New church hopes to appeal to LGBT community
By Kim Stredney

A Phoenix man is seeking help in starting a non-denominational, affirming church that he says will appeal to the LGBT community.

Andrew Haywood, 25, said he’s started meetings of a core group and hopes to launch the church with two trial services in September and October.

The church’s name, R3 Community Church, “is based on our three core focal points — to be real, relevant and relational in everything we do as a church,” Heywood said.

“I want to be able to offer a place for the LGBT community to be able to come and worship God as they are, with no religion, no judging and no politics.”

“When I say no religion, though, what I mean is I’m not trying to say I’m holier than thou. Of course, we believe in the Bible, but we believe you can’t take it literally — seriously, but not literally. We can use certain parts and apply it to our lives, but we can’t live according to it exactly.”

Haywood is a digital film production student at Grand Canyon University, a school known for its conservative Baptist roots. He said he will be the lead pastor and directional leader and bring on a teacher/preacher and three to four volunteer staff — a children’s leader, youth leader and worship/music leader.

Services will be offered between 4 and 6 p.m. on Saturday nights, Haywood said. He also plans to do ministry outreach on Friday nights. “We will hit up gay and straight bars and tattoo shops — trying to draw people who would never think about setting foot in church,” he said
He said he wants the church to be post-modern in atmosphere and music. He’s still looking for a meeting place, but hopes to find a space in a strip mall or other non-traditional location in Central Phoenix.

“I’ve felt the calling for a while to plant a church, but I want this to be clear. I am openly gay, but this church plant isn’t a gay church. It is a progressive Christian/non-denominational church where all people from all backgrounds are welcome,” Haywood said.

“A lot of people don’t want to go to a gay church because they are so left wing and liberal it doesn’t feel like a church. I wouldn’t say we are conservative, but we are a mix of Baptist, Assemblies of God.”

To get the church started, Haywood is asking for support, including prayer, finances and meeting space.

For more information,visit www.R3phoenix.xbuild.com.