Exploring a Wide(r) Welcome: Resources for Going Deeper and What’s Next
AllianceQ – the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance and Executive Director + Minister Melissa Guthrie Loy
Where do we go from here?
I get paid to answer people’s questions with questions; my role – and yours too, really – is to nurture the next question. Why answer questions with questions? A). I don’t have the answers. B). The context matters. Your context – your story – matters. AllianceQ resources and tools are helpful when used intentionally and organically in each context; nothing is prescriptive but instead invitational.
To write the next chapter, we examine our histories. What has worked well? What didn’t work at all? Who was involved? Who is missing from the story?
The mission of AllianceQ – the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance – is to build a just and inclusive church; we lift up and we center marginalized voices. Disciples are most familiar with our resources for Open & Affirming Ministry; with ecumenical partners we provide Building an Inclusive Church trainings. We accompany churches and organizations on a welcoming journey, one that never ends; equipping them to shape communities of authentic welcome and belonging where every body is honored in the body we call the church.
What are the values of your faith community? What makes your church special? What draws people to the church and keeps them there? What does the general public say about the church or organization? In your public proclamations, does your ministry say what it means and mean what it says? Do actions give life to your words?
Check out this article: Say what you mean and mean what you say, why and how O&A
Watch this four-minute video from Alysha Laperche: Why O&A, The Power of Naming
We’re invited to pursue deeper relationships with one another and new relationships with neighbors. We’re all invited to examine our definitions of family and community. May we ask hospitable questions to learn about one another, may we engage gracefully with one another, may we seek connection. May we care for each other. May we strive to bridge differences and celebrate diversity. May we shape communities of authentic welcome and belonging.
Resources + Tools for the Journey
- This Northern Lights Shining a Light on the Table Event Handout, Building an Inclusive Community Overview
- The Building an Inclusive Church Congregational Assessment Tool
- Our Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit Overview: Tips, Suggestions, Resources
- Most used resource: The Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit
- A 45-minute video overview of the welcoming journey, Open: Exploring a Wide(r) Welcome
- All the videos on our YouTube Channel
- Perhaps you want to communicate your interest in attending a Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit Training. Complete this INTEREST FORM to let us know when you would consider attending a virtual training.
- Follow our events and news here: http://disciplesallianceq.org/happenings/
Some highlights:
- Bi+ Pride Awareness Week September 16-23
- Virtual Pulpit Supply featuring Reconciliation Ministry’s Rev. April Johnson, September 26, 2021
- Drag Queen Bingo hosted by Gateway ONA, October 2, 2021 (tickets are limited)
Thank you for being part of widening the welcome.
Melissa@disciplesallianceq.org
Regional Contact Rev. Laura Jean Allen, AllianceQ Secretary and Pastor at First Christian Church Helena laurajean@fcchelena.org