Witnessing a need for an LGBTQ+ affirming church, a pastor is starting a new congregation in Murfreesboro in support of a community traditionally neglected in mainstream religions.

Pastor Cindy Andrews-Looper recently announced her plans to bring Rise Up Community Church to the area — a church that is affirming for gender and sexual minorities. Andrews-Looper founded Holy Trinity Community Church in Nashville in 1996, where she served as pastor for 18 years.

"Given the atmosphere of our country in general, there doesn't feel like there's a lot of safe places for our community," Andrews-Looper said.

At Holy Trinity, there were a large number of attendees from the Rutherford County area, demonstrating a need for an open-minded church in Murfreesboro, she said.

Andrews-Looper has noticed negativity toward gay and lesbian couples herself. She recalled churches that said they were open to all people, but weren't comfortable with same-sex couples holding hands or acting like a couple during worship.

"In my time alone with God, I've sensed this tugging that I need to be in ministry again," Andrews-Looper said.

The reaction to the new ministry has been very positive, she said. She made a Facebook page to advertise the new church, and in roughly two weeks, it's gained over 300 followers.

The church will be nondenominational, and while it will have a contemporary feel, liturgical elements will be introduced during worship.

Although the church will be intentionally affirming of the LGBTQ+ community, this is a church for all people, Andrews-Looper said.

Rise Up Community Church plans to hold its first worship service on the first Sunday of December. The location of the church's meeting place has yet to be determined.

"The whole idea is rising above what's going on in your life or in the country," she said.

Reach Brinley Hineman at bhineman@gannett.com or 615-278-5164 and on Twitter @brinleyhineman.