Author name: AllianceQ

I pastor a church that voted five years ago to publicly identify itself as “Open & Affirming.” While, in the […]

No one can do honest discernment unless those who are most affected by the outcome are present at the table.

I grew up as a gay man trapped in the Southern Baptist body.  I’m Steven, and I love Christ Jesus! 

As both a pastor and a participant in at least two Open & Affirming Congregations in my life (so far),

My first experience of an O&A church occurred in 1995. A friend suggested that I might enjoy Pilgrim Congregational Church

I grew up in a big, shiny megachurch where the services were produced for TV and everyone was smiling all

It happens at the table.  Of course, at New Song we have kind of stacked the deck.  When we commissioned

For me, joining an Open & Affirming church was a no-brainer. As an African American and a woman, I know

For me, joining an Open & Affirming church was a no-brainer. As an African American and a woman, I know

I was asked if I believe in God and I said yes because I do not believe in chaos.  Chaos

There is welcome at the table, and there is rest for the weary and traveled soul. Not so long ago,

When I came to First Christian Church, in Lynchburg, Virginia, I, myself, was a hurting, wounded soul. My wife, Debbie,