One Year Later: Becoming a Reconciling Congregation

Mount Olivet celebrated its one year anniversary of becoming a reconciling congregation on June 9. It is a day that I personally celebrate but also grieve. 

I celebrate the LGBTQ persons who know that Mount Olivet supports them fully in their lives and ministries.

I celebrate the people who grew up in churches where they could not be open and honest about their sexual orientation or gender identity but found that in Mount Olivet they no longer need to hide but can be themselves as God created them to be.

I celebrate the new members who state that they chose to join Mount Olivet because it is a reconciling congregation.

I celebrate that Mount Olivet is perceived as relevant in an area of Virginia where most people who look for a church, and even those who aren’t,  value one that welcomes everyone.

I celebrate that our Church Council made the decision to become reconciling entirely by consensus. It was not easy or quick — it took five years — but the congregation trusted the work of the Council, its transparency and the process they were using.

I celebrate and thank those people who had concerns about becoming reconciling but were able to stand aside and let the decision move forward.

But I also grieve this anniversary. While we have received new members because of our decision, we have also lost some members and families because of this. These are persons I prayed and cried with, confirmed their children, and had the honor of being their pastor. I miss them and pray for them still.

So what is different versus a year ago. On the surface, not much. Worship looks much the same (at least it does when we’re not in the midst of a global pandemic); small groups continue; mission and outreach are as vital as ever. The changes are more subtle to the casual observer but they are not subtle to LGBTQ persons who have seen how the congregation was willing to take this step to express the value and respect due all persons. A number of members have revealed to me how they have LGBTQ sons, daughters and grandchildren and their hearts are warmed because their congregation loves and affirms them as much as they do.

Did we make the right decision a year ago? Yes, we did. Without any reservation and despite the grief I feel for those who left, it was the right thing to do. Sometimes following Jesus requires necessary grief. I believe the decision to become reconciling confirms the mission and values that have guided Mount Olivet since its founding in 1853. 

You’ve patiently read to this point and I thank you. If you have the time, I invite you to view Margarita’s testimony in our anniversary worship service. Her words are humbling and affirming.

https://mountolivetumc.com/margaritas-story

Ed Walker has the privilege of serving as senior pastor of Mount Olivet UMC in Arlington. On days off you might find him on the race course (sailing) or chilling in a hammock at his future retirement home on Chesapeake Bay.