Dublin Core
Title
Michelle Kanatzar
Contributor
Michelle Kanatzar
Identifier
1165
Coverage
Louisville, Kentucky (USA)
Stole Item Type Metadata
Honoree
Michelle Kanatzar
Stole Text
Michelle Kanatzar, Deacon
Metropolitan Community Church
Baptist
Louisville, KY
I always knew that I was destined to serve God in a public way. Yet, something stood in my way. I was a lesbian in a very strict Baptist church. I decided it wasn’t going to stop me from serving God. I started working with kids at only 12 years old and even decided to get my degree in Biblical Studies.
I was able to hide my identity until my mid-twenties, but was finally outed. My studies were over and I no longer could work with the kids or be a member of the church. I never felt like I had lost God, but I felt like I would never have a way to reach others.
Then, 15 years ago I found Metropolitan Community Churches. I have been able to work with kids again, interpret services, and most importantly become a Deacon of my local congregation. My story is so much like so many others that are forced out of the church that they grew up in. I am one of the lucky ones that find a place to use my gifts for the benefit of God. I pray that others may find that safe place.
Metropolitan Community Church
Baptist
Louisville, KY
I always knew that I was destined to serve God in a public way. Yet, something stood in my way. I was a lesbian in a very strict Baptist church. I decided it wasn’t going to stop me from serving God. I started working with kids at only 12 years old and even decided to get my degree in Biblical Studies.
I was able to hide my identity until my mid-twenties, but was finally outed. My studies were over and I no longer could work with the kids or be a member of the church. I never felt like I had lost God, but I felt like I would never have a way to reach others.
Then, 15 years ago I found Metropolitan Community Churches. I have been able to work with kids again, interpret services, and most importantly become a Deacon of my local congregation. My story is so much like so many others that are forced out of the church that they grew up in. I am one of the lucky ones that find a place to use my gifts for the benefit of God. I pray that others may find that safe place.
Denomination
Metropolitan Community Church
Baptist