If the Church Has Hurt You Before

At Goddard United Methodist Church, we know that for many people the word "church" does not feel comforting.
 
It feels complicated.
Or heavy.
Or painful.
 
Some of you were judged.
Some were excluded.
Some were silenced.
Some were told God was disappointed in you.
Some were harmed spiritually, emotionally, or relationally.
 If that is part of your story, we want to begin here:
 
We are deeply sorry.
 
Not as a strategy.
Not as branding.
But because harm done in the name of Jesus contradicts the heart of Jesus.
 
You are not weak for struggling.
You are not faithless for questioning.​
You are not alone.

A Personal Word From Us

We see you.
We hear you.

​And if you ever choose to step toward church again, we want to be different.

​No pressure.
No fixing.
Just Presence.

Who We Are

At Goddard UMC, our identity is simple:

Embracing All People.
Resisting Judgment.
Championing Love.
 
That is not a slogan to us.
It is a commitment we are continually learning to live.

Embracing All People
We believe every person bears the image of God. You are not a problem to solve. You are a person to honor.

Resisting Judgment
We reject shame-based faith. We resist the impulse to reduce people to labels, politics, or assumptions.

Championing Love
Jesus taught us that love of God and love of neighbor is the center of everything. We are committed to that way — even when it stretches us.

We are not perfect.
We are still growing.
But this is the direction of our hearts.

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FAQs

Is it wrong that I have doubts?
No. Doubt is not disqualifying. Honest questions have always been part of authentic faith.
What if I’m angry at God?
God is not fragile. Many biblical prayers are raw and unfiltered. Your honesty is welcome.
Do I have to agree with everything to belong?
Belonging does not require uniformity. Growth takes time. Faith is a journey, not a test.
What about people who have felt excluded? including LGBTQ+ individuals?
We believe dignity is not up for debate. You are not a project. You are not an issue. You are a beloved human being.
Can I come back slowly?
Yes. At your pace. Or simply observe. There is no spiritual stopwatch here.

Initial Steps

If You’re Not Ready for Church
That’s okay.
 
Sometimes healing starts outside a sanctuary.
 
We can point you toward:
  • Trauma-informed counseling resources
  • Scripture passages centered on grace
  • Spiritual practices that reconnect without pressure

If this is you, please call the Goddard UMC office at (479) 785-1415 or at [email protected]
If You Want to Ask Something
You can submit a question anonymously.
You can share part of your story.
You can tell us what hurt.
 
We will not argue.
We will not shame.
We will not add you to a list without permission.

    Anonymous Question Form

A Gentle Invitation

If one day you decide you’d like to:
Sit quietly in the back
Be connected with church members who may have had similar hurt.
Meet with the pastor privately

You are welcome.
 
We worship on Sundays at 10:50am.
And if you are not ready, we understand.
Because healing takes time.
​
And love does not rush.
In the meantime, feel free to check out one of our previous church services, including the tone and focus of the sermon.

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