2024 Spring and Summer Webinar Series

2024 Spring and Summer ONA Webinar Series

(Individuals and groups can also buy single webinars, check out our Events page for the complete list with registration links for each individual webinar.)

Register for six webinars offered February-July with a series pass! Individual registration and church (based on membership) registration available! Save money by registering for all six webinars in the upcoming Spring and Summer Series. All webinars are offered virtually from 7-8:30pm ET. Recordings of each webinar will be available for 45 days after the live to view online.

Register today and take the next step in building a thriving, Open and Affirming church for all! Email Rev. Derek, ONA Coalition Program Director, at ONA@openanfaffirming.org if you have any questions or if you need any assistance with the registration fees.

Schedule:

February 27 - ONA 101 - Starting the Open and Affirming Journey to Transform the church to build and grow beyond the steeple

March 19 - ONA 201- We’re ONA, What’s next? Cultivating safe, brave, and thriving spaces for LGBTQ+ People beyond the pew

April 23 - ONA and the Bible - Embracing the Full Tapestry: A Biblical Lens on LGBTQ+ Belonging & Welcome

May 28 - Beyond The Binary Panel - Voices, stories, and experiences navigating the spectrum of gender

June 25 - Unpacking Attraction with the Bible - A Deep Dive into Bisexuality, Pansexuality, and Asexuality: Breaking down biases, building understanding

July 30 - Navigating Ethical Non-Monogamy & the Bible: Open Relationships, Polyamory & More — A Conversation about thriving in diverse family constellations

Webinar descriptions:

2/27/24. ONA 101—Starting the Open and Affirming Journey to Transform the church to build and grow beyond the steeple.

Ready to embrace a commitment to being Open and Affirming (ONA) and build a church that reflects the love and inclusivity of the Gospel? ONA 101 is your guide. This informative session, led by Rev. Derek Terry, Program Director for the Open and Affirming Coalition, will equip you with the tools and resources to:

• Start your ONA journey: Learn the steps to creating a successful ONA process that builds consensus, reduces conflict, and strengthens your congregation.
  
• Deepen relationships: Discover "graceful engagement" techniques for fostering open dialogue and understanding across diverse perspectives.
  
• Reignite your ONA commitment: If your church is already Open and Affirming, this session will help you revitalize your ministry and inspire renewed passion for welcoming all.
• Grow your community: ONA churches thrive! Learn how embracing inclusivity can attract new members and build stronger ties to your local community.

This webinar is for you if:

• You're a church leader considering ONA designation.
  
• You're an ONA church member seeking to deepen your commitment.
• You're passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive church for all.

3/19/24. ONA 201- We’re ONA, What’s next? Cultivating safe, brave, and thriving spaces for LGBTQ+ People beyond the pew

You've proudly declared your Open and Affirming commitment, and now you may wonder how do you continue to cultivate a vibrant and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and families within your church? Join us for ONA 201, a webinar designed to spark fresh ideas and equip your congregation with proven strategies for living out the ONA covenant beyond the pews.

This session will explore:

Whether your ONA ministry is flourishing or facing challenges, ONA 201 provides inspiration and practical tools to deepen your church's commitment to radical welcome and inclusion.

Don't miss this opportunity to:

• Reinvigorate your ONA journey and reimagine your church's potential.
• Discover actionable steps to cultivate a haven for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
• Learn from Rev. Derek Terry, Program Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition, and benefit from his experience and insights.

4/23/24. ONA and the Bible— Embracing the Full Tapestry: A Biblical Lens on LGBTQ+ Belonging & Welcome.

Join us for an enlightening webinar led by the Open and Affirming Coalition, titled "ONA and the Bible—Embracing the Full Tapestry: A Biblical Lens on LGBTQ+ Belonging & Welcome." This thought-provoking session aims to explore the vast expanse of the Bible, comprising 31,000 verses, and invites participants to delve beyond the seven short texts that sometimes pose challenges for congregations on their journey toward an Open and Affirming covenant.

In this webinar, we will navigate the rich tapestry of biblical teachings on our relationships with God and each other. While a mere seven verses have been focal points in discussions about condemning same-sex relationships, our exploration will encompass the broader context of the scriptures. How do we interpret the entirety of the Bible's 31,000 verses when addressing questions and concerns within our congregations?

Discover insights that go beyond the limited scope of the “clobber texts” and learn how to foster a more inclusive and affirming environment within your faith community. Join us as we engage in thoughtful discussions on embracing the full spectrum of biblical teachings, fostering understanding, and responding compassionately to inquiries about the seven texts often cited in discussions on LGBTQ+ inclusion.

5/28/24. Beyond The Binary Panel: Voices, stories, and experiences navigating the spectrum of gender.

Step into a realm of diverse perspectives and authentic narratives with our webinar, "Beyond The Binary Panel: Voices, Stories, and Experiences Navigating the Spectrum of Gender," hosted by the Open and Affirming Coalition. This empowering session brings together a panel of individuals with nonbinary, trans, and gender nonconforming experiences to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.

Our goal is to equip churches and individuals with the essential tools and information needed to provide a radical welcome to ALL of God's children. Through the lens of lived experiences, this panel explores the nuances of gender identity, offering valuable insights that foster understanding and inclusivity. Join us for an engaging discussion that goes beyond conventional narratives, creating a space where everyone's story is acknowledged and celebrated.

Discover how embracing the diversity of gender experiences contributes to a more compassionate and affirming community. This webinar is a transformative opportunity to learn, connect, and take meaningful steps towards creating environments that reflect the boundless love of God for every individual, regardless of their place on the gender spectrum.

6/25/24. Unpacking Attraction with the Bible—A Deep Dive into Bisexuality, Pansexuality, and Asexuality: Breaking down biases, building understanding.

Embark on a transformative journey with the Open and Affirming Coalition in our upcoming webinar, "Unpacking Attraction with the Bible—A Deep Dive into Bisexuality, Pansexuality, and Asexuality: Breaking Down Biases, Building Understanding." This insightful session seeks to foster a deeper understanding of various forms of attraction through a biblical lens.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of bisexuality, pansexuality, and asexuality, challenging preconceived notions and breaking down biases. Through a thoughtful exploration of biblical perspectives, we aim to provide participants with the tools and insights needed to build a more inclusive and affirming community.

This webinar goes beyond the surface, delving into the nuances of attraction, and invites participants to engage in open dialogue. By understanding and appreciating the diversity of human experiences, we can create spaces that reflect the radical love and acceptance advocated by the teachings of the Bible.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, broaden your perspective, and contribute to the journey of building understanding and acceptance within your community. Join us for a meaningful conversation that bridges the gap between biblical teachings and the diverse tapestry of human attraction.

7/30/24. Navigating Ethical Non-Monogamy & the Bible: Open Relationships, Polyamory & More —A Conversation about thriving in diverse family constellations.

Join the Open and Affirming Coalition for an insightful webinar, "Navigating Ethical Non-Monogamy & the Bible: Open Relationships, Polyamory & More —A Conversation about Thriving in Diverse Family Constellations." This webinar is designed to foster understanding of various family structures through the lens of biblical teachings.

Engage in an open and respectful dialogue about ethical non-monogamy, exploring topics such as open relationships and polyamory. Our aim is to provide participants with valuable insights, tools, and a nuanced perspective on the diverse tapestry of family dynamics present in today's world.

This webinar invites you to reflect on the intersection of faith and relationship diversity, challenging assumptions and creating a space for participants to gain a biblical perspective on the evolving landscape of family structures. Join us for a enriching conversation that encourages compassion, acceptance, and a more inclusive understanding of thriving in diverse family constellations.