The Courage to Be Transformed: Church, LGBTQIA+ People, and Authentic Belonging

On October 19, Presbyterians gathered at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, Minn. for “The Courage To Be Transformed,” a Covenant Conversation focused on personal and congregational transformation. This event, jointly co-sponsored by the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, was designed to explore what it means to belong to God, especially for LGBTQIA+ people in faith communities.

The day opened with a plenary panel discussion featuring diverse church leaders sharing their experiences of creating authentically welcoming faith communities. Moderated by the Rev. Brian Ellison, the panel included the Rev. Brian Entz, the Rev. Lisa Larges and Slats Toole. Diverse workshops deepened these conversations throughout the day, offering practical strategies for churches to fully embrace LGBTQIA+ people inside and outside their walls. Topics included navigating engagement with less queer-inclusive communities, uncovering queer and trans narratives in biblical texts, expanding worship practices, and addressing the unique pastoral care needs of LGBTQIA+ Christians. Workshops were led by CNP Board members, staff and local leaders such as Jimmy Hoke, Cody Sanders, and the Rev. Anna Kendig Flores.

The event concluded in worship with expansive prayers, music and liturgy, featuring powerful preaching by the Rev. Marci Auld Glass, pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. Participants departed with renewed understanding of how to widen their church’s welcome, equipped with strategies for building authentic community where all of God’s children truly belong.

Schedule

9:00   Registration opens
9:30    Opening Plenary Session
11:00   Workshop #1
12:15   Lunch (included)
1:00   Workshop #2
2:15   Time for Reflection/Sharing/Connecting
2:45   Worship
3:30  Go in peace

Panel Discussion: What’s the Next Step?

All churches have struggled in one way or another to authentically welcome and embrace the full diversity of God’s people — and many seek to deepen their understanding and practice of inclusion.

This panel discussion featured church leaders sharing their experiences of creating authentically welcoming faith communities. Panelists unpacked both the practical “how” and the underlying “why” of intentionally including LGBTQIA+ people, particularly focusing on stories of courage leading to personal and congregational transformation. Moderated by the Rev. Brian Ellison, this panel discussion provided a foundation for the day.

Slats Toole (they/them) is a writer, musician, preacher and theater professional currently in Minneapolis, MN and serving as co-moderator of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.

The Rev. Brian Entz is a life-long Presbyterian and a native of Pennsylvania who currently lives in Minnesota where he is pastor of Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. Lisa Larges a pioneer for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). serving as the Parish Associate for Congregational Care at Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, Minn. 

The Rev. Brian Ellison has served the Covenant Network of Presbyterians since 2012, preaching, teaching and providing overall leadership in implementing the organization’s mission. 

Worship

Our time together in worship lifted up expansive prayers, music and liturgy with preaching by the Rev. Marci Auld Glass.

Marci Auld Glass is a graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Before joining Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, CA, Marci served as Pastor & Head of Staff at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho. She has served as Co-Moderator of the Board of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, Planned Parenthood’s Clergy Advocacy Board, Columbia Theological Seminary’s Alumni Board, and the San Francisco Interfaith Council. She occasionally blogs at www.marciglass.com.

Workshops

Navigating engagement with less queer-inclusive communities with Anna Kendig Flores and Alex Vaiz

Leaders will share strategies for building bridges and fostering dialogue with communities that may be less familiar or comfortable with LGBTQIA+ inclusion, offering insights on how to navigate these relationships with grace and authenticity.

The Rev. Anna Kendig Flores serves as Anti-Racism Institutional Assessment Coordinator for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.

The Rev. Alex Vaiz is a CNP Board member and the Founder and Senior Pastor of Vida Church, a Spanish speaking congregation in Sacramento, Calif.

Practical Steps for Expanding Our Welcome with Alex Hendrickson and Lora Burge

Many churches proclaim, “All are welcome,” but how can churches demonstrate that commitment in the broader community? In a truly inclusive community, participants are not just invited to the table, but empowered to help shape it. This session will offer concrete strategies for churches to fully embrace LGBTQIA+ people inside and outside the church walls.

The Rev. Alex Hendrickson serves as College Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life at Lafayette College. 

The Rev. Lora Burge serves as Family-Intergenerational Ministry Coordinator at First Presbyterian Church of Hudson, Wis.

Uncovering Queer and Trans People in the Bible with Jimmy Hoke

This workshop uncovers often-overlooked queer and trans narratives in biblical texts, offering fresh perspectives on familiar stories and characters to reveal God’s expansive love for all people.

Jimmy Hoke, M.Div., Ph.D., researches and teaches at the intersections of queer and trans studies, feminist studies, classics, and Biblical Studies.

The Presbyterian Church and LGBTQIA People with Brian Ellison

CNP Executive Director Brian Ellison will provide an overview of the Presbyterian Church’s evolving stance on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, focusing on recent developments from the 226th General Assembly and proposed amendments to the Book of Order. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the denomination’s current position and the ongoing journey towards fully welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Pastoral Care and Spiritual Formation for Queer Christians with Cody Sanders

This workshop will discuss the unique pastoral care and spiritual formation needs of LGBTQIA+ Christians.

Cody Sanders is a leader in the area of LGBTQIA+ spiritual care, writing and speaking frequently on the subject in churches and academic institutions.

Expanding our Worship with Amy Cerniglia

Church worship practices reflect the community’s deepest values and convictions. This workshop invites participants to explore how liturgy, songs, and words can convey God’s expansive love for all people. Participants will discover creative ways to craft services that authentically embrace the full diversity of God’s family.

Amy Cerniglia is a Candidate for Ministry of Word and Sacrament serving as Communications Coordinator for the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and co-directing the 2025 PAM Worship & Music Conference.