Along for the Journey:
Ministry with LGBTQIA+ Youth, Part 2
What did we learn?
Part 2 addressed practical ways congregations can support LGBTQIA+ youth, including how to write and implement policies for bathrooms, camp, and church trips, and how to create an inclusive worship space.
Co-Trainer: Ashley DeTar Birt
Ashley DeTar Birt is a recent graduate of Union Theological Seminary where she obtained her M.Div. She also holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Ashley currently works as the Pastoral Fellow for Youth and Families at Rutgers Presbyterian Church in New York, NY with some of the most fun kids she’s ever met. Her interests include the intersections of racial justice, children and youth, interfaith communication, LGBTQ+ issues (particularly the B), and Christianity.
When she isn’t at church or doing social justice work, she enjoys writing, sound editing and theatre tech.
Co-Trainer: Harry Zweckbronner
Harry is the Program Director at Camp Hanover, the outdoor ministry of the Presbytery of the James. Camp Hanover, in conversation with the Presbytery, recently worked to develop a policy for trans campers.
Harry believes strongly in all aspects of Christian camping, and he is most passionate about team building and giving kids the opportunity to grow in their faith. A lifelong Presbyterian, Harry’s experiences attending summer camp as both camper and staff member played a large role in shaping the person he is today. Because of this, he is passionate about helping others have similarly significant experiences.
Prior to joining the Camp Hanover team, Harry served for ten years as the Program Director at the Johnsonburg Presbyterian Center, where he oversaw the summer camp program and year round youth retreats. Before following the call into camp ministry, Harry taught high school history for 7 years. Harry has also served on the board of the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association and is a standards visitor for the American Camp Association.
In his down time, Harry loves spending time with his wife, and three children. He also likes to cook, coach youth sports, and is an avid sports fan.
Click on the links below to access resources and to read more on parts 1 and 3!
Part 1 – What did we we learn?
- a review of language and terminology
- an overview of the current landscape for LGBTQ youth (including risk factors and suicidal ideation)
- an introduction to what LGBTQ youth need to feel supported in the church and ways congregations can be proactive in their ministry for LGBTQ youth.
Part 3 – What did we learn?
- how to handle lock-ins
- how to talk to parents
- how to talk to congregation members
- how to uphold policies if they care challenged