1. 1. Is FEAST an acronym for something?
   

2.    Yes, Faith, Education, Action, and Service Together.
   

2. 2. What is a “progressive” Christian?
   

3.    When we say we are “progressive” Christians, we mean we identify as Christians who seek to follow Jesus, not just believe things about Jesus, who are more interested in authentic conversation than doctrinal agreement, and who are open and affirming of people from all genders, sexual orientations, politics, religious traditions, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds (Gal. 3:28). “Progressive” Christians believe in transcending the false dichotomies of “liberal” and “conservative” by bringing people from all political and theological leanings together to work for justice and positive change.
   

3. 3. Do you believe [insert “doctrinal” statement here]?
   

4.     Partly because our members come from many different denominations and traditions, we don’t require our members to believe in any specific doctrines or creeds and function as a non-creedal community, where tests of faith are never imposed on anyone (Philippians 2:12-13). FEAST is explicitly Christian, but not exclusively Christian and while following Jesus remains the purpose and focus of FEAST, we also welcome and include folks who do not identify as Christian into our group.
   

4. 4. So what do you believe?
   

5.     We believe that God calls us to the table with different views and perspectives, and that we can disagree while still loving each other (Romans 14:1-8; Philippians 2:1-11; Ephesians 4:3). We believe that service and activism are central to the faith we hold and that we are to learn from holy scripture, mainstream scholarship, contemporary theology, and each other what it means to be followers of Jesus.
   

6. 
   

7.     Many of our members have found meaning in a short statement that expresses much of what is important for us. You can find this statement in our “Beliefs” section as well as other statements and affirmations of faith and mission.
   

5. 5. Do you serve communion?
   

6.     Yes. We began serving communion while demonstrating for equal marriage four years ago as a symbol of our welcome and affirmation of all people- reclaiming a symbol that has often been used as a tool of exclusion. Since then, we have incorporated open communion at both Bible study and Feasting with FEAST, as well as numerous other events, remembering the story of Jesus’ love for the world and inviting all the share in the meal. All people are welcome to take communion, with no conditions or prerequisites. For a more in-depth analysis of our beliefs regarding communion, please see our “Beliefs” section.
   

6. 6. Are you associated with any churches or denominations?
   

7.     Yes, we are supported by five mainline Protestant denominations and their local congregations. However, as mentioned above, we welcome people from all faith traditions, and we have members from many different backgrounds: mainline Protestant, Evangelical, Pentecostal/Charismatic, agnostic, Unitarian-Universalist, seekers, pagan, and other spiritual traditions.
   

7. 7. What is a “mainline” Protestant?
   

8.     Good question. The short answer is that mainline Protestants are folks who belong to denominations with roots in the Protestant Reformation led by people like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Wesley. These include denominations that probably sound familiar to you: United Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, etc. While these denominations are diverse politically and theologically, they are among the oldest and largest denominations in the United States, have roots in liberal theology, with a strong focus on social justice and service, and consider ecumenism (interdenominational collaboration) essential to the faith. For more info, check out our page on our supporting churches.
   

8. 8. Are you a “gay Christian” group?
   

9.     No. While FEAST is completely and explicitly open and affirming to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersex, queer, or questioning, we are not exclusively for LGBTI Christians. Rather, we are a diverse organization open to all people- no matter what your orientation!
   

9. 9. Doesn’t the Bible condemn homosexuality?
   

10.     The Bible says virtually nothing about monogamous, loving, and committed same-gendered couples. The five or six times same-gendered sexual acts are mentioned in the Bible are virtually always in reference to exploitative, non-consensual acts: gang rape, temple prostitution, and pederastic relationships. For more info, take a look at some of the links on LGBTI spirituality here or check out our pamphlet on the different verses usually used to attack same-sex relationships.
    

10. 10. Are you a “political” group?
    

11.    For the long answer, check out our section on why we believe our faith goes hand in hand with social justice. But the short answer is that we believe that following Jesus- who was executed by the empire as a political criminal- means that our faith does involve making political stands. However, we are not a partisan group. Our membership covers the wide political spectrum and includes people who identify as liberal, libertarian, moderate, conservative, anarchist- you name it!
    

11. 11. How can I become a member?
    

12.     We don’t have any requirements for membership. If you attend our weekly events on a regular basis and would like to be considered a member, then you are one!
    

12. 12. Do I have to be a Christian?
    

13.    No, FEAST may be explicitly Christian in our focus and commitment, but we welcome people from all faiths or no faith at all to join our community in all capacities.
    

13. 13. What makes you different from other Christian groups on campus?
    

14.    We have many distinctions, including our unique ecumenical (multi-denominational) support from many local mainline Protestant churches and denominations, our progressive beliefs on faith and scripture, our commitment to create a missional and inclusive justice-seeking community, our open and affirming stance, especially regarding people who are LGBTQ, to name a few. Take a look around our website to learn more.
    

14. 14. What can I expect at a meeting?
    

15.     You can expect warm, friendly people who don’t always agree or see eye-to-eye on everything but who try our best to be respectful and loving. You can also expect meetings to be pretty informal, with a lot of conversation and diverse opinions. Don’t worry if you’re more of a listener than a talker though- we definitely appreciate your willingness to listen and respect everyone’s different personalities.
    

15. 15. Do I need to own a Bible for Bible study?
    

16.     No, we will always bring extra Bibles for anyone who doesn’t own one, or forgets to bring one. If you would like to have a Bible for your own private use, please contact us and let us know.
    

16. 16. How does FEAST read the Bible? Do you read the Bible literally?
    

17.    We are a community rooted in the Bible, and we all believe seriously in studying the scriptures as Jesus did (Matthew 22:29). However, as most people read the Bible in different ways, we read the Bible together, learning from each other’s different perspectives rather than holding dogmatically to a single interpretation. We take the historical and socio-cultural contexts of scripture seriously, as well as what mainstream scholarship has to tell us, but ultimately, we read the Bible not as a legalistic rulebook; rather, we look for the more-than-literal meaning of the stories and listen to the Spirit speaking to us still on issues of justice, equality, and peace (Hebrews 4:12).
    

17. 17. Could I get a ride to an event?
    

18.     We can offer rides to any of our events; however, in order to be responsible stewards of the environment, we encourage everyone to take public transportation, walk, or bike as much as possible. If you are not sure how to get to a location, or you would rather not walk alone, you can always ask us to meet you and walk with you.
    

18. 18. Do I need to be involved in all FEAST events to be a member?
    

19.     Not at all. You are welcome to be a part of as many or as few events we hold to be a member.
    

19. 19. Do you have to pay any fees?
    

20.     No, FEAST has no fees!
    

20. 20. Where are you located?
    

21.    Our campus minister has an office at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 900 High Street (near the base of campus), but we’re really located all over. We usually have weekly meetings at either the Cantú Queer Center or the Women’s Center. Contact our campus minister Sean to make appointments or just for more info.
    

21. 21. What if I disagree with something? 
    

22.     Great! We welcome and value diversity of opinion and belief in our group. All we ask is that you keep an open mind with an intent to engage in dialogue, maintain a willingness to learn from people you might not agree with, and respect differing opinions (Ephesians 4:15-16).
    

22. 22. Can I be a part of FEAST events if I am not a student or associated with UCSC?
    

23.     We know that many local mainline churches do not have a strong young adult presence, and so while FEAST is primarily a student organization, we are very much open to any young adults in the area who are looking for a community like ours.
    

23. 23. I have a question that isn’t answered here.
    

24.     That’s okay! Just e-mail us with your question and we’ll be sure to reply. If it’s a general question that could be helpful to everyone, we’ll also add it to this FAQ.
    

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