Thesis (D.Min.)--University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, 2007
"A Community Embrace" is a Doctor of Ministry Project conducted in rural, Northwest Iowa in an average United Methodist church that happens to have a significant percentage of gay and lesbian members. This congregational study puts forth a model for pastors who find themselves with a congregation that has yet to openly face a minority group within their own congregation. This three step model includes pastoral self-education, one-on-one interviews with the minority persons in the congregation and the community, and concludes with a small group study for congregational leaders. This study looks at the ministry issues of the homosexual population in rural America and seeks to provide a way of cutting through the controversy to ministry with and for this population. Ministry issues included are: alcohol and addiction, recognition of partnered relationships, coming out, heterosexual marriage of homosexuals, and sexual abuse. The Biblical foundation for this study is Romans chapter 12 as the model for church and the characteristics that a healthy church exhibits. Theologians John Wesley and Miroslav Volf add to the Biblical model a theological understanding of how churches can do ministry in the midst of conflict and a diversity of opinions. John Wesley's sermon, "Catholic Spirit" presents the Methodist model for unity in the midst of disagreeing factions in the church. Miroslav Volf's takes the physical movement of embrace as a model for the emotional and spiritual work of Christian embrace of the other
