We’ve had a busy start to 2025. In addition to our weekly support group meeting, we’ve had a full speaking schedule. Here are a few highlights:
January
Scott, Roger, and a friend of ours named Kelly spoke at Celebration Community Church over two Sundays. We were given the opportunity to offer the sermon both days, which was an amazing opportunity to share about the work at WGA, with some teaching and testimony as well. On the first Sunday, Scott shared a talk… “What Are You Looking For?” On the second Sunday, Kelly shared the story of her marriage (and ultimately, divorce) to her husband who identified as transgender and most importantly, how her faith in Christ grew during this season. Roger gave some ministry insights and updates.
Later in January, Scott traveled to Dallas where he taught a workshop at the annual ECO Conference. His workshop was titled, “LGBTQ: Loving Across the Divided Lines.” Description: Learn with us how to better follow the truths of Jesus that lead to spaces of grace, as well as how to have grace that leads to opportunities for truth in our friendships and relationships.
February
We did a deep dive over several weeks with Open Door Church in Denver. We met with a group of interns to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and how best to serve this community. It was a true blessing to be able to engage these topics with a group of young adults who are just beginning in ministry. Great questions and engagement!
Also with Open Door Church, we had a three-week series with their youth on Wednesday nights. Together, we engaged the question, “What is good about our sexuality?” Mary led this discussion. We also discussed, “Why do people struggle?” and held their attention with a giant “Jenga” tower as we talked about what we were originally created for (while building the tower of blocks) and how problems get introduced (removing blocks). Some of our wounds are inflicted upon us and others we do to ourselves. How do you turn to God with our woundings and seek healing there?
On our final week with the youth, Scott talked about the puzzle pieces of our sexuality, gender, faith and identity and how those all work together (or are in conflict with one another). These kids really connected with this topic and offered some really good response to how they were affected by these puzzle pieces.
March
Mary and Jill visited a group called Moms in the Middle, which is a group of moms with middle school aged children. As you can imagine, parents and their middle schoolers are encountering a lot of questions about sexuality and gender. They discussed strategies to maintain an open dialogue and maintain one’s faith in these challenges.
Mary was invited to speak at Tuesday Morning Joy, a Bible study for women in a local church. She shared a talk about Spiritual Warfare: the Battle Within and Without. This one wasn’t specifically about issues of sexuality and faith, but Mary was able to share her insights into how to resist the negative influences coming at us.
Story Slam
Also in March, we hosted our 7th Story Slam. This event is a visibility raising opportunity for WGA. Our hope is to provide an environment where new people can come in and get introduced to us and also have some fun. The theme for the evening was UPHOLD. Six people crafted a story connected to the theme. We had humor, drama, vulnerability and a fun time together. There were approximately 75 people in attendance. Thanks to our speakers!
Coming Up Next
Scott will be providing a missions update at Corona Presbyterian Church, one of the churches that supports WGA each month. Scott will be speaking in a class at Denver Seminary in the next few weeks. Mary will be providing the talks at the Friends Women Retreat later this summer. We will definitely be filling in more dates throughout the year.
Let us know if you are looking for a speaker for your church or youth group!
Roger Jones
Executive Director
In the spring of 1995, the conflict Roger felt between his faith and his sexuality, as well as an addiction to pornography, led him to WGA. His personal journey has provided him unique insights into sexuality and the pain of adversity, which he shares through his testimony, facilitation of small groups, writing and public speaking.
Roger began working with WGA in October of 1996 as the Assistant Office Manager. Since that time, he has worn many hats and served in several different positions, including Assistant Program Director and Operations Director. In April of 2007, Roger assumed the position of Executive Director.
Roger attended West Texas A&M University, where he studied Music Business. Much of his training has been “on the job,” where he was mentored by the ministry’s Founder, Mary Heathman, and the Program Director, Scott Kingry. He holds a BA from West Texas A&M University.
Roger, his wife Jill, and their daughter Julia and son William, attend Celebration Community Church where Jill serves as Senior Pastor.
Make a Difference in Someone's Life
If you enjoy reading WGA’s blogs and would like to show your support, please consider making a donation. Where Grace Abounds is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The majority of services, including support groups and discipleship counseling, are provided free of charge. Your financial gifts help to cover the costs associated with offering a free program to those who seek WGA’s services.