"Building an Inclusive Church" was held October 9 to 10, 2009 at the
Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, PA.
Several key ideas and approaches were discussed which I found very helpful in thinking through ways to build understanding and community within the church.
The focus of building inclusion was not about winning a debate, rather:
- understanding the treasure that LGBT people can be for the church
- having the integrity as a faithful community to love like Jesus loves
- connecting with some of the pain and discrimination LGBT people endure
- telling our own stories of challenge and growth to develop relationships
- encouraging open non-judgemental dialogue
- sowing seeds in the fertile ground of those who are honestly seeking to
know and willing to walk together in learning
There were many practical suggestions about connecting with people
through story telling and understanding the change process. Stages of
acceptance that churches experience were also discussed. These stages
can help demonstrate how free an LGBT person is to participate as a full
member of the community and serve as a barometer for areas of growth.
Add to all this material a hugh resource list and the great support of the
presenters and you have a wonderful learning experience.