Once a month five of us from across the country are meeting up to talk through the practical aspects of starting a progressive community.

Launchpad Co-Founder Aaron Bailey preached at Highlands Church on February 17, 2019. Highlands Church is an Investing Partner in Launchpad.

In 2013, after a decade rejected from the church for being gay, I found a vibrant, welcoming and affirming faith community at Highlands Church in Denver. Being a part of a community that accepted me for who I am changed my life in countless ways and deepened my connection to God and my neighbors. In many ways, it saved my life.

A few months ago, a friend in his 40’s passed away in his sleep. He was someone I’d gone to church with for many years at Forefront Manhattan. I didn’t really know him very well, but the news of his death affected me. When I left weekly services at Manhattan to help start Forefront Brooklyn we only saw each other on occasion, but every time, we smiled, hugged, and took time to genuinely connect.