Come learn from Christian transgender theologian Austen Hartke on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22 in an event co-sponsored by Broadway Christian Church.

A graduate of Luther Seminary’s Master of Arts program in Old Testament and Hebrew Bible Studies, Hartke works to help other trans and gender non-conforming people see themselves in scripture. A recent winner of the John Milton Prize in Old Testament Writing, author of Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians, and creator of the YouTube series “Transgender and Christian,” Hartke shares experiences as a bisexual and transgender Christian.

An LGBTQ+ Affirming Worship Service will be held at 6:30 pm on Friday, February 21, after which Hartke will share his coming out story and talk about the biblical stories that give him strength as an adult in a session called Transgender and Christian: A Coming Out and Coming Home Story.

On Saturday, February 22, at 10:00 am, Hartke will lead The Bible and Transgender Christian’s Seminar in a session that explores the biblical texts historically used to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. Then he will dig into stories of biblical characters who didn’t fit the mold when it came to gender expression.

The weekend events are sponsored by First Baptist Church, The Center Project, Rock Bridge Christian Church, Broadway Christian Church, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Columbia United Church of Christ, Unity, Unitarian Universalist Church and Heart Space Clinic.

The events are free to the public and will take place at First Baptist Church - Columbia located at 1112 E. Broadway. No tickets are necessary, and childcare is provided with reservation. See flyer.