We have quite a few new folks here, so I wanted to explain where this online resource of tools and encouragement for your faith journey got its name.

It’s rooted in my belief that a faith that wrestles with questions will always be stronger than one that never asks any.

The title itself comes from the welcome I have given at every worship service I’ve presided over since I began my career in congregational ministry.

Welcome to _____________________ church.

Welcome if you’re worshipping with us for the first time.

Welcome if you’ve been here many times, and

Welcome if you’ve been worshipping here your entire life.

Welcome to young and to old and to all races and ethnicities.

Welcome to singles and to couples and to families of all shapes and sizes.

Welcome to believers and to doubters,

And a special welcome to Doubting Believers.

Welcome if your heart is happy, and welcome if it is weighed down with sadness

Welcome if your entire being is bursting with gratitude, and welcome if it feels something is trying to suck the life right out of you.

Welcome if you’ve got it all together ,and welcome if you are in danger of falling apart at any moment.

Whoever you are and whatever brought you here today, this is God’s house.

Come and worship just the way you are.

Everyone is welcome here.

And while Doubting Believer has no physical location, know that you are welcome with your questions and your doubts, with your joys and your sorrows, with your hurts and celebrations. Everyone is welcome here.

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Rev. Anne Russ is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently based in New York City. Doubting Believer provides tools and encouragement for the rollercoaster ride of your faith journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. You can also follow on TikTok. Get emails to keep up with all that is happening.