As a very long-time member of the Windermere Union Church congregation, I can say with confidence that Pastor Brad is one of the most refreshing and intellectually fearless leaders I’ve ever met. From his very first Sunday here, it was clear that this was not going to be a place of dogma or guilt, but of open dialogue, and real discredited all of the traditional and fundamental church beliefs I grew up with. I’ve attended many churches over the years, and too often the message is about rigid faith-based belief systems. Pastor Brad breaks that mold completely. What I appreciate most is Pastor Brad’s openness willingness to always talk about his own journey. His messages every week are really upfront about not necessarily believing that Jesus is literally the Son of God, and that the Bible isn’t some untouchable, divine manuscript. Instead, he treats it for what it really is - a fascinating collection of fairy tales, moral parables, and cultural history. That honesty is liberating. It gives those of us who have wrestled with traditional faith-based Christianity our whole lives permission to breathe, to explore, and to be part of a church community without having to pretend we believe things we simply don’t. There’s something deeply authentic about a pastor who regularly even hints that he is not even really sure if God exists. But if he does in some form (or if there is more than one God, something else he has discussed), he’s not some old man with a beard in the sky handing out blessings and punishments. That lack of certainty is a strength, not a weakness. It opens the door to conversations about meaning, ethics, and purpose that aren’t bound by fear or superstition. It’s a rare gift to have a spiritual leader who doesn’t demand conformity, but encourages exploration. Pastor Brad has been a nice change as he weaves in philosophy, literature, history, and personal stories to spark discussion rather than dictate “the truth.” While this honesty is not for everyone, and we have lost a lot of our long time members, both for our pastor and by mixing more popular secular mainstream music into our services, I know that we will soon be thriving again precisely because of this openness and honestly about faith and the church. I’m so happy that our specific United Church of Christ (UCC) church has broken away and gone its own direction and now focuses simply is on living meaningful, compassionate lives, and not on checking the right theological boxes. For those who don’t care for traditional or old fashioned religion, this church is for you. For those who are curious but skeptical or who simply want a community grounded in critical thinking, this is the place. I’ve never once been told what I “must” believe. Pastor Brad is proof that you don’t have to believe in a literal, miracle-working God to be a good person. That’s what makes this place so special, and why I’ll keep coming back. If you’re looking for a church that values truth-seeking over tradition, and questions over easy answers, I can’t recommend this place enough. Pastor Brad and the whole church leadership team is doing something truly unique here.