Denlinger’s views had become more Calvinistic, and he began to attend Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA), where he served as an elder. Five years ago, Denlinger helped start another Presbyterian church, Covenant Reformed (PCA)

Two topics avoided at all costs at family gatherings — religion and politics — were the ones that Rep. Gordon Denlinger (R-99th) faced head on at a community forum at Garden Spot Village Monday evening.

Denlinger began the evening talking about his own spiritual journey. With a mother who was Lutheran and a father who was Mennonite, where did the Denlinger family worship on Sundays? At a United Methodist church, of course.

He “went forward” during a revival service when he was 8. “That was the beginning of the journey of faith for me,” Denlinger told a group of more than 100 people attending the community forum.

Denlinger attended the conservative Bob Jones University, majoring in accounting. Shortly after graduation, he married and moved to Atlanta, where Denlinger and his wife connected with a Southern Baptist church.

When he moved back to Lancaster County to take a job with Graco, Denlinger’s views had become more Calvinistic, and he began to attend Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder. Five years ago, Denlinger helped start another Presbyterian church, Covenant Reformed.

“After 46 years, however, I still can’t determine if God is a Republican or Democrat,” Denlinger said.