A Knoxville area member of the Diocese of East Tennessee, Kristy Starks-Winn of St. Andrews, Maryville, has launched a new ministry offering meant to help churches understand gender and sexuality through the lens of faith, compassion, and inclusion. “In the Image of God” is a six-week formation offering that centers on education about issues that affect LGBTQ+ individuals, and provides insight on how faith communities can become more welcoming, affirming, and loving to all.
“Many well-meaning Christians avoid discussions of gender and sexuality because they don’t know what to say or they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing,” said Kristy. “I understand that feeling; I’ve lived it. But in raising two queer daughters and teaching LGBTQ+ students who desperately needed a safe place to exist, I realized my well-intended silence was doing more harm than good.”
From that realization came Kristy’s call to this ministry; she started building the program in January 2024, using her experience as a 20-year educator and reaching out to learn from others who are already doing this work across the nation.
While all are welcome and invited into the conversations Kristy leads, “In the Image of God” is not intended for audiences who condemn or deny LGBTQ+ lives and freedoms. It’s specifically designed for heterosexual, cisgender persons of faith who deeply care about others – especially marginalized others – and who want to understand and become stronger allies, loving all neighbors as themselves.
The course was piloted at St. Andrew’s, Maryville, in the spring. Gretchen Prisock was one parishioner who attended.
“I highly recommend Kristy’s class. The educational aspect is excellent, her presentations each week are from her heart, and the opportunity to ask questions (even questions you think are silly) in a loving and safe environment is priceless,” said Gretchen.
“The program was a gift to St. Andrew’s — it invited us into honest reflection, compassionate conversation, and a deeper understanding of what it means to truly welcome all people as beloved children of God. This work isn’t optional; it’s central to the Gospel we proclaim,” said the Rev. Sean McEwen, St. Andrew’s Curate.
Those who would like more information about the ministry or Kristy may visit intheimageofgod.org