Remain Community Church Launch Support

Hi, I’m Jeremy Coleman, many of y’all may know me as “That Pastor from Oklahoma” (@pastorfromok). Over the last two years I have had the opportunity to connect with so many people who have been marginalized, hurt, or pushed aside by the American Evangelical Church. The nationalism, bigotry, abuse, misogyny, and homophobia that runs rampant in our churches looks nothing like Jesus. It is alienating to those who simply want to love Jesus and love their neighbors.

As my platform has grown I have continued to be faithful in calling the American Church into account. This has not been from the outside. I have continued to serve local churches here in my community. Sadly however, I have been dismissed from my congregation in pursuit of creating a space that is safe, loving and affirming for all.

You may have heard the stories on TikTok or even seen bits and pieces on the news. I won’t rehash all of the details, but I will say that so many established churches say they want change, only to turn around when they come to that crossroads.

While this past year has been extremely difficult for myself, my family, and my faith, I keep hearing one question…

When are you going to start a new church?

To be honest I have been leery of doing just that. I felt like we needed to fix the existing churches… not add to the problem. However, this past year has taught me that sometimes no matter how much paint you throw on the outside of a house, if the foundation is bad the paint won’t fix it.

As I was reading John 6 recently, a question that Jesus asked stuck out to me. Jesus had once again said some challenging things, but this time it caused a ton of his followers to leave. Jesus then turns to the 12 disciples and in essence asked, “do you want to leave to?”

It was here that Simon Peter answered in a way that resonated with my heart. I can almost see his body language as he says it. I imagine he looked exhausted, unsettled, but certain that he was still right where he was supposed to be.

He looks at Jesus and says, “to where else would we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Wow.

What I have come to realize is that people are hungry for that Jesus. Not the one of the American religious establishment. And while it would be easier to just walk away there are so many who want to be with the real Jesus. The Jesus of love, grace, compassion, and mercy. The Jesus who loved everyone just as they are. Despite what “religion” and the American Church has said… they want to simply Remain with Jesus.

This is why I want to start Remain Community Church. For those who just want to come as they are and be loved as they are.

Today I’m asking for your support, and trust me, I don’t ask lightly. But, starting something like this is hard, it takes prayer, determination, and resources. I can’t do this without you. Please consider donating to help get this thing off the ground and to give so many who just want to Remain with Jesus a place to be.

I love you all!

Jeremy Coleman

“That Pastor from Oklahoma”