Sanctuary the Book
AVAILABLE NOW!
Sanctuary is our story of how our church left evangelical exclusion behind to become fully inclusive—and wound up healthier, happier and more Godly than ever (hey, two out of three ain’t bad!). As thousands of congregations nationwide are contemplating moving toward inclusion, our real-life story can be a unique companion for pastors, church leaders and members who are trying to reach out in welcoming ways—and can inspire all members of the queer community who long for a safe church home.
The Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis, who is nationally known among many of the more than 20,000 United Methodist congregations on this journey, is urging people to read this book and learn from the example of these Christian friends in Iowa. In endorsing the book to her friends, Parker-Lewis writes, “Set aside the ‘How To’ guides and experience an authentic narrative from those who led their church to thrive in full inclusion. Wassink, Imborek and Wassink share deep self-examination, as well as biblical and theological reflection. In this story of celebration, readers will find a model to lead a congregation to lovingly welcome all people.”
Among the other nationally known Christian leaders encouraging readers to learn from this book is bestselling author Brian McLaren, who writes: “I am so grateful for churches like Sanctuary and for pastors like Adey and Tom Wassink, and for sincere and insightful people like Katie Imborek. They’re telling us honestly about the intimate pain that has been and is still being inflicted on people whose only crime is being sexual. And thank God, Adey, Tom, and Katie also are telling stories of healing that pain, because they are living those stories. They’re modeling what religion should have always been good at, but too seldom is: repenting, which means rethinking or changing our minds.”
In addition to sharing their transformative journey in this sometimes inspiring, always humbling memoir, the Wassinks and Imborek continue in active ministry in Iowa. Their congregation is easy to find and they welcome visitors—as well as inquiries from readers who may want to request a Zoom or personal appearance in the future. This book welcomes both church leaders and members of the queer community to be a part of this timely national conversation about the future of Christian churches.
$24.99 softcover ISBN: 978-1-64180-184-3
$32.00 for the hardcover ISBN: 978-1-64180-185-0
$9.99 for epub, ISBN: 978-1-64180-187-4
$9.99 for the ipub, ISBN: 978-1-64180-186-7
Praise for Sanctuary
Sanctuary is a heart-wrenching-and-warming story in gory and glorious detail—a love story of souls taking sanctuary in each other and in God. There's nothing like it in LGBTQ-Affirming literature. - Ken Wilson, best-selling author of Christian books, including Letter to My Congregation and Solus Jesus
Set aside the “how to” guides and experience an authentic narrative from those who led their church to thrive in full inclusion. Wassink, Imborek and Wassink share deep self-examination, as well as biblical and theological reflection. In this story of celebration, readers will find a model to lead a congregation to lovingly welcome all people. - The Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis, United Methodist Elder, Michigan Conference
A small Midwest church makes the big leap from evangelicalism to LGBTQ inclusion in a highly readable book that can be a beacon for all who aim to welcome queer congregants. Sanctuary weaves together the voices of two co-pastors and a gay parishioner from an unlikely place: a Jesus-centered, LGBTQ-inclusive church in Iowa. They reveal the church’s rocky yet rewarding six-year evolution. In the process they lose some prejudices but keep their sense of humor while building a queerly dynamic faith community. - Kittredge Cherry, lesbian Christian author of The Passion of Christ: A Gay Vision
Sanctuary is deep and winsome and funny, and it tells a beautiful story. Actually, it's a lot of stories. It's the story of two pastors and a church that found their way to include and bless and celebrate LGBTQ people. It's a story of queer visitors and congregants and leaders who are no longer turned away as their full selves or merely tolerated, but are now embraced as friends and disciples and teachers in the way of Jesus. And I like to think this book tells the story of God, who is so glad that more of God's children are getting free. The authors write early on that God is still looking for a church home where she'll be safe. Sanctuary sounds like just such a home. Enjoy the story. - Steve Watson is the senior pastor of Reservoir Church in Cambridge, MA.
As a fellow pastor and friend, I find the journey chronicled in this book deeply moving. In a time when so many congregations, clergy, and leaders are grappling with the complexities of inclusivity, Adey Wassink and her team offer a compelling narrative recounting their journey toward becoming an open and affirming congregation. Through personal stories and reflections on the hurdles faced within themselves, their church, and their denomination, they provide valuable lessons on the emotional, relational, and spiritual costs involved in this pursuit. Yet, amidst the struggles and inevitable losses, they have emerged as a reconciling community committed to their mission, “We make space for every race, ethnicity, age, orientation, and gender identity. We welcome belief and doubt, devotion and exploration, while hoping to connect with God, one another, and our world as we do life together.” I recommend this book to those navigating similar paths. It offers valuable insights and guidance with heartfelt grace and wisdom. - Rose Madrid Swetman, Associate Director, Center for Transforming Engagement
Media Coverage
Read the Spirit cover story
review from Bill Tammeus
