Events

Welcoming Church Trainings - Toward a More Welcoming and Inclusive Church

A Training Resource for Congregations Affiliated with:

• Alliance of Baptists
• American Baptist Convention
• Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
• Church of the Brethren
• Community of Christ
• Mennonite Church USA
• Mennonite Church Canada

Perhaps you are a leader (lay or ordained) in a congregation which is considering becoming welcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (lgbt) persons. Perhaps you are committed deeply to helping other congregations in your denomination become more welcoming of lgbt folks. Either scenario means that this training will be very helpful to you in honing your skills and gaining more knowledge about how to help congregations through those tough conversations toward a more fully inclusive church.

What to expect from this training?

The training has been designed specifically with congregations and their leaders in mind. We will explore topics which will help you to become a more effective leader in working with congregations on issues related to human sexuality and gender identity for the purpose of helping a congregation discern God's call to become more welcoming and inclusive, particularly of lgbt persons. Topics include:

• Faith-based community organizing techniques
• Congregational conflict theory and resolution
• Managing change in congregations well
• Effective strategies for helping congregations discern the call to be welcoming
• Building relationships for change
• Dealing with difficult conversations around biblical material, stereotypes, the "b" and the "t" questions, and other areas of concern
• Opportunity to build relationships with others who share your concerns
• Personal spiritual enrichment
• Opportunity for growth and challenge
• Intense few days of hard work, laughter, and fun
• Good food

Who should come?

Anyone who is interested in seeing the Church (meaning all churches) become more welcoming, supportive and inclusive of lgbt persons. This could include:

• Lay leaders
• Ordained leaders
• Denominational or judicatory leaders
• Members who care about these issues
• Leaders and members in denominational lgbt groups

The training is supported by a grant from the Arcus Foundation to a coalition of the Affirming Disciples Alliance Inc. (GLAD - Christian Church: Disciples of Christ); Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB - American Baptist Convention & Alliance of Baptists); Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Interests (BMC); and Welcoming Community Network (WCN - Community of Christ). However, anyone from another denomination is welcome.

Connecting Families Retreat

April 17-19, 2009 at Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center, Reisterstown, MD.

Contact Rose or Bob Moyer, 215.256.0247 or rmoyer@verizon.net.