When someone with an LGBTQ+ experience reaches out to Eden Invitation, Andrew is often the first face they see. Andrew is adept at training our volunteers to walk with new members through Story Calls, Info Nights, and Book Clubs, and leads by serving alongside them in these programs. Andrew gained a passion for helping others identify their gifts and talents while serving as a youth minister in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
"On the Porch" with Andrew
We’re more than what we do or what we’ve done– we’re unrepeatable people with unique stories to tell.
So if you have a moment, pull up a chair on our metaphorical porch here and get to know us a bit more!
How have you seen God moving in your life?
One time, I asked God to show me his plan for my story, including my same-sex desires and gender discordance. He listened! By God’s grace, the part of my life that used to feel barren and useless is now incredibly fruitful!
Who has inspired you on this Journey to Heaven? Patron Saints, role models, cool authors?
St John Paul II was enamored by the complexity of the human person, and so am I! He teaches me how to be curious and kind toward everyone I meet.
What’s a beautiful part of your job? Perhaps something that people may not see from the surface level of your job description?
In my role, I have the immense privilege of receiving people’s sacred stories! I’m honored by their trust and confidence, and I don’t take it for granted.
Can you show us a glimpse of your experience in this mission, like videos, links, interviews, etc?
Sparks of Hope | 2023 Anniversary Drive Feature
Heir to the Kingdom | 2024 Anniversary Drive Feature
Good Fruit Features in 2023 on our Story Call Volunteers and our Book Club Guides
How can people be praying for you and your work?
In Eden Invitation, we get to see one another’s hearts deeply - our hurts, hopes, dreams, and fears. Say a prayer that we can all support and encourage one another better.
Porch Events are opportunities for people to get to know our community better. If we did a Potluck for a Porch Event, what are you bringing?
I have a sweet tooth and love chocolate, so I’m probably bringing brownies!
Book Clubs are centered on walking together as striving Disciples with LGBTQ+ experiences, usually reading a spiritual classic or Eden Invitation blogs. BUT if you could do a Book Club with Eden Invitation people, on ANY book, which book would you choose?
I want to dive into something mystical and unexpected, like John of the Cross!
We love seeing the beloved and unrepeatable talents of our Community and Pastoral Team during our Retreat TalenTED show! What would you do for TalenTED?
Doing a TalenTED makes me nervous! But somehow I can get super weird with a karaoke song and be just fine. IDK why 🤷♂️
If you could go on a Community Weekend, a kind of “family vacation” with your Hearth Group, to ANYWHERE in the world, where would you want to go?
I would want to find a villa somewhere on the seaside where there’s room enough for all of us to feel at home! There needs to be a garden, a piano, and a really big kitchen!
It’s time for Toasts! When we raise a glass to celebrate God’s Graces in our lives, what bevvy are you lifting up?
I love spiced rum!
What’s your favorite piece of EI gear?
The black denim jackets are a vibe!
We love building playlists for each year’s Retreat theme– what are some top songs on your playlists?
I still have “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush from Season 4 of Stranger Things stuck in my head!
NEEDTOBREATHE’s entire album titled “Out of Body”
Other than that, I love Bastille, George Ezra, Taylor Swift, The Oh Hellos, Lauren Daigle.