We Are
Bridging Faith Gaps
A Message from Us
The Christian church has hurt people. For some, it might be mild annoyances, while for others, it could be full-on religious trauma. Regardless of the size of the infraction, there is no doubt that organized religion has left many of us hurting.
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We began Bridging Faith Gaps because we believe we are not the only ones who have experienced religious trauma. There is an entire community of people who still believe in a higher power but are unable to walk through the doors of a church for fear of judgment, discrimination, and shame. Because of this, there is a painful gap between the affirming spiritual community we seek and the exclusive and often rigid environment that currently exists in traditional church settings.
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Bridging Faith Gaps is a safe place to question, explore, and commune with like-minded individuals. It is a judgment-free zone where the only unwelcome guest is hate. We follow Brené Brown’s BRAVING principles (in our Meetings FAQs) and focus on a different monthly topic, ranging from allyship to forgiveness to worthiness.
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We created Bridging Faith Gaps for anyone who has been negatively impacted by organized religion. While this includes a wide range of people, we are especially sensitive to our LGBTQIA+ community. Many churches will tell you (mistakenly) to pray the gay away, but instead, we say to bring it Bridging Faith Gaps. Bring your gay self, your queer self, your true self, your hurting self. You won’t be alone, you won’t be judged, and you will be loved exactly the way you are.
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The Bridging Faith Gaps Team
About Us
A major component of religious trauma is the “bait and switch”. Churches and/or organizations claim to be supportive and welcoming, but their actions represent the opposite. Because we acknowledge that this happens, we want to be as transparent as possible.
Bridging Faith Gaps is a 501(c) Non-Profit organization serving Elbert County and the greater area of North Georgia.
We are also members of the Reconciling Ministries Network(RMN). You can find more information on RMN in the link below.
We began as a Fresh Expressions of the North Georgia United Methodist Church Conference. The Fresh Expressions program is a function of the United Methodist Church.
Although we are supported by the UMC , Bridging Faith Gaps, Inc. is not a church. It is laity (non-clergy) led with no formal structures, rituals, or expectations. We meet in a secular establishment and not on church property.
,We are a safe and affirming place for all marginalized groups, including the LGBTQIA+, to question, explore, and commune with like-minded people in order to build connections and heal from the pain of religious trauma.
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What is Bridging Faith Gaps?
Bridging Faith Gaps is an organization that seeks to create a spiritual, open-minded community without the interference of organized religion. We provide a safe space for healing from trauma, including religious trauma. We are LGBTQIA+ affirming and advocate for social justice. In addition to healing, we also provide an outreach bringing resources to the marginalized.
Where do you meet?
Meeting times and locations are announced in the member portal. To become a member, simply sign up using the button on the top right-hand corner (in the menu on mobile). You may also email to request to be put on our email list.
Where is Elberton, Georgia?
Elberton, Georgia is located in Elbert County, approximately 30 miles due east of Athens, Georgia.
Updates from Bridging Faith Gaps
