Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Michael Larson, DMin

Second Advisor

Tracy Cotterell, DMin

Third Advisor

Ken Van Vliet, DMin

Abstract

Need Problem Opportunity (NPO) Statement

Adventism fosters a harmful culture for LGBTQ+ individuals who want to grow as beloved disciples of Jesus.

Key Insights from Research

  • Religious trauma greatly impacts LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Adventism is not pursuing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • The Adventist Church is not benefiting from the fruit of the Spirit experienced and expressed through Adventist LGBTQ+ individuals as part of the body of Christ.
  • Empathy, reconciliation, and healing were experienced during the project's prototyping.
  • Many Southeastern California Conference pastors and leaders want to grow and engage in this area and be proactive in including LGBTQ+ individuals in their ministry context.

Ministry Context

The project's context is the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, which oversees 175 churches and 225 pastors located in the five southernmost counties of California: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, and Imperial.

Project Description

The project, The Emmaus Conversation, is a yearlong cohort comprising three pastors or conference leaders, three LGBTQ+ individuals who are either active or inactive Adventist members, and me, the facilitator. The cohort will meet in person once per quarter for a conversation. Each gathering has a specific focus and aims to humanize the LGBTQ+ and Adventism conversation. Each conversation builds on the previous one, culminating in pastors and leaders discussing the action steps they plan to implement in their ministry contexts, so that LGBTQ+ individuals can grow as fellow beloved disciples of Jesus without being hindered or harmed. LGBTQ+ individuals would also experience having pastors and conference leadership as allies in the Adventist Church. A key part of the conversations is The Emmaus Conversation Journals. One is provided each quarter and provides preparation prior to and reflection following the conversation, using spiritual practices and supplemental reading. The agenda for the conversation and space for note-taking are also provided.

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