Olivia A Phillips

Becoming Community Olivia A Phillips

How we minister matters--especially to those who have already been hurt by the church. Instead of ministering out of God's love and compassion, the church has often ministered to the Queer community out of a deep-rooted fear. Why do we administer hatred instead of allowing the balm of the Holy Spirit's tender care to define our actions? The integrity of the gospel message has been hurt by the way many of us have wielded the power we have been given. Becoming Community is a call for us to renew our Christian commitment to social responsibility and justice as a primary focus of the church. We must challenge the practices and visions which we hold most important in our communities. Are our ministries truly inclusive to all who would seek to find solace at the feet of Christ? Regardless of whether a person might adopt a philosophy of affirmation or denial of queer practices as God-honoring, one trait must remain in our response: inclusion. Without intentionally inclusive language, care, and practice, can the church live up to the higher calling that we have been given? Is it possible for every individual to be genuinely included in our communities?