Naming What is Already True

At Mosaic, inclusion is not a future goal. It is a present reality.

For years, we have practiced a faith that centers grace, hospitality, and the sacred worth of every person. We welcome people as they are. We share leadership. We celebrate diverse stories. We make room at the table. We name "Inspiring Inclusion" as one of our key values every single Sunday.

This page exists not because Mosaic is changing who we are, but because we are discerning whether to publicly name what has already been true about our community.

We are exploring alignment with Reconciling Ministries Network as a way to say, clearly and openly:
this is who we are, and this is how we will continue to live.

Who Is Reconciling Ministries Network?

Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is a United Methodist–related organization that supports churches in publicly affirming their commitment to equity, justice, and full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the life of the church.

RMN does not create inclusion.
It names and supports churches that are already living it.

Through resources, accountability, and shared witness, RMN helps congregations clearly communicate their values to the wider community especially to those who have been hurt or excluded by the church in the past.

Why Mosaic Is Considering Alignment

Mosaic is considering alignment with RMN because it reflects how we already practice ministry. We already:

Welcome LGBTQ+ people fully into worship, community, and leadership
Teach and preach a theology rooted in grace and dignity
Reject the idea that anyone must earn belonging
Strive to remove barriers that keep people from experiencing God’s love

Aligning with RMN would not introduce a new direction.
It would offer a public statement of an existing commitment.

In a world where church harm is real and trust is fragile, clarity matters.

What Alignment Is (and is Not)

Alignment with RMN is:
A public affirmation of Mosaic’s current practices and theology
A way to clearly communicate our welcome to the broader community
A tool for accountability to the values we already hold

Alignment with RMN is not:
A shift in Mosaic’s mission or core beliefs
A requirement that everyone agree on every theological question
A change to worship, sacraments, or how we follow Jesus together

This partnership would not change who belongs at Mosaic.
Belonging has never been conditional here.

Why a Public Statement Matters

For many people, especially LGBTQ+ individuals, a church’s silence can feel uncertain or unsafe. While Mosaic already practices inclusion, we recognize that:

New people cannot see our values until they experience us
Ambiguity often favors exclusion
Clarity can be an act of hospitality

Public alignment would help ensure that those seeking a church home do not have to guess whether they are welcome here.

Transparency, not persuasion

Even when something reflects who we already are,
we believe it matters how we name it.

Our discernment process includes:
Teaching and theological reflection
Listening sessions and town halls
Special podcast episodes
Space for questions, concerns, and prayer
A congregational vote

This process is not about convincing one another, but about faithfully listening to God and to each other.

When?
The Church Wide Vote will take place in worship on January 25. 

Who Can Vote?
Members of Mosaic United Methodist Church

What if I am unsure of my membership status?
Email Joel.eichler@mosaicumctx.org

What is the threshold for the vote to pass?
75% of votes casted will pass

Can I still vote if I am not able to attend January 25?
No, you must be in person to cast a vote

Town Hall Presentation

Frequently Asked Questions

No.

Mosaic’s mission, values, and theology remain the same. We already practice inclusion, welcome LGBTQ+ people fully into the life of the church, and preach a gospel rooted in grace.

Aligning with Reconciling Ministries Network would simply be a public statement of commitments we are already living out.

Yes.

Mosaic already:

  • Welcomes LGBTQ+ people into worship, membership, and leadership
  • Affirms the sacred worth of every person
  • Practices hospitality without conditions
  • Rejects the idea that belonging must be earned

RMN alignment would not introduce new practices. It would help make our existing practices visible to those who may not yet know us.

Because clarity is a form of care.

For many people, especially those who have been harmed or excluded by churches, silence can feel uncertain or unsafe. While Mosaic practices inclusion, not everyone can see that from the outside.

A public statement helps ensure people don’t have to guess whether they are welcome here.

No.

Mosaic has always made room for people at different places in their faith journeys. Agreement is not a requirement for belonging.

We believe unity is built through love, not uniformity of thought. You are welcome here whether you feel fully confident, cautiously curious, or still wrestling.

No.

Our worship, sacraments, preaching, and ministries will continue as they are now. Baptism and communion remain open signs of God’s grace, just as they always have been at Mosaic.

No.

This is a faith statement.

Our exploration of RMN flows from our understanding of the gospel, grace, and the call to love our neighbors. It is not tied to a political party or platform.

It means what has already been true would be named clearly and publicly.

LGBTQ+ people are already welcomed, valued, and invited into full participation at Mosaic. RMN alignment would help communicate that welcome beyond our walls, especially to those seeking a church home.

That’s okay.

Faith often grows through questions, not certainty. You are encouraged to ask questions, attend conversations, and take time to pray and reflect. Contact Pastor Shuler or Pastor Whitney if you need someone to talk to!

Being unsure does not place you outside the community.

Yes.

Mosaic remains rooted in the Wesleyan tradition of the United Methodist Church. Our exploration of RMN reflects longstanding Methodist commitments to grace, lived faith, and love expressed through action.

Through prayerful, communal discernment.

The process includes:

  • Teaching and theological reflection
  • Listening sessions and town halls
  • Opportunities for questions and feedback
  • A congregational vote

We believe important decisions should be made together, with transparency and care.

We invite you to:

  • Attend an upcoming town hall or listening session
  • Speak with a pastor or staff member
  • Pray for wisdom and grace for our whole community

No.

Alignment with Reconciling Ministries Network does not require any mandatory financial commitment.

As with many partnerships, Mosaic would have the opportunity to support RMN financially, but any such support would be entirely optional and would be discerned separately. Any financial decisions would ultimately rest with Mosaic’s One Board through its normal governance and budgeting processes.

Pastor Shuler, Pastor Whitney, Ashley Kethley, David Muse, Debbie Rodriguez, Janice Sarmiento, Jillian Swanson, John Eshleman, Josh McKenna, Mary katherine Muse, Mellena McKenna, Sarah Gau, and Steve Sarmiento

Register For A Town Hall
Learn More About Reconciling Ministries Network