The February Issue of The Welcoming Spirit Is Here
The February 2026 issue of The Welcoming Spirit arrives at a moment when many churches and faith leaders are asking hard questions about courage, public witness, and what it truly means to follow Jesus in challenging times. Across Baptist life and beyond, faith communities are navigating political pressure, public debate, and renewed threats to human dignity—especially for LGBTQ+ people and immigrant communities.
The Welcoming Spirit, the bi-monthly publication of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB), exists to meet this moment with clarity, hope, and grounded theological reflection. This issue lifts up stories of churches and leaders who are choosing courage over silence and radical welcome over fear.
Centering the “Whosoever” Gospel
The cover article, written by Rev. Dr. Clifford Matthews, Jr., reflects on the enduring power of the “whosoever” gospel—the radical truth that God’s love is not restricted, conditional, or reserved for a select few. Drawing on lived experience and pastoral wisdom, the piece invites readers to consider what inclusive discipleship looks like when the world feels loud, divided, and overwhelming.
Rather than retreating from public life, this reflection calls churches to lean more fully into their identity as places of belonging, safety, and hope.
Courage in a Difficult Moment
This issue also includes a pastoral word from AWAB Executive Director Brian Henderson, who names the fear and uncertainty many LGBTQ+ people and their allies are facing right now. With honesty and compassion, he reflects on the courage required in this season—and the strength that comes from knowing we do not face it alone.
Throughout the issue, courage emerges as a recurring theme: courage to speak truth to power, courage to protect vulnerable neighbors, and courage to imagine church differently than we have before.
Faithful Public Witness and Justice
The February issue highlights examples of welcoming and affirming Baptists showing up publicly for faith-based justice. Readers will find stories of pastors and congregations engaging immigration advocacy, standing with marginalized communities, and offering theological grounding for why public witness is an essential expression of Christian faith.
The issue also includes an “AWAB in the News” section, highlighting recent coverage of AWAB’s public advocacy on immigration, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and marriage equality. These stories serve as reminders that radical welcome is not only a belief—it is a practice lived out in real time.
Resources, Reflections, and Community Life
As always, The Welcoming Spirit features recommended readings from AWAB pastors, scholars, and ministry partners, along with updates from across the association. Readers will find news about member churches, leadership developments, and opportunities to stay connected and engaged in the work of building more just and inclusive Baptist communities.
Whether you are a pastor, lay leader, longtime AWAB supporter, or someone newly exploring what welcoming and affirming Baptist life looks like, this issue offers encouragement, grounding, and a renewed sense of shared purpose.
Check it out below.