Jeff P. Crim October 16, 2024
It’s unlikely that the founders of Northminster Presbyterian Church thought they were doing more than planting a new church in a growing area of Chattanooga. Certainly, they hoped the seed they planted would grow and benefit the community, but they probably didn’t anticipate how Northminster would become an agent for social change and progress. Founded in the 1960s, just before the Civil Rights movement expanded into Chattanooga, Northminster leaned into the forward movement happening around them. In 1972, the campaign for gender equality gained new momentum when Congress sent the Equal Rights Amendment to the states for ratification. During this era, Northminster became the first congregation of the Presbyterian Church USA in the Chattanooga area to elect a woman to leadership as a ruling elder.
Visitors to Chattanooga Pride in recent years know that Northminster continues this tradition today. As sponsors of Pride, they help shift churches from being institutions that once legitimized homophobia and discrimination to becoming advocates for justice and change. Northminster Presbyterian Church states its commitment to inclusivity clearly. In their pews and online, people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and family structures work, play, and pray together.
“Just looking at the way they described themselves on Facebook, I felt like this was a place I could find peace,” said one recent visitor who came looking for a faith community where she could raise her son. When asked what she hoped to accomplish by sponsoring Chattanooga Pride and having a booth, Northminster’s pastor, Rev. Laura Becker, did not mention advertising, church growth, or recruitment. “We want the LGBTQ community to know they are seen and loved. We want to show that we are a safe space, and safe spaces are growing.” One lay member of the church, who uses he/they pronouns, expressed their hope that someone they hug at Pride will become a new person they hug at church.
If you would like to visit, Northminster Presbyterian Church is located at 4791 Hal Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37416, just off Highways 58 and 153 near Northgate Mall. Sunday services are at 11:00 a.m. Children are welcome in worship, but childcare is also available.
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