Stories, sermons, and essays on why it’s important that our affirming welcome be open.
Michael Kinnamon shared these thoughts at a recent gathering of the GLAD-PSWR chapter. As only Michael can in such a short time, he challenges us to remember our history, maintain our unity, and work for justice for all our neighbors. It is a joy to be with you for this celebration of faith and identity–and … Continue reading The Third Generation
Rev. Chuck Blaisdell, Pastor of First Christian Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, shares with us this pastoral letter recently sent to members and friends of First Christian Church. I grew up in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and remember being taught that it was a point of pride that because of our congregationally autonomous … Continue reading “Once to Every….”
Who knew that Einsteinian Relativity had something to teach us about God’s constant love? Luke 15:11-32 : The Story of the Prodigal Son 11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong … Continue reading Einstein and the Prodigal
So if your church is mostly, technically, unofficially affirming but you just haven’t taken the steps to embrace it –maybe you’ve just been waiting for a nudge?–then consider this your nudge. The time is now. Erin Wathen, pastor of Saint Andrew Christian Church in Olathe, KS, an Open & Affirming Congregation of the Christian Church, … Continue reading Get Off the Fence: Why “We Welcome Everyone” Isn’t Enough
James Brewer-Calvert, Pastor of First Christian Church of Decatur, Georgia, has begun a sermon series based on the Bible study material Hearts Unbound (which you can read about and download free here). This is the first in that sermon series, based on the Book of Ruth, delivered April 17, 2016. You can read this and … Continue reading “Hearts Unbound”
Sue Knight shared these comments at the Sunday service celebrating the first annivarsay of Johns Creek Christian Church’s decision to become Open & Affirming. Johns Creek is just outside of Atlanta, GA. Happy Open & Affirming Sunday! What a beautiful day to celebrate this historical unanimous decision a year ago to become an Open & Affirming congregation. This … Continue reading Open & Affirming Sunday at Johns Creek Christian Church
Susan Jaquith, a long-time member of GLAD, shares why Open & Affirming Ministry has been so meaningful to her and her family. At the time of my brother’s death in 2007, it was very important that our family be spared rejection by the church in a time of grief. There have been members of Capital … Continue reading The Importance of Open & Affirming Ministry to a Grieving Family
John shares how he has found a place to walk humbly, do justice, and love mercy at Downtown Disciples in Des Moines, IA.
By Rev. Tanya J. Tyler, pastor of Chalice Christian Church, London, KY, sent us this story of why it was important to one young man to find an Open & Affirming Congregation I wasn’t going to call him back. I got the message off our church’s answering machine: “I want to ask you some questions,” … Continue reading “I’ve Found My Church”
This post by Christian Piatt originally appeared on Patheos. Christian Piatt is the author of postChristian and Blood Doctrine, his first novel. He is the founder and cohost of the Homebrewed CultureCastpodcast and blogs on the Patheos Progressive Christian Channel. Follow Christian Piatt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/christianpiatt Our entire family, including my wife, Rev. Amy Piatt, and my two kids, took part in … Continue reading Five Reasons Churches Need to “Come Out” on LGBTQ Rights
These remarks on the importance of becoming an Open & Affirming congregation were offered by Rev. Mark Johnston, Ph.D., at the GLAD Open & Affirming Aftersession at the Columbus General Assembly. 7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever … Continue reading For God Is Love
This sermon was preached at Cairn Christian Church, an Open & Affirming Congregation in Lafayette, CO, on April 27, 2014. Lectionary Gospel for the Day: John 20:19-31, the Story of Doubting Thomas. “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written … Continue reading Being the Visible Body of Christ
No, I was not suicidal or depressed. However, I was hiding myself from myself, my family, and my friends. My joy, happiness, and hope were being covered by fear of a church that was silent. A church that said it believed in reconciling the whole world to God but had no voice of people who … Continue reading How GLAD Easter Writing Project Saved My Life
This sermon was written by Sharon Cantrell while she was at Central Baptist Seminary. Our scripture today comes from John. John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” And Jesus goes on to say in John 16:12-15 “I still have many things to say to you, but … Continue reading God Is Still Speaking
Tandy Wood, a member of Saint Andrew Christian Church in Olathe, KS, shared this testimony at a Welcoming Church Event in February 2014. Happy to have opportunity to talk with you today about WHAT IT HAS MEANT TO ME TO BE IN AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CHURCH. Of course, I’ll be coming from an elder … Continue reading A Welcome Part of the Whole
At a Welcoming Church Event in February 2014, William Martinie, a member at St. Andrew Christian Church in Olathe, KS, shared this testimony about the difference an openly welcoming and affirming congregation made in the life of his family. When I was a little kid I would often spend afternoons at my Grandparents’ house while … Continue reading Praying for the Wrong Thing