FAQ

 

What is GSLC’s organizing structure?

GSLC is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA is one church body of three parts — the churchwide organization, synods, and congregations. Both the churchwide organization and synods have a presiding bishop. While the ELCA Churchwide organization exerts some influence and oversight, individual congregations maintain significant internal control.

The Congregation Council, consisting of elected congregation members, is the primary governing body of the congregation. The pastor serves as the congregation’s spiritual leader and collaborates with the Congregation Council and other leaders to implement the mission and vision of the church.

How diverse is GSLC’s leadership?

Congregation Council and Staff demographics are as follows:

Men: 10
Women: 10
Non-binary: 2

POC: 4
White: 18

Queer: 11
Straight: 11

What training is required to be a pastor?

To become an ELCA Pastor, one must do the following: 

  • Obtain a Bachelor's degree (often in theology or related fields)

  • Apply and attend an ELCA-affiliated seminary to earn a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree

  • Fulfill all seminary requirements, including completion of field education and internships

  • Engage with a candidacy committee through the local synod office and receive approval for ordination from the candidacy committee and synod leadership

  • Search for a pastoral call and gain congregational approval

  • Undergo an ordination ceremony 

How large is your congregation?

403 individuals are either members or friends of GSLC.
Around 80 people attend Sunday worship services.

How diverse is your congregation?

GSLC recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in building a strong and innovative community. While we have made significant strides in creating an environment that is welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community and neurodiverse individuals, we acknowledge that we still have work to do in ensuring the representation and inclusion of people of color.

What is Reconciling in Christ?

GSLC became an RIC partner on July 28th, 2015. The Reconciling in Christ Program is a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.

To be recognized as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Partner, congregations must

  1. Clearly state a welcome to people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions or LGBTQIA and name its commitment to racial equity or anti-racism in a welcome statement.

  2. Be open to calling an LGBTQIA+ and Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) Rostered Leader.

  3. Allow sanctuary/community space/ to be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings.

  4. Make a meaningful contribution annually to support the national RIC program.

What time is worship?

The Sunday morning schedule is as follows:

  • 9: Spiritual Conversation Hour meets in the Fellowship Hall for informal conversation about topics of interest to the people attending

  • 10: Worship in the sanctuary

  • 10:15: Children’s Church in the Alton Center

Do I have to dress up?

Feel free to come as you are. Your style is likewise welcome and celebrated.

What programming do you have for kids?

Learn more here about GSLC’s weekly, monthly, and annual programming for kids and families.

Do I have to be Christian to participate?

GSLC strives to cultivate an environment where love, inclusivity, and mutual respect flourish, and every story is valued. Whether steadfast in any faith, teetering on the brink of belief, seeking a community where questions are welcomed, or confidently atheist, GSLC welcomes all to full worshipping community participation.

I have religious trauma. What can I expect?

GSLC recognizes that religious trauma is a reality for some members and individuals within our broader community. GSLC acknowledges that certain beliefs, practices, or experiences associated with the Christian faith tradition can sometimes lead to deep emotional wounds and distress. As a church, we are responsible for standing in solidarity with those who have experienced religious trauma, to avoiding re-traumatization, and to repair.

What is your position on hot-button issues?

While the ELCA offers teaching and policy documents, individual members may freely form their own opinions based on their understanding of faith, conscience, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. GSLC likewise acknowledges its members may hold various views on political and social issues; however, GSLC brands itself a Progressive Church in The South, and its members and friends generally align around the following statements:

  • Humans have significantly accelerated climate change, and if we act now, only some effects are reversible.

  • Each individual has the right to make personal decisions regarding their own body.

  • Black lives matter.

  • No human is illegal.

What is The Rainbow Closet?

The non-religious Rainbow Closet inside GSLC provides free affirming clothing to anyone, especially those who are gender transitioning.

You host Queer Camp. Why do you use the word “Queer?”

  1. "Queer" encompasses a wide range of sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, and its use acknowledges the diversity of the Queer Camp community.

  2. Queer Camp challenges the word’s remaining stigma by reassociating it with an affirming experience thereby empowering Queer youth.