Welcome and Inclusion

WELCOME AND INCLUSION

Consensus Statement  (Affirmed, First Baptist Church of Asheville Worship Service, Pentecost Sunday, June 9, 2019)

“To all who mourn and need comfort – to all who are weary and need rest – to all who are friendless and wish friendship – to all who are homeless and wish sheltering love – to all who pray and to all who do not, and ought – to all who sin and need a savior, and to whosoever will – this church opens wide the door and makes free a place, and in the name of Jesus, the Lord, says welcome” (reaffirmed, First Baptist Church of Asheville bulletin, 1938).

As new creations in Jesus Christ, and as priests to one another, we joyfully proclaim the sacred worth of all people, and we welcome all as beloved children of God, whatever their age, race, physical or mental ability, gender, level of education, marital status, economic circumstance, sexual orientation, and religious background, to participate in all aspects of the life and ministry of our congregation.

Those who profess faith in the God of Jesus Christ, who are members of our congregation, and who are called by the Spirit to use their unique gifts for the building up of the body of Christ, may share in the graces of church membership over a lifetime, including baptism, the Lord’s Supper, marriage, parent-child dedication, deacon ordination, ordination to Gospel ministry, teaching, and pastoral care”.

Charge to the Congregation

For generations, we have aspired to welcome all, hoping that those who come will find love, friendship, and grace.  We charge the congregation to continue to read and study Scripture together, listen to one another’s stories, and pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We encourage everyone to seek out the rich stories in our congregation, for they are gifts from God. As we listen to one another, may we deepen our friendships and experience God in new ways.

While our Baptist distinctive of the freedom of conscience makes room for differing views on faith, our highest calling is to embody Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one…so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).  May all people know that we are Christians by our love, as we live the way of grace and the mission of unity in Christ.

Statement to the Community

Our congregation celebrates the Welcome and Inclusion Statement of the First Baptist Church. But what does it mean? The statement rejoices in the image of God found in each person, including every soul that might name the letters LGBTQ+ in one part of their life’s story. We are a fellowship that celebrates beautiful belonging to God and one another, a gathering in which we joyfully proclaim the SACRED WORTH of all people.

It is fair to ask, “What does this really mean for me as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?” People of faith have not always been kind or open or accepting. The statement really means YES! It is an enthusiastic invitation to explore faith, to worship and pray, to celebrate marriage, to share in leadership and ministry of the church, to find one’s best path as a follower of Jesus. That’s it! No other qualifications or boundaries hinder anyone as we “share in the graces of church membership over a lifetime.”

We need you! The statement speaks to our church’s need as well. If the Spirit is nudging you our way, we sit waiting, less whole, still searching for the people we might become if you live your faith in our midst. We discover more about God’s love through your YES to this holy welcome. Truly, our doors are open to you.