From News Release, March 9, 2016: Can Adventist congregations
create safe spaces for positive, healing, informed and authentic
conversation on a topic often ignored? A Sanctuary for Conversation: Listening, Loving, and Learning
is a three-hour workshop that helps to answer that question. Through
this workshop, congregations will be introduced to a model for engaging
in conversations that lead to clarity, hope, and healing.
This workshop responds to the Statement on Human Sexuality,
from the denomination’s North American Division (NAD). The NAD stated,
“The vital and opportune role of the Adventist Church is to educate its
members about sexuality and purity within the context of grace.”
A Sanctuary for Conversation also addresses the Call for Peace,
from the General Conference (GC). The GC stated, “There needs to be
dialogue and discussion in place of diatribe. In particular, Christians
should always be ready to ‘reason together,’ as the Bible says.”
The workshop opens with active learning activities and includes
interviews with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and
parents of LGBT children. Also, a professional psychologist defines
terms and answers questions about orientation and gender. Participants
will learn better listening skills, statistics about LGBT youth, the
difference between acceptance and agreement, and signs of safe and
unsafe churches. At the end of the workshop participants brainstorm
practical ways to transform their church into a sanctuary for Jesus and
for God’s Holy Spirit.
For more information or to purchase copies of the leader’s guide and workbook, visit OpenDialogueResources.org or email OpenDialogueResources@gmail.com.
A Sanctuary for Conversation has been tested with pastors,
youth ministries leaders and local churches. Here is some of the
feedback from people who were part of the workshop:
“I have grown because of the time I spent listening to the
presentations, discussions, and panel. As a result of this workshop, I
have taken away an understanding of how to become a better minister to
all.”
“The spirit of loving, humble discussion was filled with opportunities to sense and share God’s Holy Spirit.”
“We asked [those who attended] to become more empathetic, not to change their beliefs.” (a presenter)
“During my 27 years in Adventism, I have never seen such a spirit of
humility expressed from the leaders of the church. No one came to prove
‘I’m right, you’re wrong,’ or to ‘school’ someone else on their
theology. Instead, we all came to learn, be honest, and work together to
improve the lives of our LGBT youth.”
“If you want your church to be a true community that is loving and
compassionate, then do this workshop—it will make everyone more aware of
their humanity.” AToday
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