In the weeks since Wilshire Baptist Church voted to grant full membership to LGBT individuals, the Lakewood church has found support from other congregations and the community.

Senior Pastor George Mason leads Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas. (File Photo/Staff)

Senior Pastor George Mason said Wilshire has lost some members since the Nov. 14 vote to permit all members to participate in congregational life equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Many who left were "dear friends, faithful people who helped to build our church over decades," Mason said.

But the vote has also helped attract new members to Wilshire, he said.

By adopting the policy, which rejects the official position of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Dallas congregation effectively severed ties with the organization after 65 years of "harmonious cooperation."

The church has also received letters and calls from churches across North Texas and the nation, and from many different denominations expressing support of Wilshire's decision.

Royal Lane Baptist Church, which described itself as a "spirit-led, inclusive church," reached out to Wilshire last month.

"It will be a challenging journey ahead with tense reconciliation among members and strained institutional relationships," it wrote in a letter. "But as one of our longtime members said, 'In retrospect, it was a tremendous blessing that brought new energy, new members, and a deeper sense of authenticity to Royal Lane.' "

Royal Lane cut ties to Texas Baptists and the Dallas Baptist Association in 2010, pastor Michael Gregg said.

"They were very generous with their affirmation and their desire to wish us well and see us prosper," Mason said. "What's lovely about that is that rather than churches competing with one another, it shows a desire for all of us to succeed."

The Sunday after the vote, a handful of people stood outside Wilshire with signs and a bullhorn to protest the decision. Later that afternoon, neighbors went to the church and wrote notes of affirmation outside in chalk, Mason said.

The support has been "overwhelming and very encouraging," he said.

The next weekend, about 20 neighbors showed up with posters espousing love and acceptance.

"We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and many other churches," Mason said. "We understand there are many churches that disagree with our decision, and we want them to know we wish them the best as well."