"A welcoming journey never ends"

Hope Lutheran Church (Hope) is an inclusive community offering a safe place for all to worship. While Hope officially became part of the RIC program in July 2018, we have always meant "All are welcome". We believe that the church should be open to everyone and we affirm the love of God for everyone in the LGBTQIA community.


History:  In early 2018, Hope's discernment started with the formation of a core team who led us through the RIC process. In February 2018, Hope hosted a ReconcilingWorks area training as well as conducted a congregational survey (February & March 2018) to establish where Hope members stand on LGBTQIA issues. In the spring and summer of 2018, Senior Pastor Rob Zahn offered two opportunities to join an LGBTQIA faith conversation at our South Lyon location. In July 2018, Hope officially became an RIC congregation with the celebration occurring in August 2018.


If you would like more information about Hope's participation in the RIC program, please call the office at 248-553-7170 or email secretary@hope-lutheran-church.com. If you would like to learn more about the RIC Program, please visit www.reconcilingworks.org.


  • Type content here...


  • Type content here...


  • Type content here...

RESources

Short Online YouTube Videos

 

Books

  • God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines
  • Torn:  Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs-Christian Debate by Justin Lee
  • Walking the Bridgeless Canyon by Kathy Baldock
  • Changing Our Minds by David P. Gushee
  • A Letter to My Congregation by Ken Wilson
  • UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality by Colby Martin
  • Bible, Gender, Sexuality by James V. Brownson
  • Mom I'm Gay: Loving Your LGBTQ Child Without Sacrificing Your Faith by Susan Cottrell
  • Risking Grace: Loving Our Gay Family and Friends Like Jesus by Dave Jackson
  • Transforming: The Bible & the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke
  • The Bible and the Transgender Experience by Linda Tatro Herzer
  • What Does God Think? Transgender People and the Bible by Cheryl B. Evans
  • I Promise Not to Tell: Raising a Transgender Child by Cheryl B. Evans

 

DVDs

  • Fish Out of Water (http://www.fishoutofwaterfilm.com/) - This 60-minute documentary uses animation and academic interviews to examine seven passages traditionally used to condemn gay people and gay marriages. The director, Ky Dickens, tells her story of coming out to her sorority sisters at Vanderbilt University, their reactions, and her travels around the country to research what Christian pastors and teachers believe about gay people in the Christian community.
  • For the Bible Tells Me So (http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/indexc.htm) - Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families—including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson—we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu and Harvard’s Peter Gomes, this 99-minute documentary offers healing, clarity and understanding related to Scripture and sexual identity.
  • Seven Passages: The Stories of Gay Christians (http://actorstheatregrandrapids.org/seven-passages) - Based on 127 interviews with gay Christians in West Michigan, this professionally (and beautifully) produced film weaves together the moving life stories and thoughtful biblical reflections of 25 of the interviewees. The film is based on the play by the same name and directed by Calvin College theater professor Stephanie Sandberg. The DVD includes educational materials for use in church education classes and other groups.
  • There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy - A Video featuring Dr. Lewis Smedes (introductions by Dr. Nicholas Wolterstorff and Dr. Mel White). In this 33-minute video the late Lew Smedes, a renowned pastor-professor-author, recounts his journey toward a new understanding of gay and lesbian people in the Christian community. He tells about his friendships with gay and lesbian people and his study of Scripture and church history—and how these led him to take a new approach that affirms gay and lesbian people. This video (which includes a group study guide) is a valuable resource for personal affirmation of gay and lesbian Christians as well as for education in churches and schools. The video is available from GIFT, 207 East Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
  • Through My Eyes (http://www.throughmyeyesdvd.com/) - This 46-minute documentary provides an unflinchingly honest look at the role of today’s young Christians in the gay debate: what they really think, how they perceive the church, and what they wish other Christians knew. Over two dozen young Christians agreed to share their private feelings, struggles, and experiences on camera. Created for Christians by Christians, “Through My Eyes” tackles one of the most controversial topics today with compassion and sensitivity, shining new light on the debate for people on both sides.