We continue our June PRIDE Month Stories of Welcome with a Q and A between Pastor Lee Zandstra and Pastor John Roberts.
Pastor John answers questions posed by Pastor Lee about Mt Pleasant and St Mark's journey through the RIC process.
The Q and A is below.
What is the story of how the congregation wanted to explore becoming RIC (Reconciling in Christ)?
Mt Pleasant, Kendallville and St Mark’s, Albion have been yoked as a parish for 178 years. There have been times when their differences (one rural congregation and one town congregation) led them to very different ministries, but they have always seen themselves as yoked sisters. Both congregations are now much smaller and older, but both are still very active in service to their communities. Both congregations have family members who are LGBTQIA+. In search for a way to become more recognized by the community, they were introduced to Reconciling Works and the RIC process. Mt Pleasant began the process first, meeting after worship almost every Sunday to study the RIC process; culminating in their Welcoming Statement. St Mark’s watched what their sister church did and were curious. They began the RIC process months later.
What was the process like for the people of the congregation?
Because the pastor leaves Mt Pleasant each Sunday to lead worship at St Mark’s, Mt Pleasant has always been used to doing various activities without pastoral participation. Their RIC process was completely lay led. They began working on their Welcoming Statement by asking themselves: Who are we? What does the LGBTQIA+ community need in Kendallville? How can we proclaim welcome, not to the LGBTQIA+ community only, but to other groups of marginalized people also?
St Mark’s dealt with questions like: What does Holy Scripture actually say about LGBTQIA+ people? Who are L,G,B,T,Q,I,A people and why does society marginalize them? What has been the Church’s historical attitude toward LGBTQIA+ people and why has the Church traditionally excluded them? What do we, at St Mark’s, want to say to make a change and welcome them?
What are some unexpected blessings that happened by going through the process?
The most important and exciting revelation to both churches was that, by going through the process, they realized who they are. They realized that welcoming those who are excluded by society and by fundamentalist churches, they firmly stand as followers of Jesus and proclaimers of the Gospel. The conversations they had because of the RIC process made them closer to one another and more determined to see a future where these two churches could grow. There is now an attitude that, even though they may be small in number, because they are completely committed to bring the Gospel to their communities, St Mark’s and Mt Pleasant will have a future.
What does it mean to the congregation now that they are "official"?
They are very proud to be known in the community as churches that welcome LGBTQIA+ people. Local newspapers carried terrific articles about both churches becoming RIC. Banners have been hung inside and outside the church buildings. Publicity materials always carry the RIC symbol. Community events that welcome groups to have a “booth” or “table” are sought out and RIC is always part of meeting the community. It’s just beginning, but the Albion and Kendallville people are once again beginning to visit these two churches. And when visitors decide to become members, they say, “It’s because when you say you welcome anyone, you really mean it.”
What words of encouragement would your congregation give to another congregation considering their next step toward RIC?
Because St Mark’s and Mt Pleasant are smaller and older than they used to be, they could have the attitude that “we have to circle the wagons and protect ourselves if we want to stay alive.” But going through the RIC process, they realized how vital they are as proclaimers of the Gospel; there is a definite need to welcome the marginalized; and, there is an exciting future for these two old churches in their communities. We would encourage any congregation to use the RIC process as a way to discover their own vitality; become closer to one another; and a springboard to future ministry – especially to those whom Jesus sought and loved.
