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 daylong online program on Thursday, September 24, for pastors like you.
September 24, 2020
Learn More
The Facilitators
Fred Harrell
Senior Pastor, City Church San Francisco
Ken Fong
Retired Senior Pastor, Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles
Matthew Vines
Executive Director, The Reformation Project
About the Program
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. That’s why we launched Pastors in Process in 2019 and why we’re hosting it again virtually this year. 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. Participants will 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. After the gathering, they will be invited to join a private, closed Facebook group for Pastors in Process attendees. They will also be given complimentary access to participate in The Reformation Project’s virtual Parents in Process gathering in September, details of which will be announced soon. Many of last year’s Pastors in Process participants shared that attending our Parents in Process program was particularly helpful in providing them a window into what some of their own church members were experiencing, which is why we are offering the same opportunity to pastors again this year.
Before applying, please read our values page carefully. 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 $75 and includes the following: a one-on-one call with TRP’s Executive Director, participation in the daylong Pastors in Process gathering, access to the private Facebook group for participants formed afterward, and complimentary access to TRP’s Parents in Process gathering in September (details of which will be announced soon).
Additional team members may join for $50 per person, as we know it can be valuable for multiple leaders from the same church to participate together. Their registration will include participation in the daylong Pastors in Process gathering, access to the private Facebook group for participants formed afterward, and complimentary access to TRP’s Parents in Process gathering in September.
I’m a pastor of a church that is already LGBTQ-affirming. May I participate?
No. This gathering is specifically for pastors of non-affirming churches. But we are grateful for your support for LGBTQ Christians!
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 a fully 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.
Apply Today
Send an e-mail to with the subject line “Pastors in Process” that includes the following information:
1. Describe the current state of conversations about LGBTQ inclusion in your church.
2. Describe your alignment with each of the five values on our values page.
3. Explain why you would like to participate.
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."
2019 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.”
2019 Pastors in Process attendee
