Oriented to Love: A Dialogue about Sexual and Gender Diversity in the Church

A Call for Applicants

Christians disagree deeply about sexuality and gender—but disagreement does not have to result—or remain—in fear, silence, or division.

Several times a year, Oriented to Love hosts small, theologically diverse groups of Christians for a carefully facilitated weekend of courageous conversation, deep listening, and honest encounter. Participants include LGBTQIA and heterosexual/cisgender Christians across a wide range of convictions, backgrounds, and experiences.

This is not a debate. It is not an attempt to force agreement.

It is an invitation to practice love, curiosity, and Christian community across profound difference.

We are now accepting applications for the November 5-7, 2027, dialogue in Chicago, IL.

What this dialogue is — and isn’t

The goal is not to convince each other, settle theological disputes, or argue Scripture passages.

The goal is to:

  • listen deeply to one another’s stories,
  • ask honest and difficult questions,
  • build understanding across difference,
  • and discover what becomes possible when Christians remain at the table together.

 

We believe unity deeper than agreement is possible.

Who should apply?

This dialogue may be especially meaningful for:

  • LGBTQIA Christians seeking community and deeper understanding,
  • Christians with traditional convictions wrestling with how to love well,
  • parents and family members of LGBTQIA people,
  • pastors and ministry leaders navigating these conversations,
  • and anyone longing to engage disagreement without abandoning either conviction or compassion.

 

Participants must be 21 or older and willing to engage with openness, humility, and authenticity.

What to expect

Selected participants will join a cohort of 10–12 people and complete a handful of brief pre-dialogue reflection assignments before gathering in person for the weekend.

The experience includes:

  • facilitated dialogue sessions,
  • guided spiritual reflection,
  • shared meals,
  • and space for rest, honesty, and connection.

 

Participants consistently describe the dialogue as transformative, healing, challenging, and hopeful.

Cost                                                      

There is no fee to apply.

If selected, participants will register using a pay-what-you-can sliding scale of $495–950. The actual cost of the program is $950 per person; financial assistance is available.

Registration includes:

  • six meals,
  • private lodging,
  • and all program materials.

 

Participants are responsible for their own travel.

Apply

If you are a follower of Jesus and resonate with the spirit of this dialogue, we invite you to apply online here. (Email the program director, Kristyn Komarnicki, to apply via Word document or pdf.) All applications are confidential.

Application deadline: August 5, 2027.

 

All upcoming dialogue dates/cities:

 

We hold 3-5 dialogues a year. Feel free to apply and specify which region of the country best suits you, and we’ll do our best to match you.

Hear what dialogue alums have to say about the experience by watching the videos below.