SNEAK PEEK – Messy Grace by Caleb Kaltenbach
Sometimes, grace gets messy.
Click here to download chapter one of Messy Grace.
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 family members who identified as LGBT, Caleb had to face this issue with courage and grace.
Messy Grace shows us that Jesuss command to love your neighbor as yourself doesnt have an exception clause for a gay neighboror for that matter, any other neighbor we might find it hard to relate to. Jesus was able to love everyone without compromising truth. So can we. Even when its messy.
Caleb Kaltenbach came out to his parents. This is the story of that coming out. Only this time, its was a Christian teen coming out to his gay parents. The book combines undeniable experiences with clear biblical arguments. Add the gracious tone throughout and you have a powerful book.
Mark Dever, pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC, president of 9Marks.org
Messy Grace is an important contribution to the conversation about sexual identity for churches and leaders. Caleb’s story is surprising and unique, and he weaves it together compellingly. He states his views clearly, leaves room for disagreement, and champions love no matter where you are in this conversation.
Jud Wilhite, Sr. Pastor, Central Christian Church