together we co-create
a better world.

Let’s work together! Hire me to:

  • Preach virtually or in person, whether as general pulpit supply or on trans and/or disability justice specifically
  • Workshop with your community — your congregation, seminary, chaplaincy program, etc. — around trans, intersex, and/or disability 101, biblical interpretation, and practical applications; see below for more details
  • Write liturgy, prayers, poetry, articles, scholarly papers, etc.
  • Teach single or multiple sessions of an academic course or Sunday school class
  • Engage in conversation — on your podcast, at a roundtable, etc.
  • You tell me! I love the chance to join in on unique projects.
  • Photo of Avery, a thin white genderqueer person with brown hair and glasses, wearing a lavender dress shirt and bow tie smiling towards something off camera. A quote by Rev. Mary Burks of Clinical Pastoral Care of Norton Healthcare, Louisville, reads, ""Avery Arden has done several wonderful presentations on LGBTQ+ issues ministers might encounter, particularly in a CPE/healthcare setting. A few words that begin to describe Avery and this presentation: informative, informed, innovative, cutting edge, sensitive, culturally competent, poetic, kind, relational, respectful and dialogical. I highly recommend!"
  • Quote from Rev. Cathy Hoop of Grace Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa, Alabama: "How grateful we are for Avery Arden,for their leadership, honesty, knowledge and integrity.Avery has journeyed with our congregation for a decade, inviting us into deep conversations about what it means to be truly welcoming of all. From a perspective thatbreaks binaries of all kinds, Avery offers fresh interpretations of scripture, fresh understandings of God. Beyond all the knowledge and the gifts for teaching and facilitating, one of the things I appreciate most is the way that Avery embodies what they teach, creating safe space in which all people may join the conversation."
  • Photo of Avery grinning behind a podium, pointing towards a screen that's not in the image. Quote from Dr. Shannon Craigo-Snell of Louisville Seminary reads, "Avery Arden planned and led a fantastic workshop for Louisville Seminary on the topic of welcoming trans people in churches and classrooms. The workshop drew a large group of ministers, professors, and students. Avery started with basics... and then addressed every question that came up with kindness and patience. It was an excellent learning experience."
  • List titled "Other collaborative work": Holy Week worship service for A Sanctified Art’s Lenten 2025 series; Advent - Transfiguration Sunday liturgy for the Call to Worship Journal’s 2025-2026 lectionary companion; Chapter on re-imagining possibilities for a 2026 anthology on ministry with disabled youth; Guest teacher for several undergrad and MDiv level class sessions; Guest (and co-editor) on The Autistic Liberation Theology Podcast, The Word in Black and Read, and other podcasts; Audiobook narrator for RW Walker’s poetry collection O Beautiful Dust, Squirrel House Publishing 2022
Email me with questions or to discuss topics, dates, sliding-scale pricing, and more at queerlychristian36@gmail.com.

Workshops: What to Expect

My workshops aim to help participants

  • expand their understanding of trans / disabled people with some basic (or advanced) 101 and etiquette;
  • discover the good news God shares with these particular communities throughout the Bible; and/or
  • explore practical ways to cultivate a more welcoming space for trans and disabled people.

Format: I typically use slides with bullet points and helpful images. I provide frequent intentional space for participants’ questions, comments, and emotion checks.

Here are examples of some of my presentations for split-session trans workshops, so you can get an idea of what to expect:

Participation: While I typically do a lot of talking and provide a lot of information, conversation is key to a successful workshop. I invite attendees into a courageous space where all questions are welcome, while safeguarding the most vulnerable persons. All participants (myself included!) are asked to invite correction with grace. They don’t need to fear being called out, but may be called in.

Length: I find that the sweet-spot workshop length is around 1.5 hours, but I can also make shorter or longer sessions work.
I’m also a fan of breaking up a workshop into several sessions, with one 45-60 minute session per week.

Accessibility:

  • Important quotations, etc., will be both featured on the screen and read aloud.
  • I provide a verbal description of any images shared on slides.
  • I send a copy of the slides (plus lots of other resources) after the workshop; I can also send a copy before the event if requested.
  • (For online workshops) I ask for closed captions to be turned on, and I remind participants to mute themselves when they aren’t speaking in order to reduce noise.
  • (Also for online workshops) I invite participants to contribute to conversations verbally or using the chat feature; I will keep an eye out for any raised hands as well.
  • I invite participants to let me know how else I can make a workshop accessible to them!

Want even more information? Email me at queerlychristian36@gmail.com.

I look forward to entering into courageous conversation with your community — together, we can work towards true welcome and justice for all of God’s people.