The Everybody Gospel

Why and How an Evangelical Church Journeyed from Judgment to the Inclusion of LGBTQ People

By: Francis Leeman

Narrated by: Michael J. Downey

Few issues are as controversial in the church today as the questions and debate surrounding the LGBTQ community. Pastor Fran Leeman and his church avoided all the controversy for decades and then were suddenly thrust into it. Fran boldly chose to invite his leaders and congregation into an intentional process of learning and conversation with no idea where the journey would lead. This is the story of that journey, with its revelations, twists and turns, unexpected destination. Whether you are working through these questions for yourself or trying to lead a church through these stormy seas, the story of LifeSpring Church will give you a lot to think about and offer you hope that as Christians today we can learn to love in the very ways that Jesus did. From Fran's personal honesty to his exploration of the debated Bible passages, The Everybody Gospel is a must for anyone wrestling with these issues.

©2024 Francis Leeman (P)2024 Francis Leeman

Compassion and Love

This book should be mandatory listening. I will never understand the conservative view toward LGBTQ citizens of the world . Certainly this segment of our population have loved ones in this community. Bravo for you and your church for showing inclusion. Bravo for Michael J Downey for giving an outstanding rendition of your story.

Very informative

Very interesting journey with a lot of honest conversation. Truly enjoyed the narration by Michael Downey.

An amazing journey very well spoken!

This story tells the journey of a pastor and a church through the rough waters of our current culture wars revealing a biblically based way forward to include the LGBTQ community into our churches. Neither the book nor the journey are for the feint of heart but very worth it in the end! Prepare to be challenged and moved emotionally and spiritually. Michael Downey does a masterful work in bringing Pastor Leeman’s words to life.

Exploration of LGTBQ acceptance in church

Compelling, moving, and logical exploration of LGBTQ roles in Churches, masterfully narrated.

The Everybody Gospel is a compelling testimony, Francis Leeman tells us, sharing all of his doubts, fears, and resolutions surrounding same sex couples and members of the LGBTQ community in his church. Leeman asks the hard questions and walks us through his personal journey of Christian spiritual discovery. It is a powerful story, a moving one, and meticulously logical, with many specific references to Bible verses often used to judge and hurt people. Leeman arrives at his conclusions much as I did. It can be easy to judge a group of people you don’t know, but as the story developed, relationships and caring for LGBTQ friends led to kinder, compassionate, even triumphant results. The book is a must-read for anyone struggling with affirming or fully accepting LGBTQ members in their churches. It would be helpful for family members struggling with their thoughts on the subject, especially involving gay family members or friends. 



Michael J. Downey brought this story to life in a way that made me think he was the author. I forgot he was narrating because of his personal, articulate reading style and emotive voice acting. I wept in Chapter 6 from the compassion in his voice, sharing the high suicide rates of gay young people. Throughout the book, Michael took us inside Leeman’s thoughts and into his heart. His pacing and enthusiasm made this a quick and compelling story to experience. I will be looking for more of Michael’s audiobooks. Downey is spectacular, making a great partner to Francis Leeman, telling this story.

Questions answered and a good listen!

This book is very insightful. Being raised a fundamental Baptist and being told everything we do is a sin this book has answered the same questions I’ve had for years and not just be about the LGBTQ. Michael J Downey is an awesome narrator and did an awesome job as always!