Established in the spring of 2019, The Belong Collective was born out of another church community—one rooted in a shared vision to create a safe, life-giving faith space centered on the teachings of Jesus, where all people could fully engage. We honor the spiritual history that has shaped us—the stories, traditions, and faithful questions that brought us here—while remaining open to how the Spirit continues to move among us today.
Prior to becoming The Belong Collective, we were part of a larger denomination whose policies restricted how LGBTQIA+ people could participate, lead, and have their loving relationships recognized within the life of the church. Through prayer, discernment, and lived relationship, we came to a clear conviction: God can and does bless all loving relationships, including those of same-sex couples. We sought to remain in relationship with our denomination while faithfully living out this conviction—affirming LGBTQIA+ people, recognizing the marriages of non-heterosexual couples within our community, and welcoming all who wished to follow Jesus and serve their neighbors with integrity.
After a season of dialogue, it became clear that our commitment to full inclusion was incompatible with denominational policy. As a result, we were formally removed from the denomination. While this separation was painful, it also clarified our call. With grief, courage, and hope, we stepped forward—trusting that faithfulness sometimes requires loss, and that God continues to do new things beyond institutional boundaries.
Our theological roots continue to shape who we are and how we live together. From the Anabaptist stream, we inherit a commitment to nonviolence, justice, and accountable community. From the Pietist stream, we learn to tend the inner life, remain open to ongoing transformation, and trust the Spirit’s movement within individuals and the gathered body. We also draw from a stream of Holiness—understood not as perfection or separation, but as the shared work of becoming a people shaped by love, humility, and faithfulness in how we live together.
So, here we are. The Belong Collective exists to proclaim a simple and radical truth: no matter your age, ability, sexual orientation, race, creed, or gender—you belong. Our story continues to unfold through a diverse and growing community shaped by peace, justice, compassion, and an active faith that seeks healing in a fractured world. As part of our mission, we collaborate with caring organizations and causes, extending the radical love of Jesus beyond our walls and into the neighborhoods and communities we share.
We believe every story matters—including yours. We’d love to connect, walk alongside you, and hear how your story might become part of ours.
IN 2021 WE DID A DEEPER DIVE INTO OUR HISTORY HERE…
