Love Alike: A Small-Group Practice Engaging Faith & Politics

Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?

John Wesley’s exhortation seems harder than ever to follow today.

The results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election indicate that Americans are divided almost equally. But as people of faith, United Methodists have a responsibility to lead in ways that foster healthy interaction and build communities where all God’s people can thrive.

This 3-part guided discussion series is a small-group practice in having tough conversations about faith and politics.

Through this series, you won’t cease to disagree, but you’ll learn together how to navigate disagreement with grace, charting a path toward healing in our divided society.

This study resource is designed to help your United Methodist church or community become more trans-inclusive. Whether or not your group is Reconciling, this resource will equip you to better live into a future of greater love and affirmation.

It will cover some basic truths about transgender people. These sessions will ask you to engage in reflection and discussion guided by biblical scriptures, and to be better equipped to support transgender folks in your community.


What is it?

The reflection guide was designed to help communities and congregations better understand and respond to the decisions of the 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church.

What’s inside?

The Next Faithful Steps includes guides for four holistic, discussion-based sessions. Each lesson guide includes insightful summaries of General Conference work and results, as well as meaningful discussion prompts, prayer, scripture, reflection, discussion questions, and suggestions for continued engagement.

How do I get it?

For your whole small group or church, The Nexts Faithful Steps is $20 and you can get it here. Your purchase helps Reconciling Ministries Network to keep equipping our denomination, from individuals to institutions, to keep moving forward toward justice and affirmation for all of God’s children.

If your community is interested in this product but cost is a barrier, please reach out to us at admin (at) rmnetwork.org.

Thank you!

“A study for United Methodist Groups that guides persons to explore the controversial issues of homosexuality from a Christian perspective and to consider ways to be in ministry to and with persons who are homosexual. It contains the complete text of the 1992 General Conference Report of the Committee to Study Homosexuality and the official United Methodist position as contained in the Social Principals.”

Published in 1994, this study was later dismissed by the General Conference but was, for its time, an important and singular resource.

Written by LGBTQ+ youth ministers and church leaders and awesome youth advisors, this Toolkit covers major topics a young person might encounter while learning about their sexual and/or gender identity. This is a great resource for any LGBTQ+ teen but especially for those who are new on their journey.

Parents Reconciling Network and United Methodist Alliance for Transgender Inclusion, both extension ministries of RMN, teamed up to host three sessions together. These three Virtual Porches cover Gender Identity 101, what transgender, gender fluid, gender non-conforming individuals would have wanted from their parents, and open conversation with several individuals who share their stories and journeys.

Parents Reconciling Network, an extension ministry of RMN, hosts monthly Virtual Porch sessions for support, learning, and exploring with other parents of LGBTQ+ people. These one-hour sessions include interviews, presentations, and conversations on a variety of topics.

Talking with your child about gender identity can seem overwhelming–but with the right guidance, you can have healthy conversations and create an affirming environment for them as they grow. Whether your child is cisgender, gender expansive, transgender, or still unsure, this guide provides practical advice and strategies to help you embrace them for who they are and support them as they approach puberty.

Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians provides access into an underrepresented and misunderstood community and will change the way readers think about transgender people, faith, and the future of Christianity.