Who is a Member at Southside?
Membership at Southside is very inclusive. Our church constitution refers to participants in the fellowship rather than members, and defines it this way:

The fellowship of this congregation shall be those individuals who have accepted Christ and have been baptized in Christ's name and have made the Good Confession at some time and place, or do so at Southside, and attend worship and contribute on a regular basis, or are unable to attend but have a long relationship with this church, or are unable to contribute but have or have had a regular relationship with this church.

What is a Discernment Process?
A Discernment Process is a prayerful process of open, candid dialogue in which a body seeks to discern the will of God. It involves prayer; it calls for a confession of all that which blocks and inhibits our understanding of God's will; it involves dialogue with the scriptural and theological traditions of the church and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

It is not a debate or competition, but calls for the open consideration and prayerful reflection upon what people share. It is more conversational than confrontational, yet calls for people to honestly share their thoughts. It invites an openness to learn from one another.

What is the GLAD Alliance?
Gay/Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance is a group within the Christian Church (DOC) that encourages congregations and others in our denomination to welcome and affirm the whole family of God and to include transgendered, transexual, gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians in all facets of the life of the church.