1 /5 Daniel Beck: I am 44 years old, born and raised in Aptos. I attended Twin Lakes Church for most of my childhood and some of my adulthood. I deeply love Twin Lakes Church and many of the people who attend or who are on staff.
Here are three things that some people considering attending Twin Lakes may be interested to know regarding cultural issues, Bible study leader qualifications, and views of the afterlife. Each of these things was confirmed to me recently by Lead Pastor Rene Schlaepfer.
First, it is permissible for TLC pastors to hold LGBT-affirming views.
Second, TLC imposes no requirements for the beliefs or lifestyles of any volunteer positions, including home group Bible study leaders.
Third, it is permissible for TLC pastors to hold alternative views of the afterlife, such as universalism (all will be saved) or annihilationism (the lost will cease to exist). Eighth graders who attend the private school at Twin Lakes are taught that universalism and annihilationism are viable Christian views of the afterlife alongside eternal separation.
As I pointed out to Pastor Schlaepfer, it is unclear from the "Our Beliefs" link on the TLC website what positions the church officially espouses. It contains no language about marriage and only a single phrase about the lost that is compatible with either eternal separation, universalism, or annihilationism.
I sincerely hope and pray that TLC leadership will publicly, unequivocally state where the church officially stands on these issues and whether there is any requirement for TLC pastors to align with those positions. Or, failing that, to publicly state that the church takes no positions. At least then people will better know who their shepherds are and can make informed decisions on whether TLC is the right place for them and their families.
