I’m straight. I’m married. And I’m fairly certain that I’m the dad of a straight teenager. Oh, and I’m tied to numerous evangelical Christian institutions that embrace “don’t ask, don’t tell,” that really aren’t sure what to do with LGBTQ people except to keep telling them to repress their desires and inclinations and wait for God to make them all straight. So given my background, why in the world would I be sticking my middle-aged neck out to find a better way for openly LGBTQ folks and the Church to come together?

In a word: obedience. I know, I know. That’s got to sound strange, too cult-y, or perhaps just downright immature to some of you. All I can tell you is that back in January ‘07, I believe God told me to start spending whatever reputation God had allowed me to accumulate on convincing and convicting many Christians—especially in the church where I’m the senior pastor—that Jesus has always invited openly LGBTQ people to be part of his Church. That’s not the same as saying, “come and then do whatever you want,” because that’s never been the case when straight persons join a church. But it does mean everyone’s welcome to experience unexpected grace and hospitality and to somehow all be changed in the process.

So I was already several years into this risky personal and pastoral journey when a few folks got together with me and suggested that this was important enough that my journey should be recorded and shared with a much wider audience. Honestly, even though I was persuaded, the thought of my being ‘outed’ as not-your-typical-anti-gay-Evangelical-pastor scared the pants off me. Heck, I’m so close to the end of my pastoral career that I can see the finish line now. I should be coasting safely to a stress-free finish, not risking my hard-won reputation on an issue that has only divided the Church and ruined other pastors’ careers.

Oh wait. I already told God that I was willing to risk my reputation on this issue. Never mind.

If you agree that we can’t stay where we are on this issue, then I hope you’ll be part of looking for a better way forward. Once we make this movie, we hope it will be shown in film festivals, in denominational gatherings, on college campuses, in local churches, and even on PBS. But we can only make this film if enough of you join us in this effort. I hope you will.

Rev. Dr. Ken Fong
Senior Pastor
Evergreen Baptist Church of LA

With the $50,000, we will be able to ensure the following:

• All preliminary filming
• Production crew labor
• Equipment and space rental
• Travel expenses for location shoots
• Graphic design and promotion materials
  
  

Here's a sneak peek of some of the perks:

The initial film poster! Yours will be signed by Pastor Ken Fong himself.

Collectible booklet featuring Ken Fong's personal photography as well as his personal thought process which contributed to his decision to make this documentary:
Below is the full list of perks for your contribution!

• $10 - Social media shout out!
• $25 - Credit/shout outs (film & imdb)
• $50 - Digital download/DVD + all of the above
• $100 - Signed poster + all of the above
• $500 - Collectible booklet + all of the above
• $1000 - Invitation to first private screening + all of the above
• $5000 - Dinner with Ken and crew + all of the above 

The Crew: Christopher Wong (Co-Director), Christopher Min (Co-Director), Marsha Lee (Producer) Ken Fong (Producer), Elisa Oh (Associate Producer) and Cindy Mai (Designer)