Defiantly Feasting in the Wilderness | 2026 Pre-Conference Devotional
“We are often pushed out of "certainty" and into the unknown; a scary journey that requires a prophetic imagination which proclaims boldly that the "gray area" is actually holy ground.”
Rev. Dr. Jerry Maynard, The People’s Priest
As we get ready for the 2026 Anchored Conference starting this week, we were curious to know: What piece of scripture or characteristic of God is anchoring you in this season? So, we posed that exact question to several members of the QCF Community. This week, QCF Community Member, Rev. Dr. Jerry Maynard, The People’s Priest, chimes in with his answer to the question:
Beloved QCF Family, I have been sitting with the idea of “anchored”, exploring what that means for myself and would like to offer my musings for you in preparation for this year's conference. Transitions often feel final, which frankly, feels awkward. As queer people, we are often people of the "in-between"; navigating the space between the birth families and chosen families; between the denominations that raised us and the faith that sustains us. Knowing this, I feel drawn to a blended image of God: The Host in the Wilderness.
My spirit is currently holding onto the tension of Hebrews 11 and Psalm 23. In Hebrews 11:8 (I am using the NRSVUE translation), we see the faithfulness of Abraham who keeps on keeping on despite the valid anxiety of the unknown;
”By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out,
not knowing where he was going.”
This is the lived, daily experience of our community. We are often pushed out of "certainty" and into the unknown; a scary journey that requires a prophetic imagination which proclaims boldly that the "gray area" is actually holy ground. Therefore, if Hebrews validates our wandering, Psalm 23:5 validates our worth.
”You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows”
This verse challenges the lie that rest only comes when we have "arrived"; the theological debates are settled, the legislation stops targeting us, the bishops finally ordain us, or once we find the perfect church. The Psalmist is inviting us to anchor ourselves in the God that sets the table in the middle of struggle! God feeds us in the presence of our oppressors! God anoints and ordains us with sacred oil as anathemas are proclaimed over us!
This is my anchor: We are extravagantly loved by a God who will nourish us during the struggle. Give yourself permission to stop explaining and start defiantly feasting at the banquet of justice. Even in the midst of the unknown, know this - you have a reserved seat at the table today, so DINE IN!
It’s not too late!
It is not too late to join us in-person or online for the 2026 Anchored Conference! Click below to learn more and to get 15% off your Conference Registration.
