Perhaps parents with a gay son may finally be able to feel they are not guilty of failure in raising their child. Maybe a closeted lesbian member will bring her partner to church for the first time. Someone, hearing of your congregation, might return to church for the first time in many years. It's amazing how the Holy Spirit works when you are willing to be an instrument of God's grace. What you do once the affirmation is adopted is up to your own congregation.
Many churches post their Affirmation or include it in their bulletin.
Others make an inclusive reference in their advertising. There is also an expanded program for congregations who wish to become even more effective advocates for inclusive ministry in the Lutheran church called the RIC Partners Program. These pages are maintained by Mark Wade Lieu .