By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Zach Rateliff

“If you welcome everyone, you’re not really a church any more,” one guest declared, setting the tone for a deep dive into what it means to be a Christian community in today’s pluralistic world.

St. Andrew Presbyterian’s Open‑Door Approach

During the discussion, Dale Huls described St. Andrew Presbyterian Church’s policy of avoiding traditional Christian creeds and prayers in worship. The goal, he said, is to ensure that non‑Christians are not excluded: “They avoid Christian prayer and creeds in worship so non‑Christians are not excluded.” This strategy has drawn both praise for its hospitality and criticism for its theological ambiguity.

Huls noted that the congregation is largely made up of agnostics and atheists, a fact that he believes stems from the church’s reputation as “not Christian.” He argued that the lack of formal doctrine creates a space where anyone can sit, but he questioned whether such a space can still be called a church.

James Tallarico’s Own Church: A Contrast

The conversation then shifted to the church where Texas legislator James Tallarico worships. Unlike St. Andrew’s, Tallarico’s congregation upholds more conventional doctrines, yet it has faced its own controversies. Huls highlighted a recent incident where the church welcomed back a lesbian member, describing the move as “radical” but also emphasizing the congregation’s willingness to extend hospitality without endorsing the lifestyle.

When asked about the theological implications, Huls quoted Tallarico’s pastor: “Religion should lead you deeper into your own life.” He added that Tallarico believes Christianity points to Jesus, not to personal preferences, reinforcing a more traditional evangelical stance.

The Bible’s Guidance on Worship and Community

Both guests returned to Scripture to anchor their arguments. Huls cited the Lord’s Prayer as an instructional guide, emphasizing that “Our Father who art in Heaven” directs worship toward the triune God. He argued that true Christian worship must include acknowledgment of the Trinity, a point he felt St. Andrew’s practice sidesteps.

In contrast, Tallarico’s camp appears to prioritize love of neighbor over doctrinal purity, echoing Jesus’ command to “love your neighbors.” Huls warned that without a clear doctrinal anchor, churches risk becoming cultural clubs rather than faith communities.

Responsibility and Action for Believers

The hosts challenged listeners to consider their own role in shaping church culture. One caller suggested that “God’s going to do what God’s going to do,” to which Huls responded, “You have some level of responsibility. Free will comes with choice.” He urged Christians to move from passive attendance to active discipleship, citing the biblical call to “confess your unrighteousness and be made righteous” (1 John 1:9).

Huls concluded with a personal note, describing his own small‑group ministry that “operates in the authority of the Holy Spirit without pride and arrogance getting in the way.” He framed this as a model for believers who want to engage the world without compromising core doctrine.

In the end, the dialogue on The Zach Rateliff Show left listeners with a clear tension: the desire to be welcoming versus the need to stay rooted in biblical truth. As churches across the nation grapple with cultural shifts, the question remains whether inclusivity can coexist with a firm theological foundation.

The full episode of The Zach Rateliff Show is available on OBBM Network TV.