Who We Are

Who We Are - The Vision of The Ark

It is to be a safe place for those who have suffered religious trauma- particularly those who are LGBTQ+. We are very aware, however, that religious trauma has taken many forms. The Ark strives to be a place of safety and invitation to everyone.

With that in mind, we define ourselves as “inclusive” and “affirming.”

By “inclusive,” we mean that when Jesus calls “all” to follow Him and become His followers, He truly means all.

By “affirming,” we mean that those who are LGBTQ+ are to be affirmed and supported in their identity.

The meaning of the name -“The Ark.”

The image of The Ark comes from the Biblical story of Noah building a giant boat as a place of safety for his family during a massive storm and flood. When the danger was over, those in the ark emerged with the promise and hope of a rainbow.

We want to be a shelter from the storm to those who need it.

What We Believe

#1. That Jesus came to bring Good News to a world that needs it.

The Good News is Jesus’ invitation-

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28

#2. That those who take up Jesus’ offer are called His “followers.”

“Follower” is an active and descriptive word. Taking up Jesus’ invitation to “come to Me” is an ongoing activity and means taking up challenges as part of the path to Jesus’ promise of rest. The pattern of becoming a follower is repeatedly described. For example-

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once, they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20

#3. That Jesus wants His followers to be a deep community.

Jesus called that community “the Church.” The Church is not an institution- it is a community. The building of a healthy community is the task of The Ark. It comes from Jesus’ command to His followers-

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples [followers], if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Just as the ark in the Bible provided shelter and safety for Noah and his family, some Christians in Nanaimo, B.C.--including some from a Mennonite Brethren church--want to create a safe place of welcome and affirmation for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Their new church is called The Ark.

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