Greetings!

Recently we had the most successful #WalkingBetweenWorlds seminar yet.

Over 80% gave the seminar 10/10, and the rest gave it either 9/10 or 8/10.

The full day seminar was hosted by Central Church Port Kembla and the Kiama-Jamberoo Uniting Church and attended by 45 counsellors, therapists, community workers, pastors, church leaders, chaplains and some just interested in faith/sexuality.

#WalkingBetweenWorlds is specifically designed for community workers and service providers. It gives them an in-depth understanding of the LGBTQ faith person’s background, worldview, and belief systems, as well as the unique personal and mental health issues they face. After the day's training, they are better equipped to work more effectively with clients.

I love reading feedback forms afterwards to know exactly how attendees have been impacted. 

Here are some responses. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNT WAS:
  • Breaking down false church concepts - Paul Middleton
  • The Bible is not black and white on homosexuality. Juanita Nunn C3 Church
  • Resolution processes - Karen - Sex Therapist
  • Models of recovery. Christopher Cat - Researcher in Pentecostal Pastoral Care
  • Silence breeds shame. - Melissa Vella 
  • The importance of being affirming, not just accepting. I had thought that the goal was to provide a passive, safe space, but I understand now that it is important to be actively supportive. - Jenny Ellis

THE BEST THING ABOUT THE WORKSHOP WAS:
  • Everything -Karen - Sex Therapist
  • Knowing others have faced this journey. Relatability to my experience. -Paul
  • Strategies on how to bridge the two worlds -Anon
  • Being in a room with other allies -Anon
  • The rawness and testimonies -Melissa - Disability Support Worker
  • The depth of the content -Jodi
  • Anthony’s personal experience and authenticity.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE:
  • I wish with all my heart this was given to me when I was a suicidal teenager praying God would make me a boy, so I didn't have to face this painful world. Thank you for changing the future of Australian churches.
  • Excellent presentation. Easy to listen to. Engaging, relevant. -Paul Middleton
  • I am very grateful for this experience. I was moved by the vulnerability and inclusivity of the presenter and church community. -Bek Bell
  • This was so helpful. All people from both worlds need to hear this. -Anon
  • An excellent and refreshing seminar- very well done. -Researcher in Pentecostal Pastoral Care
  • This workshop exceeded my expectations. The humour was welcome as well. -Jenny Ellis

Our next #WalkingBetweenWorlds seminar is being held in Darwin during The Top End Pride Festival. Along with the seminar is also an open public meeting and a minister’s breakfast.
 
A similar program is being organised for Canberra 26th- 27th August 2022. 

Anthony Venn-Brown
Founder and CEO
Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International