Internal Welcome and External Witness: LGBTQ Youth Ministry

Churched youth in the LGBTQ+ community are, in many ways, like all youth: they are passionate, curious, and (we hope and pray) intrigued by the story God's love. But the road that LGBTQ+ youth have to walk is also different in a few key ways. The Church has, historically, not been welcoming towards this community. The wider community has often followed suit, leaving LGBTQ+ youth with a higher risk for depression, suicide, and other mental health challenges.

And: the unique road that LGBTQ+ youth walk also means that they have so much joy, and so much perspective to offer to others!

Please join us as we learn how we can change the historical narrative. Deacon Ross Murray will (from his decades of experience) share how churches and other organizations might endeavor to accompany LGBTQ+ youth with celebratory, welcoming, and teachable spirits. Deacon Murray will share statistics, strategies, and values that can undergird a more inclusive community of belonging for our LGBTQ+ siblings.