campus church in the heart of Seattle, Washington, for over 25 years. He is a gifted author, speaker and teacher, with a heart full of grace. He is the author of several books, including, “The Colors of Hope: Becoming People of Mercy, Justice and Love” and “The Map is Not the Journey: Faith Renewed While Hiking The Alps”

Richard believes healthy people are the foundation of healthy marriages, family systems, businesses, and faith communities. His desire to guide people toward wholeness finds expression in teaching, coaching, guiding Ancient Paths experiences, and writing. Married for 40 years to Donna Dahlstrom, he and Donna have three grown children and three grandchildren. He is also the founding Director of Spirit Soul Body, an organization with a mission to bring people one step closer to wholeness. An avid outdoorsman and climber, you’ll often find Richard climbing, skiing, or hiking.

Find Richard Dahlstrom online at: https://www.spiritsoulbody.org

Bethany Community Church - https://www.churchbcc.org/about-us

Books on amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Dahlstrom/e/B001JS5M46%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share