The Welcoming Spirit October 2026: Legacy, Faithfulness and What Comes Next
The October 2026 edition of The Welcoming Spirit, the bi-monthly publication of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, invites readers to reflect on the legacies we inherit and the choices we make about what comes next.
This issue brings together reflections on Baptist faithfulness, LGBTQ+ Christian history, congregational life, and a growing season of ministry across AWAB.
Legacy of Dissent
Our cover story, “Legacy of Dissent,” comes from Dr. Jon Singletary, holder of the Diana R. Garland Endowed Chair of Child and Family Studies at Baylor University’s School of Social Work and recipient of AWAB’s 2025 Randle R. Mixon Award.
Singletary explores dissent not simply as disagreement, but as a spiritual practice. Drawing from the history of religious dissenters, he considers what faithfulness can require when conscience and institutional loyalty no longer move together.
His reflection asks readers to consider how we remain rooted in our convictions while staying open to transformation.
Celebrating AWAB’s Fifth Annual Lecture
The October issue also looks back at AWAB’s Fifth Annual Lecture, held September 18 at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.
Dr. William Stell delivered “The Power of Queer Religious History,” inviting those gathered to remember LGBTQ+ Christians whose witness helped create possibilities for generations that followed. His lecture highlighted the importance of recovering queer Christian history and recognizing the long presence of LGBTQ+ people within Christian movements. The Welcoming Spirit October 20…
The evening also included the dedication of a newly commissioned AWAB stole, the first singing of a hymn written for AWAB, and recognition of the 2026 Passion for Equality Award recipients.
Here We Grow Becomes Here We Go
This issue marks another major moment in AWAB’s story: the successful conclusion of the Here We Grow Campaign.
By September 18, the campaign had raised and pledged $1,027,000, surpassing AWAB’s $1 million goal. The Welcoming Spirit October 20…
The October issue reflects on the legacy behind the campaign and the people whose generosity made this milestone possible. It also looks toward what this added capacity means for AWAB’s next season of ministry.
Resources for October
Readers will also find reflections for Clergy Appreciation Month and National Coming Out Day.
Our Clergy Appreciation Month article encourages congregations to make care for pastors an ongoing part of their welcoming and affirming commitments, particularly for queer clergy serving amid continued hostility toward LGBTQ+ people. The Welcoming Spirit October 20…
For National Coming Out Day, AWAB affirms that every LGBTQ+ person deserves to decide when, how, and with whom to share their story. The article encourages churches to become communities where no one has to hide in order to belong. The Welcoming Spirit October 20…
Around the AWAB Community
The October edition also introduces three new AWAB member congregations and welcomes Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary as our newest education partner. The Welcoming Spirit October 20… The Welcoming Spirit October 20…
Our Member Spotlight pages offer a glimpse into the life of the wider association, including congregational milestones, installations, preaching engagements, educational events, and other moments from across the AWAB network.
Read the October 2026 Issue
The Welcoming Spirit continues to tell the stories of welcoming and affirming Baptists while creating space for reflection on the questions shaping our churches and communities.
Read the October 2026 edition of The Welcoming Spirit below and discover more of what is happening across AWAB.