Jesus & Disney: A Gospel Conversation in the Middle of the Magic

Jesus & Disney: A Gospel Conversation in the Middle of the Magic | Pastor Richard Blue

By Rev. Dr. Richard Lee Blue, Jr. • St. James Lutheran Church, Greenfield, IN

A Surprising Neighbor in the Queue

The park hadn’t even fully come to life yet. My family and I were still rubbing the sleep from our eyes and taking in the music, color, and bustle. In those first minutes, we chatted with the woman beside us about what we do for work. She said she’s a military spouse who stays home with her kids, and I mentioned that my wife and I both serve as pastors. As the line moved and the conversation deepened, she suddenly confided, almost like she was testing the water, “I’m a pagan. My brother is gay. We used to be Catholic.”

It was one of those moments you don’t script. I sensed the Holy Spirit’s nudge—not to argue, but to bear witness. “Thank you for trusting me with that,” I replied. “As a pastor, I want you to hear this from a voice of the church: Jesus loves you. He knows your story. He pursues people in real places—yes, even in a theme-park line.”

1 Peter 3:15 — “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Her eyes softened. She told me later that she was grateful to hear love rather than contempt from someone who represents the church. Right there between stanchions and strollers, God gave us holy ground. Before we boarded that ride we had exchanged not only names but the seeds of the gospel.

Our Conversation Continues

Her honesty invited honesty. She explained what it’s like to raise children while her spouse serves in the military, and how she’s wrestled with faith since leaving the Catholic Church. I shared about our call to ministry and how grace is a gift, not a burden. Together we marveled at the unlikely grace of having this exchange in a place designed for thrills and escape.

She thanked me for speaking plainly yet kindly. In that moment I was reminded again that the cross isn’t confined to church walls. The gospel goes wherever we go, ready to redeem the ordinary.

What I Shared (and Why)

I didn’t start with a debate. I started with a Person. When she asked what I believe about marriage and identity, I answered plainly and kindly, but only after telling her why there’s any hope for sinners like me and you. Tone matters just as much as content.

Start with the Center

The gospel isn’t a culture-war slogan; it’s the news of a Savior. I shared the center first: Jesus died and rose for sinners—people like me and you.

John 3:16–17 — God so loved the world… not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Grace Before Ethics

We talked about how belonging to Christ comes before behaving like Christ. Jesus meets us where we are, then leads us where we need to go. You can’t legislate a heart change; you have to encounter love first.

Romans 5:8 — “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Truth in Love

As a traditional, conservative pastor I answered plainly about marriage and identity: we hold to historic Christian teaching. But conviction doesn’t cancel compassion. We speak truth in love, never with scorn.

Matthew 19:4–6 — Jesus affirms God’s design in creation—“male and female”—and the covenant of marriage.

Conviction doesn’t cancel compassion. We speak truth in love, never with scorn (Ephesians 4:15).

Pastoral note: Every person you meet bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Dignity first. Then dialogue. Then, as God opens doors, discipleship. In these moments prayerful presence matters more than having all the answers.

How Jesus Talked with People

When you open the Gospels you see Jesus engaging a range of people—religious insiders, the hurting, the skeptical, and the overlooked. The point isn’t an exact percentage; it’s that His heart is wide. He had time for outcasts and Pharisees alike, and He never compromised truth to do it.

Illustrative breakdown based on gospel narratives: Jesus engages the hurting and outcasts, the everyday crowd, and even religious leaders—with compassion and truth.

Three Gentle Steps to Share Jesus Anywhere

See the person, not the position. Ask a simple question. Listen well. People aren’t projects.
Lead with the gospel. Jesus’ love and cross come before every other conversation (Mark 2:17).
Offer a next step. “Could I pray for you?” “Would you join us this Sunday?” Give a clear invitation.

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Scriptures for the Park (or the Grocery Line)

Luke 15 — The Father runs to prodigals and pleads with older brothers. God’s heart is for the lost.

John 4 — Jesus dignifies the Samaritan woman, names truth, and offers living water.

John 8:1–11 — “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” Grace and transformation together.

Matthew 28:18–20 — Our marching orders: make disciples, baptizing and teaching everything Jesus commands.

Reflections on Holy Ground

As we made our way through the park that day, I kept thinking about how Jesus met people in the ordinary rhythms of life. He taught in synagogues and on hillsides, but He also spoke at dinner tables and along dusty roads. A ride line in Florida is no less sacred when God is present.

That conversation reminded me that the gospel is not an argument to win but a gift to give. People aren’t spreadsheets to fill out or projects to complete; they are neighbors, each carrying a story. Our role as disciples is to listen, to love, and to point to Jesus. The Holy Spirit does the heart work.

What She Heard from a Voice of the Church

She told me she was grateful—grateful to hear that God’s posture toward her is love, that the church can speak with a steady voice and a soft tone. I didn’t hide what I believe about Jesus, sin, salvation, or marriage. I also didn’t hide the way He looks at people: with compassion and invitation.

Mark 10:21 — “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him…” Love tells the truth and refuses to throw stones.

Come and See

Maybe you’ve been away from church. Maybe you carry questions, wounds, or doubts. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you come. Bring your story. I’ll bring mine. We’ll open the Scriptures and meet Jesus together.

Plan Your Visit St. James Main Site

St. James Lutheran Church • Greenfield, Indiana • “Living Together in Authentic Community as a Family of God.”

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for putting people in our path. Give us eyes to see, ears to listen, and courage to speak truth in love. Let our conversations—whether in pews or in theme-park lines—point to Your cross and empty tomb. Amen.

I’m a traditional, conservative Christian pastor. Upholding historic Christian teaching—including marriage as taught by Jesus in Matthew 19—does not require cruelty or contempt. Every person I meet is someone for whom Christ died. My aim is to speak clearly and love deeply.

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