Our Open(ing!) & Affirming Commitment

When we say that our church is Open(ing!) & Affirming, we are making both a declaration and a promise.

We are declaring, clearly and without hesitation, that LGBTQIA+ people are fully welcomed, loved, affirmed, and included in the life of this church. And we are promising that this welcome is not static or finished, but continually growing, as we listen, learn, repent when needed, and seek to love more faithfully.

What We Mean by “Open(ing!)”

The word open matters, and the parenthetical open(ing!) matters just as much.

To be open means our doors, our ministries, our leadership, and our fellowship are not restricted by sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. LGBTQIA+ people are not guests here. You are not projects. You are not tolerated at arm’s length. You are part of the body of Christ in this place.

To be open(ing!) is to acknowledge that we are still learning. We do not pretend to have arrived at perfect language, perfect understanding, or perfect practice. We recognize that inclusion is not a box to check but a posture to maintain. As culture shifts, as people share their lived experiences, and as we continue to wrestle honestly with Scripture and tradition, we commit ourselves to growth, humility, and accountability.

Being open(ing!) means:

  • We listen to LGBTQIA+ voices, especially when they tell us how the church has harmed them.

  • We remain teachable and willing to change.

  • We choose curiosity over fear and love over defensiveness.

What We Mean by “Affirming”

To affirm is to go beyond welcome.

Affirmation means we believe LGBTQIA+ people are created in the image of God, loved by God, and called by God, just as they are. Their identities are not mistakes to be corrected or obstacles to faithfulness. They are part of God’s good creation.

Affirmation shows up not only in words but in practice:

  • LGBTQIA+ people are invited into the full life of the church.

  • Their relationships, families, and callings are respected.

  • They are not asked to hide parts of themselves to belong here.

We affirm because we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news for all people, not just some.

Why This Matters to Us

We are guided by Jesus’ consistent movement toward those who were excluded, marginalized, or pushed to the edges of religious life. Again and again, Jesus chose relationship over rule-keeping, compassion over condemnation, and love over fear.

We also acknowledge the real harm that churches, including Baptist churches, have caused LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. Silence, rejection, and exclusion have left deep wounds. Being Open(ing!) & Affirming is one way we seek to live differently and faithfully, not perfectly, but honestly.

How This Commitment Takes Shape in Our Community

Our Open(ing!) & Affirming identity is not symbolic. It is lived out in tangible ways:

  • Pride Festival Presence: Each year, we host a booth at the local Pride Festival as a visible sign that faith and full inclusion are not incompatible. We show up to celebrate, listen, and stand alongside our LGBTQIA+ neighbors — including our much anticipated “Glitter Blessing!”

  • Partnership with Pride of Morehead: We are honored to partner closely with Pride of Morehead by hosting their monthly meetings and events. Our building is not just a place of worship, but a shared community space.

  • MoreLove Partnership: We proudly support and partner with MoreLove, an LGBTQIA+ affirming organization led by members of our own church. Their leadership reflects our belief that LGBTQIA+ voices belong not just at the table, but in leadership.

  • Ongoing Education and Conversation: We continue to learn through study, dialogue, and relationship, knowing that faithful inclusion requires ongoing attention and care.

What You Can Expect If You Visit

If you are LGBTQIA+ and wondering whether this church is safe for you, we want to be clear:

You are welcome here.

You will not be pressured to explain yourself, defend your identity, or conform to someone else’s expectations. You are free to worship, serve, ask questions, and belong at your own pace.

If you are not LGBTQIA+, but are seeking a church committed to love, justice, and growth, you are also welcome here. We believe following Jesus calls all of us to expand our understanding of love and neighbor.

A Living Commitment

Our Open(ing!) & Affirming statement is not a finish line. It is a living commitment that shapes who we are becoming.

We will keep learning. We will keep listening. We will keep opening our doors wider.

Because we trust that God is still at work, drawing the circle of love ever larger—and inviting us to follow.