The Rainbow Pulpit: When Church Feels Tired, the Spirit Still Moves

The Rainbow Pulpit: When Church Feels Tired, the Spirit Still Moves

By Shane · June 22, 2025

This isn’t a dig at anyone who faithfully serves in our churches. I have deep respect for every pastor, priest, and minister who shows up week after week, preparing sermons, leading worship, and caring for their flock. It’s holy work, and it’s not easy.

If I’m honest, I found it difficult to bring myself to church today. The thought of another Sunday surrounded by an aging congregation (I’m often the youngest, aside from the kids!), the familiar routine, and the polite but somewhat lifeless conversations over instant coffee in a dated hall—it all felt a bit overwhelming. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. Sometimes, the Anglican Church—and many others—could benefit from a little more vibrancy, a little more warmth, and a little more of that something special that brings people together.

Last week, I decided to try a different church service. Instead of the usual Sunday format, it was a kids’ service—with children playing up front and the focus entirely on the little ones. Honestly, it was unbearable for me (lol, I don’t have kids, so you know how it is!). What I'm trying to say is that I personally prefer a more traditional church service. I find the familiar structure, the sacred rituals, and the sense of reverence deeply meaningful. There was no communion either, and I really missed sharing in that sacred moment with the whole community.

What I miss most, though, are my rainbow preachers—those LGBTIQ+ ministers who bring such zest, authenticity, and joy to the pulpit. There’s a vibrancy and a sense of real welcome that I haven’t found anywhere else. Their sermons remind me that faith is alive, that love is for everyone, and that the Spirit is still moving in new and beautiful ways.

Because I was missing that so much, I created an Online Holy Communion Platform here on the website. It features a weekly sermon (scraped from the Episcopal Church, who are wonderfully consistent about publishing new messages), and a simple order for communion you can use at home or with friends. It’s not a replacement for church, but it’s a way to stay connected to the sacred when you can’t be there in person.

And because I know I’m not the only one who misses those rainbow voices, I’ve also put together a page dedicated to some of my favorite LGBTIQ+ preachers. I hope you’ll check out The Rainbow Pulpit and find some inspiration, hope, and maybe even a little bit of that zest for life that’s been missing.

This Week’s Lectionary Readings

• 1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a
• Psalm 42 & 43
• Isaiah 65:1-9
• Psalm 22:19-28
• Galatians 3:23-29
• Luke 8:26-39

There’s a thread running through these passages—a longing for God, a sense of being on the outside, and the hope of being brought in. Elijah flees to the wilderness, feeling alone and spent, but God meets him there. The psalms are full of thirst and yearning for the living God. In Galatians, Paul reminds us that in Christ, there is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female—for all are one. And in Luke, Jesus brings healing and restoration to someone cast out by society.

Maybe you, like me, sometimes feel on the margins of church life. Maybe you’re longing for a place where you can bring your whole self, where faith meets love and acceptance. If so, know that you are not alone. God meets us in the wilderness, in our longing, and in our hope for something more.

A Blessing for the Week

May you know that you are beloved, just as you are.
May you find spaces—online or in person—where your spirit is nourished and your gifts are welcomed.
May the God who meets us in the wilderness walk with you this week, and may you feel the embrace of a community that celebrates all of who you are.

A Prayer

Loving God,
Thank you for the faithful ministers who serve your people, week in and week out.
Thank you for the rainbow voices who remind us that your love is for everyone.
When we feel tired or on the margins, meet us with your comfort and your joy.
Bless all who read these words, and draw us together in your Spirit of welcome and hope.
Amen.

Have a blessed week,
Shane