Association of Welcoming and Affirming Bapitsts
A Partnership for Inclusion, Unity, and Gospel Witness
Washington Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is proud to be a member of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB)—a national network of churches committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the life and ministry of the church.
This partnership reflects who we have long been: a congregation rooted in Christ’s expansive love and committed to radical hospitality, equity, and inclusion as faithful expressions of the gospel.
A Historic Commitment to Welcome
For more than a century, Washington Avenue Christian Church has served as an active and progressive presence in the Elyria community. Grounded in the ecumenical tradition of the Stone-Campbell Movement and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we affirm that:
- All people are beloved by God.
- All are worthy of full participation in the life of the church.
- Diversity strengthens the body of Christ.
Our commitment to inclusion is lived out in our worship, leadership, and ministry. Our gender-diverse staff and lay leaders reflect the beauty and breadth of God’s creation, and their gifts deepen our shared life together.
As Pastor Nathan shares:
“We see our affiliation with AWAB as a continuation of who we have always been—an inclusive community rooted in Christ’s expansive love. Joining AWAB underscores our conviction that diversity, equity, and inclusion reveal the glory of God and enrich the body of Christ.”
About the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
Founded in 1993, AWAB has grown out of decades of grassroots advocacy for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allied individuals in Baptist life and ministry.
AWAB supports congregations by offering:
- Theological and educational resources
- Networking and mutual encouragement
- Leadership development and pastoral care tools
- Strategic partnerships for inclusive witness
In 2024, AWAB and the Affirming Network of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship consolidated their efforts, strengthening AWAB’s ministry and expanding its national reach.
While rooted in the Baptist tradition, AWAB’s network includes congregations aligned with the United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and non-denominational communities—demonstrating the power of ecumenical collaboration in building beloved community.
Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson, AWAB Executive Director, shares:
“The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists is delighted to welcome Washington Avenue Christian Church into membership… It is a joy to witness how LGBTQ+ affirming ministries can do together what none of us can do on our own.”
Rooted in Our Disciples Heritage
Our decision to join AWAB flows naturally from our theological heritage. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the broader Stone-Campbell Movement emphasize:
- Christian unity
- Freedom of conscience
- Shared leadership
- Following Jesus together in community
This partnership also honors the Baptist connections of early leaders such as Thomas and Alexander Campbell, whose work helped shape a movement committed to both unity and freedom.
As Rev. Russell notes:
“As Disciples of Christ, we cherish ecumenical collaboration and recognize that our journey toward inclusion is enriched by partnerships with like-minded communities of faith. Through this affiliation, we amplify our voice with others who are committed to building beloved community where all are welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated.”
Join the Conversation
We are grateful to deepen our engagement with AWAB’s national network through shared learning, advocacy, and encouragement as we bear witness to God’s reconciling love.
On Baptism of the Lord Sunday, January 11, 2026, we welcomed Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson, Executive Director of AWAB, to preach during worship and lead a post-worship conversation with the congregation.
If you are seeking a church home where you are fully welcomed and affirmed, we invite you to join us.
Together, we celebrate the wideness of God’s mercy and the joy of belonging to Christ’s inclusive table.