info@rainbowbaptists.org

Rainbow Baptists
P.O. Box 3183
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Outreach

Many sexual minority Baptists have been alienated by some aspect of organized religion, be it their local church or on a denominational level. Some people have given up their faith, believing incorrectly, that they have to choose between their Christianity and their sexual orientation. Others are seeking ways to reconcile their faith and their sexual orientation. Outreach can be done in a variety of ways, from leaving literature in local gay/lesbian clubs to distributing flyers on a college campus or seminary.

Support

The homophobia and discrimination perpetuated in may Baptist and Christian circles can effect someone profusely. It can have a very damaging effect on self-esteem and our belief system. Support on the local level might be a group discussion where people feel free in a safe environment to express their thoughts and listen to others. It could also be staffing a contact number so people can call for help or just offering one to one support on a personal level.

Education

There is much information about homosexuality and Christianity that is perpetuated by mainline religion that is incorrect. There are still active anti-gay ministries around that can do great damage to people. So there is ample room to try and correct this mis-information. Education can be done a wide variety of ways, such as distributing literature at local meetings, gathers, pride parades; by forming a speakers bureau, etc.

Advocacy

There are sexual minority people in just about every church, they are just not always visible. Some people do not choose to be out or cannot come out of the closet for various reasons. Local groups can help be a voice for them, and a voice of justice. This can be done by responding to negative news articles; through press releases; by attending local, regional and denominational meetings and conventions to speak up on behalf of sexual minority Baptists.

Social

One aspect of a local group may be to fellowship with other lesbian and gay Baptists. Being a Christian in the gay and lesbian communities is often like being a sexual minority person in Christian comminutes. They appear to be an oxymoron and people are often not accepted in both. However, social get together for potlucks, dances, retreats and meetings can build that missing link that do not always exist between the Christian and gay aspects of a persons life.

    The first thing it takes to begin a new chapter of American Baptists Concerned or Honesty is a person or group of persons willing to spearhead the efforts. To sustain a chapter beyond the beginning phase there needs to be a core group of people who are willing to help things keep going. In any group members come and go but an active core group is essential at building and maintaining a group. Outlined bellow are some key components to starting a new group.

Group Contacts

At lease one person must server as a contact person for the group. You will need a phone number and mailing address. An email alias that will forward email to a personal account can be obtained free through Rainbow Baptists. Someone’s personal phone, a second phone line or a voice mail account are phone options. Most chapters do not used the voice mail option because it takes away the personal contact possibility. For the mailing address it is recommended that someone get a post office box and not use their home address.

Meeting Space

Meetings can be held in a variety of formal and informal locations. Some meetings are held in peoples homes. Others are held at local churches, parks, etc., depending on the purpose and function of the meeting.

Group Meeting Activities

There are many different directions a meeting may take. Some of the possibilities include; gathering to listen to a speaker, for a potluck meal, Bible study, discussion and strategy planning.

Publicity

In order for people to know about a new group it must be publicized. Many LGBT newspapers have directory listings that are free, as do many mainstream newspapers. Flyers can be left in local gay clubs; gay community centers, where they exist; and local churches and community based organizations that are willing. Leaving flyers in a local gay bar might seem like an odd idea, but in many communities it is the bar that is the only place sexual minority people can gather safely.