Addressing the Pink Elephant: The Black Church and the LGBT Community.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, all of us need to strongly consider and dialogue about how we will do ministry in a world that will no longer define marriage and sexuality by traditional terms.  

The overall objective of this conversation is NOT to force a change in people's opinions or theologies; the main purpose is to begin the much-needed dialogue on the realities of doing ministry with the LGBT community in mind.  Whether you affirm or deny homosexuality theologically, we can all agree all people are worthy of experiencing God's love; and we must admit that the church has traditionally been a very hostile and hypocritical place for LGBT individuals. How do we do ministry today in a way that upholds our biblical convictions (as diverse as they may be), and still demonstrate love to a community (as diverse as it may be)?

Special Guest: Pastor Dwight Radcliff

Pastor Radcliff holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies (with highest honors) from the Long Beach Bible College, and a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary (with an emphasis in Multi-Cultural Ministry/African-American Church Studies). He is currently pursuing his PhD.

Special Guest: Pastor Curt Thomas

Pastor Curt Thomas is a graduate of Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education.  He furthered his study in ministry by completing a certificate program with Interdenominational Theology Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. He incorporates the knowledge and skills garnered from his studies in his approach to educating, counseling, andempowering his church members and community members at large. Pastor Thomas serves as the Senior Pastor of The Renewed Church of Los Angeles.