Name: Eli Mann

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

I am so looking forward to being surrounded by other Christians who feel enthusiastic about their ministry. I am all about empowering others and helping them discover, nurture and share their gifts, and that's lacking a little in my life right now. I don't have a lot of people around me doing the work I am engaged in. I'd love some more mentors, role models and new connections. I really want to help create a more vibrant worship experience at my current church but also to strengthen my ministry wherever I end up next.

Dear Friends,

This August, I’ve been offered the amazing opportunity to attend Parity’s 2017 Emerging LGBTQ Pastors Retreat. It is an incredible chance to join other LGBTQ people pursuing ministry, and recently ordained pastors in fellowship, worship and training.

Parity’s retreat gives people like me the unique opportunity to reconcile their identity and faith, and share and learn from one another in a supportive and healing environment. Within the last two years, six LGBTQ pastors from Parity’s community have been ordained -- their past participation and attendance at previous retreats helped them gain the confidence and spiritual support they needed to live into their calling.

I know I will benefit greatly from having that same life-changing experience, and this is where you come in. The gift you make today will go directly to covering the costs of travel, housing, food and training expenses for me to attend the retreat. I am truly grateful for any amount you can donate. Anything I raise over my goal of $500 will go to help others like me reconcile identity and faith. 

With deep appreciation,

Eli Mann