Overview

Increasing numbers of evangelical churches are now considering the question of the inclusion of those from LGBT+ communities, not only as attenders, but as involved and committed members and leaders. Previously, little has existed in terms of guidance regarding any kind of roadmap for how to have this conversation. Discerning Inclusion addresses this need, giving the reader an accessible, honest, and practical model for how to have the conversation and what to expect on the way. Ashley Hardingham presents an account of how the church he leads had the crucial conversation about whether they might welcome and fully include those from LGBT+ communities. The book approaches the question from the position of a church leader and leadership team who, while apprehensive about formal engagement with the issue, considered it essential. He explores the precipitating reasons for the conversation and how the process evolves. The book is candid about the inevitable challenges and criticisms that can come, but also suggests how they might be responded to and how the conversation can be completed. This is a warts and all, frank assessment of both the cost and the fruit of having such a conversation, leaving the reader informed and equipped about what might be achieved.

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Reviews

"""An honest, deeply reflective chronicling of the process taken by a courageous pastor and the church he serves. The book provides a 'rough guide' to all who embark on a journey of discerning the ways of God for a local church. Love of God, people, Scripture, allied to humility, teachableness, and openness featured throughout the process. What was discovered led to far more than a decision about an issue but rather a way of being a church community that learned a lot about itself and how to discern the mind of Christ and the heart of God together."" --Roy Searle, former president, Baptist Union of Great Britain ""This painful and brave account of a church and its members discerning inclusion is timely and a must read for churches facing this challenge."" --Carrie Grant, vocal coach and television presenter"

Author Information

Ashley Hardingham left his career as a Eurobond dealer in a City of London merchant bank and retrained for Baptist ministry; for over thirty years he has led churches in three contrasting settings: a large council estate, a school hall, and an affluent suburban setting. Hardingham holds a master's degree in preaching and is an associate tutor of Northern Baptist College.

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