In 1996, while I was pastor of Zion United Church of Christ in Henderson, Ky., our small congregation faced a crisis, trying to cope with increasing numbers of people with HIV/AIDS coming to our open-and-affirming church, seeking friendship and support. Several died; others were chronically ill, lonely and afraid, or financially destitute. We provided extravagant welcome, yes, but we lacked the capacity and services to systemically serve as well as we knew… Read More