Fifteen minutes before his first sermon Sunday, the Rev. Rick Cole reviews his notes in his office one last time.

Cole is senior pastor of Capital Christian Center, one of the largest and most conservative churches in the Sacramento area. A month before the election, today's topic is Proposition 8, the initiative banning same-sex marriage.

The pastor knows some of his congregants may not like what he is about to say.

Cole supports Prop. 8, but he is disturbed by hateful rhetoric surrounding the debate.

"And yes, sometimes, they're church people," Cole says, sighing.

While religious organizations are Prop. 8's biggest supporters, many church leaders struggle with how to address the issue from the pulpit. Cole's dilemma – he supports the ban but welcomes gays into his church – offers a glimpse of how pastors in Sacramento are dealing with the issue.

Cole, 51, who has led Capital Christian for 13 years, has been praying about this sermon for weeks. He knows he is walking a tightrope.

"I want to make it clear that I have not compromised biblical truths (about homosexuality) but I do welcome and yes, love those who disagree with me," he says.

The pastor gathers up his notes, takes a deep breath and heads toward the sanctuary for the early worship service.

Cole knows taking a stand on Prop. 8 opens him up to criticism on both sides. It won't be the first time.

Last year, he was angered by anti-gay protesters picketing in front of his church wearing T-shirts and carrying placards with hate-filled language. "Get out of here!" he said. The demonstrators taped his outburst, posted it on YouTube, and it went viral.

Cole says he received supportive messages, but he has heard from others saying he compromised biblical standards.

"There's a lot of hate out there," Cole says. "That is not what we're about."

The pastor and his staff work hard to make anyone who walks through their doors feel like guests in their home. Nearly 4,000 people attend one of the three Sunday services at the church, which is on 63 acres off Highway 50 and Bradshaw Road. In the past year, a few gay couples have started attending.

"We may not agree on everything, but we really like this church. The people here have been great," said Doug Gonzales, 38, of Elk Grove in a recent interview. He attends Capital Christian with his partner and their son, who is autistic. "We went to another church and the pastor was just angry about gays. It really turned me off."

Gonzales believes he and his partner have a right to be married. Cole says they have agreed to disagree, and he welcomes them at Capital Christian Center.

Church leaders who support Prop. 8 have their work cut out for them.

The proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage is not favored by a majority of Californians, according to a Sept. 18 Field Poll.

In that survey, 55 percent of likely voters said they would vote against the Nov. 4 ballot measure while 38 percent backed it.

Cole knows what the polls say but he believes it is his duty to speak out. "Jesus addressed the issues of his day," he says. "But he spoke with gentleness and compassion."

By listening and reaching out, Cole hopes to change the opinion many have about evangelicals. For years, Cole's father, the Rev. Glen Cole, was a leading evangelical voice in the community. The son is more moderate, saying that in recent years, a hard-line attitude turns off many people. He says he re-evaluated his church's approach, softening the rhetoric.

"We're all sinners. Too often we forget that," he says.

His sermon draws tears

Shortly after he begins his sermon Sunday, Cole tells the congregation it's time to have "a family talk."

"I'm imploring you, I'm asking you to walk with me," he says, his voice catching.

This is the traditional service, one geared for those who prefer hymns over electric guitars and want to see their pastor wearing a shirt and tie.

Cole, in his gray suit, stands in front of them and speaks from his heart. He talks about love and compassion, and he acknowledges that some congregants got upset when he publicly discussed changes at Capital Christian Center. He assures them that he hasn't compromised his core beliefs, and he announces his support of Prop. 8.

Then, he makes it clear that he believes it is his duty as a man of God to reach out with a message of love.

He mentions other sins – from adultery to greed – and says he doesn't understand why there is so much hate on one subject: homosexuality.

"Why do we want to pick on one element of society and hoodwink all the rest?" he asks.

The congregants listen. One woman sitting near the back wipes away a tear. An old man says "Yes, Jesus," out loud. Later, some in the audience applaud.

When he is done, Cole leads the congregation in prayer.

James Latanner, 51, holds his Bible on his lap during the service. Five years ago, his twin brother died of complications from AIDs. He says the pastor's speech hit home.

"I'm pretty conservative and I thought it was amazing," Latanner says. "I think it's going to change attitudes."

Zana Lensche, a congregant for 18 years, cries after the sermon, which she calls "one of the best I have ever heard."

Tony Gonzales, 79, of Sacramento went to the first service and attended the second one so he could hear it again. He says it is important for Cole to address traditionalists' concerns because "we are the foundation of the church."

Afterward, Cole says he is exhausted – and energized. He added that watching people's faces during the sermon was incredible.

"I guess what I learned," he says, "is that people want to hear a message of hope."

Call the Bee's Jennifer Garza, (916) 321-1133.