Building a Church Where Everyone Can Belong

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity." — Psalm 133:1

What is Belonging at Old South Church?

Belonging at Old South Church is our ongoing commitment to creating a church culture where every person—regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or life experience—can fully participate, contribute, lead, and experience genuine belonging.

Grounded in Christian faith and Old South's longstanding commitment to justice, hospitality, and community, our belonging work is collective, therefore we invite the entire congregation to grow together in this work.

Why Now?

Old South has long been known as the church of the Open Door. We celebrate that legacy while recognizing that welcoming people into our building is only one part of creating a community where everyone truly belongs. Belonging means people feel valued, connected, and able to participate fully in the life and leadership of the church.

Recent experiences—including ministerial searches, conversations about race, and the experiences of BIPOC leaders and members—have invited us to reflect on how we can strengthen our culture, relationships, leadership, and systems so that our values are reflected throughout congregational life.

How Will This Work Happen?

Church Council has engaged Roeshana Moore-Evans as the Ministry Consultant for Belonging to guide the first phase of this initiative. Working alongside clergy, staff, lay leadership, and the congregation, Roeshana will facilitate conversations, gather insights, and help develop a long-term roadmap for strengthening belonging at Old South Church.

During the first year, the work will focus on:

• Listening to congregants and community partners
• Assessing Old South's culture, practices, and pathways to belonging
• Supporting key leadership initiatives, including the Associate Minister Search
• Developing a multi-year strategic plan
• Strengthening leadership capacity
• Creating practical tools and recommendations that support lasting change

The BELONG Task Force

The BELONG Task Force has been assembled to help guide and embed this work throughout the life of the church. Representing clergy, lay leadership, and key ministries, the task force will partner with the consultant to support congregational engagement, provide ongoing guidance, and help ensure that this work continues well beyond the initial consultancy.

Task Force members include:

• John Edgerton, Senior Minister
• Maren Batalden, Moderator
• Kate Nintcheu, Director of Children & Family Ministries
• Torrence Chrisman, Deacon
• June Cooper, Chair, (G)RACE Speaks
• Tim Harbold, Co-Chair, (G)RACE Speaks
• Curtiss Reed, Trustee
• Brad Swing, Trustee
• Laura Walker Dunn, (G)RACE Speaks

June Cooper and Curtiss Reed also bring extensive experience in racial equity consulting, strengthening the church's capacity to sustain this work well into the future.

What Success Looks Like

Success means that Old South becomes a church where:

• More people experience genuine belonging.
• Leadership and congregational life increasingly reflect the church's values.
• Congregants engage across differences with trust and respect.
• Relationships with surrounding communities deepen.
• Systems and practices support inclusion for years to come.

How Can I Participate?

This work belongs to the whole congregation.

You can participate by:

• Attending listening sessions
• Sharing your experiences
• Participating in learning opportunities
• Volunteering to help implement future initiatives
• Engaging in thoughtful conversation with openness and curiosity
• Pray for the work and those leading it.

Together, we can build a church where every person knows they are welcomed, valued, and belong.