1776Reporting
In the heart of Hollywood, California, Pastor Drew Stever stands as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community. As one of the few openly transgender ministers within the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stever’s journey from struggling with his identity to becoming a prominent spiritual leader showcases a powerful story of resilience and acceptance.
Stever serves at Hope Lutheran Church, a congregation that has embraced him and his message of love. But his journey wasn’t easy. Reflecting on his past, Stever shared a glimpse of the inner turmoil he faced while trying to conform to a gender identity that didn’t fit. “I grew up female and in the female context, and I just never felt like that worked for me,” Stever recalled in an interview. “There were definitely times where [I thought], ‘If I can’t exist in one way, I don’t want to exist at all. I would just be better off not alive.'”
Despite the confusion and pain, there was one constant in Stever’s life—his faith. Drawn to spiritual teachings, he found solace in the church. It was while attending seminary school that he began to come to terms with his true identity. “I went into seminary as a woman, but came out not a woman,” he shared, reflecting on his transformative experience.
The moment that marked his turning point was almost divine. “There was a moment where I woke up in the morning, and the words that came to my mind were, ‘You don’t have to be angry anymore,'” Stever said. “It was almost like God just took a snowball and threw it at my face.”
Stever’s story is part of a larger narrative of progress within the Lutheran Church, which ordained its first openly transgender minister in 2015. In recent years, the church has taken steps toward becoming more inclusive of LGBTQ+ clergy and followers. While the progress is notable, Stever acknowledges that it’s a work in progress. “The church is trying so hard,” he noted, expressing optimism for a more accepting future. “I believe those who need to hear, will hear.”
His message extends beyond the walls of his church. To those who believe that scripture doesn’t allow space for transgender individuals, Stever offers a fresh perspective. “It’s hard to relate [that] to modern-day times, because it wasn’t written for 2024. It was written for then,” Stever explained. He challenges the traditional interpretation of scripture, arguing that God’s creation is far more diverse than often portrayed. “When we read in scripture that God created man and woman — yes, and God created everyone else as well.”
Stever is deeply aware of the pain the church has caused many in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those who have been turned away or felt unwelcome. His response to those individuals is one of compassion and understanding. “My first response is, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry that the church missed you,” he said. “I would say specifically to folks of color, to people living with disabilities, to LGBTQ people—you are good. Nothing is wrong with you. You are good and you don’t need the church to tell you that.”
In a world where religious rejection still weighs heavily on the LGBTQ+ community, Pastor Drew Stever’s message stands as a powerful reminder of the love and acceptance that many seek. His journey, from grappling with his own identity to leading others through their spiritual challenges, shows that the church, too, can evolve. And for those who’ve been hurt by religious institutions, Stever’s words offer healing: “You are good, and you don’t need the church to tell you that.”
Pastor Stever’s ministry continues to inspire and challenge traditional norms, bringing hope to those searching for a place where they can be themselves, free of judgment. The future of the church, much like Stever’s own journey, is one of growth, transformation, and ultimately, love.
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