What the Church of God Was and What It Could Be - A Conversation with Rick Vale

In this episode of CHOGAffirm Conversations, we talk with pastor, writer, performer, and lifelong Church of God son Rick Vale. Rick reflects on his deep roots in the Church of God, his journey toward understanding and accepting himself as a gay man, and the faith that sustained him through it. The conversation also explores Rick’s approach to Scripture, the role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation, and his hope for a church able to welcome LGBTQ+ people into the fullness of Christian life and community. He closes with words for LGBTQ+ young people, those who have left the church behind, and Church of God leaders considering what inclusion requires. CHOGAffirm advocates for LGBTQ+ affirmation and freedom of conscience within the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana). Learn more at chogaffirm.com. If this conversation matters to you, a comment, like, or subscription helps others find it. Intro/outro music is Golden Sunrise (Instrumental Version) by Josh Woodword, used under CC-BY license.