Pastors in Process
Are you the pastor of a non-affirming church who wants to move the conversation on LGBTQ inclusion forward in your congregation?
Do you need tools, guidance, and support as you discern your next steps?
If so, you are not alone. And we’re offering a private, pre-conference program for pastors just like you.
Nashville, Tennessee
Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville South Cool Springs
October 26, 2023
Learn More
Past Facilitators
We’ve heard from many pastors of non-affirming churches who feel isolated and under-equipped as they seek to foster a more inclusive posture toward LGBTQ Christians in their churches, and we are looking forward to this opportunity to help to change those dynamics.
Deacon Godsey
Lead Pastor of Vintage Church in Lawrence, Kansas
Jim Conrad
Pastor of Towne View Baptist Church in Kennesaw, Georgia
Matthew Vines
Executive Director of The Reformation Project
How to Participate
If you are a pastor of a non-affirming church and are interested in attending the gathering on October 26, you can e-mail us confidentially at .
Please make the subject line of your e-mail “Pastors in Process program,” and please describe the current state of conversations around LGBTQ inclusion in your church and why you would like to participate. Please also describe your alignment with our Statement of Faith and values. Spaces are limited, and whether we are able to include you or not, your name and information will be kept private.
About the Program
Pastors in Process is a daylong, private gathering designed to support, equip, and connect pastors of non-affirming churches who want to lead their congregations to become more inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ Christians.
In the morning, participants will join our Parents in Process attendees to learn more about the experiences of their church members who have LGBTQ children. After lunch (which is provided), participants will then hear from pastors who have led their churches to become affirming, learn about the complex dynamics involved in this conversation, and connect with other pastors who are in similar positions.
Once pastors apply and are invited to participate, they will have a one-on-one call with The Reformation Project’s Executive Director, Matthew Vines, before the virtual gathering. Before applying, please read our values page carefully. Our values are love for God, love for the Bible, love for the church, monogamy and covenant, and diversity and inclusion.
We want to help churches advance LGBTQ inclusion in ways that strengthen their commitment to the authority of Scripture and to orthodox Christian theology, which is why we are specifically seeking to support pastors who are aligned with our organizational values.
FAQ
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Pastors in Process:
How much does it cost and what is included?
Registration is $35 for conference attendees and $65 for non-conference attendees. The cost of registration also includes lunch. We encourage Pastors in Process attendees to stay for the conference itself if they are able, but it is not a requirement.
I’m a pastor of a church that is already LGBTQ-affirming. May I participate?
We are grateful for your support for LGBTQ Christians, but no this gathering is specifically for pastors of non-affirming churches.
Will my name and the name of my church be kept private?
Yes. We know how sensitive these conversations are and we place a premium on confidentiality. No identifying information about participants will be shared publicly.
Do I need to be fully affirming personally in order to participate?
No, but you need to at least be open to the conversation. We are happy to dialogue with you about any theological questions you may have, but the purpose of the program is not to debate theology.
I want my church to become more inclusive, but I'm not sure about becoming affirming. May I participate?
Yes. As an affirming organization, our primary focus in this program is on equipping pastors who hope to lead their churches to become LGBTQ-affirming, but as long as you want to help your church become more inclusive of LGBTQ Christians, you are welcome to participate—even if you aren’t sure about becoming affirming.
Our Core Values
The core values that will shape this gathering (and all events hosted by The Reformation Project) are as follows:
Love for God
We seek to honor God with everything we do, with our lives and with our relationships.
Love for the Bible
We love the Bible and revere it as the Word of God, inspired by God and authoritative for Christian life and practice.
Love for the Church
We love the church, and we are compelled by our love for the church to help the body of Christ truly be the hands and feet of Jesus.
This gathering will focus on supporting pastors who are committed to upholding the full authority of the Bible in the lives of their churches.
A Trusted Resource
What Pastors Are Saying
“
Attending Pastors in Process was one of the best investments our congregation has made in the last ten years. It gave me tangible specifics to communicate with my leadership teams and wise, measured, thoughtful steps to consider as we led our church family through an in-depth conversation on human sexuality and marriage."
Former Pastors in Process attendee
“
I have participated in very few programs that are as thoughtfully attentive and practical as Pastors in Process, which is a phenomenal gift to clergy and churches. The Reformation Project is a thoroughly Christian, clearly focused, values-driven, and deeply effective organization.”
Former Pastors in Process attendee
