**So sad I need to make this post.**
I've been attending Capital for over 12 years. When I first came, I heard a sermon on the Beatitudes--something I had never heard before--and it was life changing. Not long after, I was baptized there, feeling such a strong presence of love and a clear direction of "Jesus for the People."
Sadly, that no longer feels like the reality. When MAGA/politics started surfacing in the pulpit, the church's mission of reaching *all people* seemed to decline. I used to feel safe going to church, but now it feels more like a Christian nationalist rally. At one point, there was even a meeting about who to vote for--which of course leaned MAGA. I personally don't care about someone's individual political views, but I do not believe the pew is the place for politics.
There are still amazing pastors here--like Pastor Mark and Pastor Rob--who are not politically driven but faith-driven. They are loving, open, and don't form cliques of popularity. And there are still so many kind and loving people in the church. But sadly, the overall leadership has become more political, cherry-picking scripture and thumping the Bible about pro-life, gender issues, and political affiliations.
I want *Jesus* and a community that loves people, *all people*. Instead, it feels less like a relationship with Jesus and more like religious leaders pushing an agenda. My heart is broken because the focus has shifted. They have become no different from many of the churches they once claimed to be different from.
They've lost sight of Jesus. They've become modern-day Pharisees. read more