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The GLAD Alliance Needs Your Support

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The GLAD Alliance Needs Your Support

The GLAD Alliance is working to to build a church where a place is set at the table for people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations. Much has been accomplished this year: The passage of GA-1327 “Becoming a People of Grace and Welcome to All” at the General Assembly in Orlando; More and more ministries have declared themselves Open & Affirming, including the first O&A Disciples Seminary, Brite Divinity School, in September; and GLAD has called Rev. Dr. Mark Johnston as Executive Director of the Open & Affirming Ministry Program, GLAD’s first ever full time staff person.

And the work continues.

Dr. Johnston tells us that GA-1327 has started many conversations across the church. He’s been invited to participate in those conversations with pastors in Texas and at the Central Rocky Mountain Regional Assembly. He’s working on getting more invitations to participate in these conversations. And he is working to bring more Building an Inclusive Church workshops to Disciples congregations, a training that enables congregations to engage a thoughtful and grace filled Open & Affirming process.

Karen Barr, GLAD Alliance Council Moderator, reports that ongoing pledges to GLAD are currently funding about half of current needs.

“I’ve been hearing about many Disciples congregations and schools that are ready to become O&A – but they don’t know how to get there” says Dr. Johnston. “GLAD has resources to help them get there gracefully, without division and conflict. Most of our pastors don’t know that these resources are available. I’m working to share these tools and resources with our congregations and their leaders.”

Dr. Johnston was also quick to point out GLAD’s new website where important information about the Open & Affirming Ministry Program is easy to find along with other resources, news from GLAD, and stories from members of O&A congregations.

“Since I’ve been called to this ministry GLAD has resumed monthly publication of Crossbeams and created a new website,” Dr. Johnston tells us. “But more important, GLAD is now able to cultivate relationships and share resources with pastors, elders and members across the denomination. These relationships are especially vital among Disciples, and this is where the change happens.”

And here’s where you come in. To continue the work of building a church where all are welcome at the table,  GLAD needs your support.

Speaking about GLAD’s need for financial support, Karen Barr, GLAD Alliance Council Moderator, reports that “The GLAD Council and Mark together took a leap of faith when he accepted our call. We believe that the membership will step up and contribute to this work that is so important to all of us. However, ongoing pledges to GLAD are currently funding about half of current needs. One time contributions and funds that GLAD has in the bank are covering the rest. We very much need members to join and to contribute for this ministry to continue.”

Here’s how you can partner in this ministry:

  • Go to GLAD’s Membership Contribution page and join GLAD today. While there, consider making a contribution over and above the suggested minimum. Making an ongoing monthly or quarterly pledge helps GLAD budget for the future.
  • After you join GLAD, invite three of your friends to do the same.
  • Then, ask them to ask three of their friends!
  • Speak with the elders or council in your congregation and include a contribution to GLAD in your church’s mission and outreach budget.
  • Then – post your support on your Facebook page. Let your friends know that you support GLAD and encourage them to do the same!

Finally, Dr. Johnston emphasized “I’m here to help. Get in touch with me if you think it’s time for your congregation to be having a conversation about becoming Open & Affirming, and be sure to check out the information on the GLAD website.”

Dr. Johnston invites you to contact him at mark@gladalliance.org or 317-721-5230.