In our endeavor to promote unity over uniformity, we’ve compiled these resources that we believe will be helpful as you learn more and lean into conversations regarding our church’s decision to be a fully inclusive church for the LGBTQ+ community.
Learning Nights At Eikon
Click the video links below to watch footage from our Learning Nights hosted at Eikon to promote healthy conversations and dialogue surrounding our decision to be an inclusive church for those in the LGBTQ+ community. These nights opened with a brief teaching and then opened up for Q&A from those in attendance.
*For those in the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones and allies: These nights always had a foundation of grace, trust, love, and civility—however, we also want this to be a space where people could ask any question even if it came from a place of unknowing or assumption. We encouraged all that would ask questions to speak with love and grace. But we also gave those in the LGBTQ+ community warnings in advance that some questions (though honest and well-meaning) could end up being painful and triggering. Our church leaders are doing their best to engage in the work of conciliation and is not necessarily your work that you must feel obligated to do. Please take proper consideration when viewing.
General Resources
- Six Christian Viewpoints in the LGBTQ+ Conversation
We found this to be an extremely helpful resource adapted from Larry R. Holben that outlines 6 possible viewpoints from which to view LGBTQ+ conversations from. Instead of it being framed in a “for or against’ perspective, this puts those viewpoints on a broader spectrum that aids in conversation. - Full Glossary Of LGBTQ+ Terms
Many people refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity because they are unsure of what to say or are afraid of saying the wrong thing. After all, language around gender, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression can shift rapidly. This glossary was written to give adults the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more comfortable. - The Reformation Project
The Reformation Project is an organization that envisions a global church that honors Scripture and fully affirms LGBTQ+ people. They exist to inform Christians about the biblical case for LGBTQ+ inclusion, engage individuals through outreach and advocacy, and help reform the church to become a place that is fully inclusive. On their site they have more information and resources along with opportunities to get involved. - Q Christian Fellowship
Q Christian Fellowship cultivates radical belonging among LGBTQ+ people and allies through a commitment to growth, community, and relational justice. Q also has its own resources pages and hosts an annual conference. - Sanctuary For All
Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization that helps churches and individuals from a variety of theological perspectives welcome the LGBTQ+ community through bridges of conversation, worship, and story.
Books From Authors Who Hold an Affirming View:
- A Letter to My Congregation by Ken Wilson
- Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs-Christians Debate by Justin Lee
- Changing Our Mind by David P. Gushee
- God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines
- Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships by James Brownson
- Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke
- Embracing the Journey: A Christian Parent’ Blueprint to Loving Your LGBTQ Child by Greg and Lynn McDonald
Books From Authors Who Hold a Traditional View:
- Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality by Wesley Hill
- People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue by Preston Sprinkle
- Love Is An Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community by Andrew Marin
- Us Versus Us: The Untold Story of Religion and the LGBT Community by Andrew Marin
- Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity by Gregory Coles
Videos and Sermons from Christians Who Are Open and Affirming:
- Reformation Project Videos (including talks from their annual conference)
- Q Christian Fellowship Videos (including talks from their annual conference)
- Danny Cortez (2 videos: his message to his Southern Baptist church & him speaking at the Gay Christian Network)
- BT Harmon of Blue Babies Pink speaking at Northpoint Nights
Podcasts, Blogs, & Media:
- Blue Babies Pink Podcast: A Christian’s story of growing up gay in the church
- How to Be a Girl Podcast: A Christian family’s story of raising their trans child
- The Liturgists LGBTQ Podcast: Open conversation about faith and the LGBTQ+ Community
- Bible for Normal People with Megan DeFranza: A conversation about intersex people, the Bible, and faith
- Carey Niewhoff Podcast interview with Aaron Harris
- Just Because He Breathes
- If I Have Gay Children: Four Promises from a Christian Pastor / Parent
- A Matter of Integrity by Steve Chalke
- A Christian Conversation Guide for LGBTQ+ Inclusion
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