“Beyond Affirming: Ministry in LGBTQIA-Inclusive Churches”
by Cody J. Sanders & Art Wright
Westminster John Knox Press, 2026, 160 pages

At A Glance: “Beyond Affirming” is a practical guide for churches seeking to move beyond statements of inclusion and cultivate communities where LGBTQIA+ people can genuinely belong and flourish.

Overview: “Beyond Affirming: Ministry in LGBTQIA-Inclusive Churches” begins with a simple but important observation: declaring a church affirming is not the same as becoming a church where 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience healing, belonging, and joy. The book explores what comes after the vote, policy change, or public statement, focusing on the everyday practices that shape congregational life.

Written by pastors Cody J. Sanders and Art Wright, the book offers practical guidance for churches seeking to embody their commitments to inclusion. Topics include preaching, worship, pastoral care, rites and rituals, family ministry, community engagement, advocacy, and the often-overlooked details of language, forms, and congregational culture. Throughout, the authors emphasize that inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing practice that touches every aspect of church life.

“Beyond Affirming” is especially valuable for pastors, church leaders, and congregations looking for concrete ways to align their ministry with their stated values. Rather than asking whether 2SLGBTQIA+ people should be included, it asks what faithful, intentional inclusion actually requires and how churches can become places where queer people and their families are fully welcomed, celebrated, and supported.

Thoughts from Readers: