Building a network of support for the LGBTQ+ community in Upstate SC

These resources challenge us to become the liberated, liberating community of faith we know we can be. 

Organizations/Hotlines

Books/Other Resources

  • This I Know: A Simple Biblical Defense for LGBTQ Christians - Jim Dant

  • Ministry Among God’s Queer Folks: LGBT Pastoral Care - David J. Kundtz, Bernard S. Schlager

  • Queer Lessons for Churches on the Straight and Narrow - Cody Sanders

  • A Brief Guide to Ministry with LGBTQIA Youth - Cody Sanders

  • Faith Communities and the Well-Being of LGBT Youth - Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry

Things to Say, Things Not to Say for Pastors and People of Faith

  • Do create safe space for LGBTQ fellowship and events.

  • Be prepared and have resources, especially ones by LGBTQ persons themselves.

  • Build trust, but realize this may take time, especially if the person has been hurt by the church/pastor.

  • Be relationship-focused.

  • Find the balance between normalizing and celebrating (a person may not want their sexual/gender identity to be their defining characteristics, but they also don’t want their presence to just be tolerated).

  • Think about language - words matter. Don’t put “husband” or “wife” on forms. Instead, use “spouse” or “partner.”

  • Don’t out anyone.

  • Don’t use canned ally phrases like “born this way” unless the LGBTQ person themselves use that way of thinking about their identity.

  • Don’t go halfway - commit to being welcoming AND affirming.

  • Don’t be condescending, even if your intentions are good.