CenterPeace

One of the highlights of the 2024 CenterPeace Conference was hearing from New Testament scholar and co-author of the recently released “The Widening of God’s Mercy, Richard Hays. Read editor Mark Wingfield’s full piece on Hays’s presentation and subsequent interview by Karen R. Keen at the conference here: https://baptistnews.com/article/when-youre-wrong-confess-and-seek-forgiveness-richard-hays-says/

“Keen asked the scholar to explain a teaching in the new book that God can and does change God’s mind.

A tension that ‘has really knocked some people back is the claim that God changes,’ Hays said. ‘And that may be difficult to square with our image of God if we believe in what the classic doctrine of God is. The problem is that the stories that are told in Scripture, God who is unchanging, there are plenty of stories that do show God changing his mind.’

It is true that God is unchangeable, but ‘he’s unchangeable in that he has revealed himself as a god who changes.’

Change is ‘built into the story,’ he continued. ‘And oddly, most of the people I’ve seen who actually raised that objection in print are the people who would consider themselves biblical inerrantists. They are people who say the Bible is without error, it’s all pure truth. But then they come to the parts where God changes his mind and they say, ‘Well, but that doesn’t mean really what it says.’ And I sort of scratch my head because they’re more committed to a doctrine that is much more rooted in Greek philosophy than it is in Scripture.’

The Aristotelian concept of God as the “unmoved mover” does not square with Scripture, he said. Scripture shows ‘a dynamic personal God who engages passionately with people, who is grieved when we go astray, who is like a father. That’s the God of Scripture. So I just keep coming back to that, that God is who God shows himself to be.’

It is true that God is unchangeable, but ‘he’s unchangeable in that he has revealed himself as a god who changes.’”

Read the full article at link above.

The gang’s all here…well, nearly - we’re waiting on YOU!

The CenterPeace Conference starts TODAY and we’re more than excited to welcome all of you to the party. came in days ago and flew in from AUSTRALIA last night. Sooo many of our people traveling today! When are you arriving?!

Whatever your ETA, be safe and get ready for a grand ol’ time when you get here. The cookies are going in the oven…

Meet our awesome team of VOLUNTEERS for the 2024 CenterPeace Conference! They’ve been briefed on all the latest details and they’re excited to welcome you to the conference this Thursday. Get ready to experience some genuine Texas hospitality at its finest!

And check out those T shirts…you’ll want to purchase one before they sell out, so plan to make a trip to the “Merch” Room first thing!

If you haven’t signed up for the conference already, hurry and register online at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 BEFORE midnight Monday, Oct 21! You’ll be able to register at the door on Thursday, but it’s lots more expensive and your name badge won’t be as pretty. And you’ll have to wear the name badge for security purposes.

We can’t wait to see you!

October 24-26
Wilshire Baptist Church
Dallas, TX

The only place you can get a T shirt like this is the CenterPeace Conference, but you’d better hurry. In-person registration will close at midnight this Monday, October 21, and after that, you’ll have to register at the door. It will cost you more and you won’t get a pretty name badge. 🤓

By the grace and goodness of God, we’re still standing. We’re still strong in our faith and seeking what it means to follow Jesus - to “be STILL and know” that God is God. Come join us. And take home a T shirt!

October 24-26
Wilshire Baptist Church
Dallas, TX

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One week from right now, pastors and church leaders from all over will be participating in a pre-conference workshop with George Mason, Pastor Emeritus of in Dallas!

We’ve waited a long time for this gathering of leaders who are carving a path toward full inclusion in their churches. Join us as George shares his own experience of leading a large and prominent Baptist church to fully embrace people into the life and work of the church. Along with , we’ll hear from three experienced and fully affirming church planters from Dallas and Austin- Charles Kiser, Zach Lambert, and Gwen Lau. You’ll be moved by their wisdom and inspired by their courage.

Thursday, October 24 1:30 - 5 pm
Wilshire Baptist Church
Dallas, TX

Sign up while you still can - online registration ends Monday, October 21! Register now at centerpeace.net/conference-2024

If you don’t know this guy yet, you need to. He’s the kind of friend who stands beside you no matter what. Out loud. In places where other people will see and know that he stands with you. Where the rocks that get thrown at you will more often land on him.

Over the last few years I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Zach. As a friend. As a pastor. As a man I’d be proud to call son. I’ve heard him preach and teach and lead in different contexts and I’ve never heard anything come out of his mouth other than calling us all to the ways of Jesus. Zach was trained and equipped in traditional spaces, serving in some of the most conservative churches. When he realized those spaces weren’t willing to fully embrace all of us, he gave up all of his privilege in those places and created a space for his siblings.

is the result of ‘s heart for full inclusion within the Body of Christ. If you’re looking for a thriving faith community in south Austin where you’ll be fully embraced and encouraged to serve and use your gifts to the glory of God, check them out!

And if you’re coming to the CenterPeace Conference, you’ll get to hear Zach during one of our main sessions! Or his breakout session about the cost of being a true ally. Or the workshop for pastors before the conference where Zach will be on a panel of church planters along with and ! Sign up NOW at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio) before it’s too late - online registration is only open THROUGH NEXT MONDAY, OCT 21!

Because the conference is less than TWO WEEKS AWAY! Can you believe it??!!

October 24-26

Dallas, TX

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On I want you to meet my friend, Erin Edwards, a new professor at Brite Divinity in Fort Worth. She and her wife and their three children - one newly born! - have moved to the DFW area just in time for the CenterPeace Conference. And Erin will be leading a breakout session for folk around coming out to family and friends. Specifically, will be helping us better care for our souls in the midst of something scary and potentially painful, depending on loved ones’ responses to our sharing one more part of ourselves with them.

If you’re needing soul care as an , come on to the conference and find your people. Sign up now at centerpeace.net/conference-2024.

October 24-26
Dallas, TX
Wilshire Baptist Church

Since the very first CenterPeace Conference in 2009, I’ve been blown away by people’s willingness to help. We simply wouldn’t have been able to pull off a gathering of this magnitude without having a bunch of folks say, yes, count me in… and they keep coming back. Scrolling through pictures this morning of past conferences, I’m deeply touched by the number of people who have volunteered repeatedly through the years - so many! So many dear friends who have stepped up over and over…

One of those dear friends is John Alan Turner. Since 2016 John Alan has served as emcee of the CenterPeace Conference, bringing us together, making us laugh, helping us process what we’ve heard, interviewing guests and guiding discussions. Plus he’s a lot of fun behind the scenes! Most of all he has such a heart for this work.

That’s why he’s back with us again for the 2024 CenterPeace Conference !

So what are you waiting for?! Sign up already or you’ll miss all the fun! Register for the in-person or JOIN US ONLINE FOR THE LIVESTREAM at centerpeace.net/conference-2024.

John & I can’t wait to see you…in two weeks!

October 24-26
Wilshire Baptist Church
Dallas, TX

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Worship has always been an integral part of the CenterPeace Conference. And the 2024 conference will be no different. Every main session will begin with a corporate experience of praising God together, with a variety of worship leaders.

Meet Toby and Caroline from Tennessee, John Michael and Steve from Chicago, Ariel from Wilshire Baptist in Dallas, and Jordan from the DFW area. And welcome back The Table Band, also from right here in the DFW metroplex! This group brings a wealth of musical talent and diversity of worship styles, above and beyond their love for God and for leading worshippers. We will be blessed by their presence.

And we know that sometimes it’s those moments of worship that are most difficult. For some coming out of church trauma, that may be the last space you want to enter. Please know we get that. These worship leaders more than get that. They’ve been there. So feel free to do whatever you need to do in the moment. But don’t let anything keep you from coming and soaking up the community you’ve been longing for at the conference.

Can’t make the trip to Dallas? JOIN US ONLINE!! All the main sessions will be LIVESTREAMED - and a few of the breakouts! PLUS, you’ll have access to all the recordings after the conference!

We’re just three weeks away so don’t wait! Sign up now for the in-person or VIRTUAL conference at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio)!

October 24-26
Wilshire Baptist Church
Dallas, TX

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Yesterday Aaron, Daniel, and I scoped out the bests space for one of our late-night events at the CenterPeace Conference - an old-fashioned hymn sing! We decided on Wilshire’s McIver Chapel for its wonderful acoustics, perfect for those of us who grew up in an a ca****la tradition with four-part harmony. We’ll meet there Friday night at 9 pm, immediately following the evening main session of the conference and sing our hearts out!

Sometimes music can be triggering, especially when there’s been church trauma. Sometimes it can be redemptive - healing, even - but that’s up to each individual. That’s why this is an optional offering. And there will be other events happening at the same time!

Like an LGBTQ game night and speed-friending and a documentary screening! Both Thursday and Friday nights we’ll offer plenty of opportunities for you to connect with other folks at the conference.

Building spiritual community for a season or for a lifetime. With people who love Jesus.

Like my brothers Aaron and Daniel. Who also happen to have voices like butter!! Come be with us…

We’ve already started reading and we’re waiting anxiously to welcome author and biblical scholar Richard Hays to the CenterPeace Conference! Join us in-person or catch Richard’s presentation AND the BONUS interview with Karen Keen ONLINE! Both sessions will be LIVESTREAMED, so don’t miss a moment. PLUS, anyone registered will have access the recorded sessions after the conference!

So what are you waiting for?! Sign up now at centerpeace.net/conference-2024

We’re less than a month away from one of the largest gatherings of s and allies in the country and it’s right here in Dallas! If you’re looking for community and belonging, come be with us. October 24-26

CenterPeace would not be who we are without the help of volunteers over the last 18 years. People who have seen the need and the lifesaving value of a mission like ours. We thank God constantly for the people who give back, helping this work to grow, to spread, to thrive in ways we never imagined in the beginning.

Portia Andrews is one of those LGBTQ+ Christians who intentionally gives back. I first met Portia as a student in my classes while teaching at Abilene Christian University and she quickly endeared herself to me. Sharp, quick-witted, with a heart of gold, Portia is so easy to love. When she moved back to Dallas to care for her family, she reached out and said she wanted to help CenterPeace. And I quickly put her to work.

Portia has given tirelessly over the years, serving most recently as the virtual host for the 2022 CenterPeace Conference. But long before, she’s been traveling with me to work retreats, conduct workshops for churches, and help with the 2018 and 2020 conferences. Portia could run a small country single-handedly. Most importantly, she has a heart of gold.

Portia lives in Los Angeles now, but she’s coming home to be back with us again. And this time we’ll hear from Portia’s heart like never before, during one of the main sessions at 2024 CenterPeace Conference! Don’t miss the word she has for us - register NOW at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio)!

October 24-26
Wilshire Baptist Church
Dallas, TX

Check out all the main session speakers at centerpeace.net/speakers !

One month from today we will gather in Dallas, TX, for the seventh CenterPeace Conference! If you’ve been searching for Christian community among LGBTQ+ folk & allies, you need to be with us!

Sign up now for the in-person experience or join us ONLINE for the LIVESTREAM! Learn more & Register at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio).

I’ve often told Matthew Vines that if I’d been coaching speech and debate at his high school (as I did at others, once upon a time), I would’ve put him on my team in a heartbeat. He would’ve been a national champion. All I would’ve had to do was drive the bus!

But I’m personally thankful that he’s put all that intellectual prowess - all the research, analytical, and critical thinking skills he’s been gifted with - to much better use in his current role as executive director of The Reformation Project. Matthew has committed his life to helping all of us better understand the seemingly complex relationship between faith and sexuality. All the while keeping love for God, love for the Bible, and love for the Church at the center of his life and the organization he founded.

I’m thankful to call Matthew my friend.

That’s what makes our work so deeply important - we’re building spiritual community, out of which those life giving friendships develop. Yes, Matthew will be speaking at the 2024 CenterPeace Conference and you’ll definitely want to hear what he has to say! (That’s why you’ll want to purchase the VIRTUAL conference if you can’t make it in person, just so you can have access to the recordings!) But the most important part of the CenterPeace Conference will always be the community that forms, the friendships you make that stay with you long after we all go home. Yes, there’s tremendous worship and teaching and spiritual formation that happens, AND you get to experience it all with real people you can connect with, who are siblings in Christ. Who become your closest friends. Chosen family.

That, my friends, is the Body of Christ. If you’re longing for community and starved for connection with fellow LGBTQ Christians and allies, you need to be with us. Come join us, online or in-person and share the cookies. Register now because it’s only a month away!

centerpeace.net/conference-2024

October 24-26
Wilshire Baptist Church
Dallas, TX

See you soon!

Building spiritual community. Forming deep friendships that sustain us throughout life. That’s what CenterPeace has been about since the beginning. Creating spaces of sincere belonging.

Justin Lee has been a part of that. Justin is a pioneer in building community for LGBTQ+ folk. He led the way at a time when there were no resources. And he kept Jesus at the center - of his life and the communities he’s formed.

If you don’t know , you’re missing out. Author of “Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate,” recently released in a revised and updated version, Justin has been a welcome addition to the CenterPeace Conference since 2018. And since then, he and his husband Michael have become dear friends.

And he’s back this year as our featured speaker at the Friday Night Dinner!

Space is limited and we’re almost filled to capacity, so you’d better hurry and reserve your spot NOW! The dinner is only open to conference attendees, so if you want to hear Justin at the conference, ADD the dinner option when you register. Sign up at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio).

We’re only ONE MONTH AWAY!

October 24-26
Wilshire Baptist Church
Dallas, TX

North Texas Giving Day is here!

CenterPeace is a fully affirming, Christ-centered ministry that cultivates spiritual community for LGBTQ people. We provide a place to belong, while nurturing the faith of sexual and gender minorities. And we work for the full integration of LGBTQ people into the life of the Church.

Your donation helps provide event scholarships, resources, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, pastors, and churches. Every gift makes a life-changing difference! Learn more & give: www.centerpeace.net/donate.

The mission of CenterPeace is building deep, Christ-centered spiritual community for LGBTQ+ individuals. That, by its very nature includes our allies and families and pastors. No one - no one - has been a more faithful ally to our community than Gil and Gail Vollmering.

For the last 12 years when their son first came out to them, they’ve been willing to go the distance, diving into studying scripture and reading everything they could get their hands on to better inform them about this one part of their son’s life that they didn’t understand. They were willing to do the hard work. And they’re committed to loving well and creating more spaces of true belonging.

Gil and Gail have been champions for LGBTQ+ families in their church and through the work of CenterPeace. They’ve given tirelessly of themselves over the last decade and they’re STILL going strong. They’ll be with us at the CenterPeace Conference October 24-26 in Dallas!

Along with and .fuller.16547 , the Vollmerings will be sharing wisdom for parents of LGBTQ+ children in a breakout session during the conference. Plus, they’ll be part of the parent workshop after the conference on Saturday, October 26!

Don’t miss a minute - sign up now for the conference AND the workshop led by & .mclaughlin.969952 and ! Register @ centerpeace.net/conference-2024

See you in six weeks!!

Let’s read this together!

New Testament scholar Richard Hays will be joining us at the CenterPeace Conference Oct 24-26 to share more about his new book “The Widening of God’s Mercy,” co-authored with son Christopher. Just released last week, this book presents a shift in Hays’s thinking about what the Bible has to say about sexuality - a different perspective from his earlier “A Moral Vision of the New Testament.”

We’re ready to dive in - will you join us? Let’s read before the CenterPeace Conference and have our questions ready for the author! Karen Keen will interview Richard in a special bonus session, specifically asking the author about his process in coming to see a bigger, more expansive view of God. It’s sure to be an inspirational experience that you won’t want to miss!

Register now at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 for the in-person event OR LIVESTREAM! (link in bio)

Start reading now and let us know what you think!

CenterPeace has always been about building spiritual community, forming deep and meaningful relationships among siblings in Christ that sustain us. If the CenterPeace Conference serves any purpose, it’s to help us stay connected. To God. To the Body of Christ.

No one has been more faithful to that commitment - to stay engaged and to be present with us - than Don and Susan McLaughlin. Since the very first gathering at the Highland Church in Abilene in 2009, the McLaughlins have been with us. Don and Susan are parents of an adult child and Don has preached in Atlanta, GA, for over 30 years. We’re so grateful to have them back - again - to lead the post-conference workshop for parents and Don will teach a breakout session during the conference.

Check out more about the conference and register at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 ( link in bio)!

And we’ll see you October 24-26 at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas!


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CenterPeace has been built on relationships, building spiritual community - a chosen family of the very best kind. Over the years we’ve found our people who love and support folk. Sean and Rochelle Palmer are two of those people and we’re thrilled to welcome them back to the 2024 CenterPeace Conference!

Our executive director writes about & :

The first time I heard of Rochelle and Sean Palmer was when a student told me they were the first people he ever came out to and that they were more than safe. Sean was in student ministry at the time and over the years I’ve come to learn the same about him. Rochelle served a term on the CenterPeace Board and they’ve both been regular presenters at the CenterPeace Conference since 2016. I’ve come to love both of them dearly for their love and support of LGBTQ folk like me.

Sean is back with us this year, teaching in one of the main sessions, encouraging us to “be still and know that God is.” Celebrating with us that We. Are. Still. Here.

Don’t miss Sean’s message for us - sign up now for the in-person conference or REGISTER FOR THE LIVESTREAM at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio)!

We’ll see you OCT 24-26 at Wilshire Baptist Church in DALLAS!

And in case you were wondering, the photo is from several years ago when Sean invited me to The Vine Church in Temple to do a CenterPeace weekend workshop!


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¿Tienes preguntas sobre la fe y la sexualidad? ¡Ven a la Conferencia de CenterPeace! La Conferencia de CenterPeace es una cálida reunión de cristianos LGBTQ+, sus iglesias y sus familias. Es un momento increíble para hacer nuevos amigos. La Conferencia cuenta con una variedad de oradores, líderes de adoración, expositores y personas dispuestas a escuchar tu corazón.

Si eres parte de la comunidad LGBTQ+ y buscas un lugar donde pertenecer, ven a la Conferencia y lo encontrarás. Si eres padre o miembro de la familia de alguien que se identifica como gay, lesbiana, bisexual o transgénero, por favor únete a nosotros en la Conferencia. ¿Eres amigo o aliado? ¡Ven y participa con CenterPeace!

Y si eres pastor, anciano u otro líder de la iglesia, no hay mejor lugar que con nosotros para aprender a examinar los pasajes bíblicos mas comúnmente usados en el tema de la homosexualidad de la mano de maestros preparados en el tema, extender la hospitalidad, conocer las historias y abrazar a aquellos que anhelan una comunidad espiritual y el amor de Jesús.

https://www.centerpeace.net/conferencia

Thought we were finished with the breakouts? Nope!

MORE BREAKOUTS for the CenterPeace Conference! 27 sessions in all, covering a wide range of topics for a diverse audience of LGBTQ+ Christians, parents of people, allies, and pastors. Whether you’re looking for a faith community to find belonging and inspiration to live a Christ-centered life or you’re wrestling with the theological questions around faith and sexuality, we’ve got just the breakouts for YOU!

+ an open discussion breakout
+ a track for SPANISH-speakers

We’ll see you OCT 24-26 in DALLAS
OR ONLINE -
JOIN THE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE!

Check out more and register for the IN-PERSON or LIVESTREAMED conference at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio).


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MORE BREAKOUTS for the CenterPeace Conference! 27 sessions in all, covering a wide range of topics for a diverse audience of LGBTQ+ Christians, parents of people, allies, and pastors. Whether you’re looking for a faith community to find belonging and inspiration to live a Christ-centered life or you’re wrestling with the theological questions around faith and sexuality, we’ve got just the breakouts for YOU!

+ an open discussion breakout
+ a track for SPANISH-speakers

We’ll see you OCT 24-26 in DALLAS
OR ONLINE -
JOIN THE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE!

Check out more and register for the IN-PERSON or LIVESTREAMED conference at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio).


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And the 2024 CenterPeace Conference BREAKOUTS continue! 27 different offerings + a guided discussion option + a track for SPANISH-speakers - and most of all, plenty of opportunities for you to find your people, get connected, and start building the faith community you’ve been longing for!

Here’s but a sampling of the topics you’ve asked to address - everything from scripture to relationships to practical tools for parents raising children! And the presenters? Only the top, most diverse, best representation of our community along with some dedicated allies!

Check out ALL the speakers, storytellers, & worship leaders AND REGISTER for the conference at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio).

We’ll see you OCT 24-26 in DALLAS!


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AND THEY JUST KEEP COMING! The diversity of topics & presenters at the 2024 CenterPeace Conference is incredible. 27 different breakouts! Whether you’re wanting spiritual practices to grow deeper in your relationship with God, or practical tools to nurture the faith of your child, we’ve got just the breakouts for YOU. And most importantly, you’ll be building community in the process of learning and growing!

PLUS…

*a guided discussion breakout
*a whole track for SPANISH speakers
*late night offerings

AND the option to ATTEND VIRTUALLY!

But if you’re able to attend in-person, you’ll get to experience the community that’s become a hallmark of the CenterPeace Conference over the years. The fellowship & sense of belonging that you’ve been craving is waiting for you in Dallas, October 24-26. Complete with all the cookies you can eat at the breaks!

Check out ALL the speakers, storytellers, worship leaders, & breakouts at centerpeace.net/conference-2024 (link in bio).


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