Joining Safehaven

So you think you want to join Safehaven? This section explains how we are organized and what to expect. To find out more, email us at information@oursafehaven.com.

Introduction

The basic unit of fellowship within Safehaven is the cell group. Each cell group will have two or more Cell Leaders, who are responsible for leading bible study sessions and looking after the spiritual and emotional well being of the cell group.

Cell Group Sessions

The cell groups meet once a week for bible study. Once a month we have a social gathering organized by one of the groups so we get a chance to know one another. One recent gathering was the recent bible quiz organized by Newwine.

Non-negotiable Parameters

As you will have read elsewhere on the website, Safehaven is a group of diverse Christians who have been gathering since 1998 for prayers, community and sharing. We are of different age groups, backgrounds and religious traditions.

Safehaven provides an informal platform for gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians to develop their spirituality and reconcile and integrate issues of faith and sexual orientation.

Since we are an interdenominational fellowship, there will be times when we disagree with each other. However, we acknowledge, respect and celebrate the theological diversity that exists, recognizing that we are linked by a common goal — to reach out and help people develop meaningful relationships with themselves, each other and God.

Ethics

Safehaven's ground rules have been put in place to ensure the safety of our members, promote integrity and foster healthy group dynamics. They make it easier for us to interact honestly with each other. This is what we tell everyone who joins Safehaven:

We try to have as few rules as possible, but we do take them seriously.

• Please don't date another member in the first four months in the ministry. We want a chance to get to know you (and you to know us) as an individual, warts and all, not as a potential date.
• We would like you to date responsibly and eventually build a permanent relationship. Please don't engage in casual sex with a fellow Havener.
• Trust is critical in establishing a safe environment and encouraging openness. Please use your real name, and do maintain strict confidentiality.
• Safehaven takes commitment. It becomes difficult to build fellowship if we see you only sporadically. Please attend the sessions regularly.

What happens if any of the first three rules are broken? We don't penalize honesty. Do tell us what happened — we simply want a chance to repair whatever damage was caused.