Living Out Podcast

What if there’s disagreement in our church on sexuality? Ashleigh, Ed and Andy discuss why this isn’t something we can just agree to disagree on, and some key principles to bear in mind as we work things out in light of that. The team then offer some practical wisdom on how to have these conversations within your church leadership team and as a whole church, including whether it’s helpful to hold events engaging with opposing views. Resources mentioned and relatedWhy Can't Christians Agree to Differ? Sam Allberry How Important Is All This? (Explore Questions #6) The Pastoral Principles – Church of England People to be Loved Preston Sprinkle Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? Preston Sprinkle What Does it Mean to be a Truly Inclusive Church? Anne Witton The Living Out Church Audit 

In this episode we discuss how we can provide good pastoral care, both for those who are themselves same-sex attracted and wanting to follow Jesus, and for those who have gay family members and want to love them well. Andy, Ed and Adam share some of the things that have helped them most as they've opened up about their sexualities, the importance of doing simple things well and listening to individuals' experiences, and how showing love to the partner of a gay relative can point them to Jesus. Resources mentioned and related:What Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like?What Can Church Leaders Do To Help Same-sex Attracted Christians?How Can Our Churches Support Christians Who Experience Same-Sex Attraction?Space at the Table: A Review

What cultural and biblical context do we need to bear in mind as we teach on sexuality and gender? How do we handle the Bible passages which directly address homosexuality? Ashleigh, Andy and Andrew discuss the need to approach these topics with both clarity and compassion, whether it’s best to do a one-off sermon or a whole series, and the importance of being aware of the people we’re speaking to and their experiences.Resources mentioned and relatedBorn This Way. Really? Adam CurtisFinding Your Best Identity Andrew BuntThe Unexpected Joy of Being Single Catherine GrayPurposeful Sexuality Ed ShawWhat Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?People to Be Loved Preston SprinkleDoes the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? Preston Sprinkle

In the first episode of this new series, we talk about why and how we should start the conversation on sexuality and gender in our churches. Andrew, Ashleigh and Ed share their experiences of what happens when you do (and don’t) discuss these topics in church, and why not being upfront on what we believe can be so unhelpful.The team also discuss how to engage well with our culture and our own church family as we prepare to have these conversations, making sure we’re clear on what we believe and the range of views and experiences we’ll encounter as we talk about sexuality and gender.Resources mentioned and relatedStarting the ConversationAll of Us StrangersHow Biblically Inclusive Is Your Church? The Living Out Church AuditYou Will Never Be Ready

Ashleigh introduces our brand new podcast series - coming 7th March!

Andy explains how Hebrews 2 speaks into his experience of suffering and temptation in the area of sexuality, by reminding him that Jesus has been tempted and is sympathetic when we're struggling. Dan's chosen passage is 1 Corinthians 6, which has helped him to see the worth and dignity we have in God's eyes, how we've been bought at a price, and what that means for what we do with our bodies. Resources mentioned and relatedKitchen Floors and Gethsemane Andy RobinsonThe Plausibility Problem Ed ShawWhat God Has to Say About Our Bodies: A Review Dan ReidWhat God Has to Say About Our Bodies Sam Allberry

Adam explains how Romans 7 shows that God understands our experiences and the clash of desires in our hearts. He takes comfort from the fact that the Bible is very real about the struggles we all face but also offers freedom from condemnation for those who come to Christ.Ed has chosen Acts 8 as a passage as an example of a beautiful encounter between Jesus and someone who experienced the shame of not having children. He takes encouragement from the fact that Jesus – the one who was despised and rejected – meets us in our pain and offers us hope.Resources mentioned and relatedMisstep 9 - 'Suffering is to be avoided' (The Plausibility Problem #9) The Living Out team'Be True to Yourself.' Really? Adam CurtisWhiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy Paul David Tripp

Andrew and Anne each pick a Bible passage that has helped them persevere in living faithfully for Jesus.Anne explains why Psalm 63 has helped her identify and overcome idolatry in her friendships with women and encouraged her to hunger for God instead.Andrew's choice of Psalm 73 shows that God himself is the greatest gift to us and we don't need to envy those who have things – like same-sex relationships – that we think we want. Following Jesus never means missing out on good and ultimate satisfaction.Resources mentioned and relatedNo One Can Live Without a Lover Anne WittonThe Lesbian Urge to Merge Anne WittonIs Jesus worth it? King's Church 1066 Andrew Bunt

Ashleigh explains how Revelation 5 helps her keep an eternal perspective in times of change and makes sense of the longings in her heart.2 Corinthians 12 is one of Andy's favourite passages and he shares how Paul's teaching about his thorn in the flesh is an encouragement to look to Jesus whose grace is sufficient for us.Resources mentioned and relatedBook of Revelation Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1) The Bible ProjectBook of Revelation Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 2) The Bible ProjectIs He Worthy Shane & ShaneWhat's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne Witton

Join Anne and Ed as they discuss some passages of Scripture that have really encouraged them.Ed's pick is John 4 and he explains why Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well helps him understand Jesus' heart for those who have sinned sexually and the beautiful way that he stewards his sexuality.Anne shares why Genesis 3 helps her make sense of life and God's purposes for sexuality and points forward to the hope of the gospel for all of us, whatever our areas of brokenness.Resources mentioned and relatedThe Three Lies of the Fall Anne WittonNewtown: Erskineville Anglican Church, John 4 Ed ShawPurposeful Sexuality Ed Shaw (Living Out review here)Intimate Jesus Andy Angel (Living Out review here)

In the last episode of this series, Andrew and Ashleigh seek to understand the connection between LGBT+ and mental health and share some of their own experiences. They explore difficult issues like the social stress model, family rejection and insidences of suicide.There are plenty of practical tips on supporting young people who wrestle with mental ill health and they show how the Christian gospel both makes sense of suffering and offers hope in the midst of it.There is also an interview with Dr. Preston Sprinkle from the Center For Faith, Sexuality & Gender.Discussion questionsFor the episode:Do we have a good understanding of the main mental health issues our teens might be struggling with? (depression, anxiety, low self-esteem/self worth, self harm, eating disorders, suicidality, shame, addiction, etc.) If not, what’s our next step in learning?How can we provide a safe environment for teens to be honest about their pain/struggles?What practical things/resources should we put in place to equip us as a team and any youth who need help? (eg member of Ashleigh’s youth team did a bunch of research and created a brief document explaining various mental health problems and providing resources for helping with each)For the series:What are your key takeaways?What should we continue to pray about?What’s your priority to do next? Resources mentioned and relatedYouth Leaders' Crash Course podcast pageLGBT and Mental Health: What’s the Link? Andrew BuntA Christian Perspective on LGBTQ+ Mental Health Andrew BuntDoes Christian Teaching Cause LGBT Mental Health Problems? (Questions No One Wants To Answer #5)The Mental Health and Well-Being of Celibate Gay Christians Mark Yarhouse and Olya ZaporozhetsDoes Living Out Support ‘Gay Cure’ or ‘Reparative Therapy’? Ed ShawLGBTQ+ Suicide Andrew BuntIt’s Time to Stop Weaponising Suicide Andrew BuntSuicide Facts and Myths Transgender TrendCenter For Faith, Sexuality & GenderDoes the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? Preston SprinkleStats For GenderHeadstrong: Mental wellbeing for young peopleAlumina: 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harmMind.org.uk

In this show we're looking at how to support young people who are struggling with their gender identity. We define the terms and share our own stories of gender confusion before discussing some of the reasons why increasing numbers of young people might be identifying as transgender.In the second half we get practical with advice about how to support young people experiencing distress about their gender, including how to respond with compassion, how to talk about identity and how to offer hope in suffering.This episode also features an interview with community paediatrician Dr. Julie Maxwell.Discussion questionsDo we have a good understanding of sex, gender and transgender? If not, what’s our next step in learning?Do we have a good understanding of what the Bible says about sex, gender and identity? If not, what’s our next step in learning?Are we a welcoming, safe environment for teens who are trans-identifying, who have questions about gender generally or their own specifically? How can we become more so?What practical conversations (e.g. around names, pronouns, bathrooms, sleeping spaces) do we need to have?Resources mentioned and relatedYouth Leaders' Crash Course podcast pageTo know how some LGBT people are using the language – see Stonewall’s ‘List of LGBTQ+ Terms’Parents guide to LGBTQ teens and our review of the resourceLiving Out Church leaders' webinar on trans-identification amongst teensEmbodied Preston Sprinkle and our reviewFinding Your Best Identity Andrew Bunt and our reviewPeople Not Pronouns Andrew Bunt and our reviewWhat God Has To Say About Our Bodies Sam Allberry and our reviewCMF Quick Guide - Gender identity & trans identification - for youth workersTransgender: An Introduction for Parents and Youth Leaders Andrew BuntTheology in the Raw podcast #768 – Where Should Trans Students Sleep at Summer Camp? And Other QuestionsTheology in the Raw podcast #870 – Another Take on the Pronoun Debate: Dr. Julie MaxwellMore resources here...

In this show we discuss how to support young people who are experiencing same-sex attraction or questioning their sexuality. We look at how to understand the young person's experience and how to respond when they come out to you.In the second half of the episode we look at how we disciple and offer ongoing support to young people who are struggling with their sexuality.Discussion questionsHas there been a time when you have had to share something deeply personal with someone else? Were you uncertain or afraid about how they might respond? What about those experiences might help us to respond well to teens who come out to us?How have we responded to teens who have come out to us in the past? What can we learn from these experiences?How are we discipling our teens on an ongoing basis? What else could we do?Resources mentioned and relatedYouth Leaders' Crash Course podcast pageComing Out – Some Advice for Christians Andrew BuntWhat to say if a young person ‘comes out’ in conversation with you Andrew BuntLiving In A Gray World Preston SprinkleLiving In A Gray World: A Review Ashleigh HullWhat Does God Really Say About Sexuality? (Explore Questions #1) The Living Out TeamShould Conversion Therapy Be Banned? (Questions No One Wants To Answer #1) The Living Out Team

We talk about how we as youth leaders can prepare ourselves and our churches to care for all young people, especially in the area of sexuality. We discusss the importance of modelling godly discipleship ourselves and creating an honest and safe culture for young people to share their struggles.We also look at how we can engage well with parents and church leaders, communicate sensitively and ensure that youth work is an integral part of the whole life of the church.This episode features a bonus interview with Tim Alford, National Director of Limitless, the youth and children’s movement of the Elim Pentecostal Churches. He is also youth leader at The Source Church in Malvern and a Youth Ministry Specialist Lecturer.Discussion questionsWhat do we need to do to prepare ourselves as youth leaders?What do we need to do to prepare our youth group?How can we engage well with parents and carers?How can we engage well with our church leaders?Resources mentioned and relatedYouth Leaders' Crash Course podcast page10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity Rebecca McLaughlin10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) About Christianity: A Review Andrew BuntWhen Children Come Out – A Guide for Christian Parents Mark A. Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets

In this show the team discuss how we can teach on biblical sexuality to our young people. We talk about the importance of painting the bigger picture of sexuality throughout Scripture and setting it in the context of God's heart for his people and the gospel which is good news for everyone.We discuss how to tackle the passages that specifically mention homosexuality and give some ideas of things to think about when teaching young people about sex. We also discuss lots of tricky questions that we've been asked and think about how to handle them in a clear, biblical and compassionate way.Discussion questionsDo you have a good understanding of what the Bible says about sexuality? If not, what’s your next step in learning?How can you teach this in a way that doesn’t compromise on truth, but also extends grace and sensitivity to your various listeners?How would you answer the common questions raised in this episode? (Perhaps practice on each other!)Resources mentioned and relatedYouth Leaders' Crash Course podcast pageWhat Is Sexuality for? Ed ShawWhat Does God Really Say About Sexuality? (Explore Questions #1)Straight Youth Leader, Please Teach on Sexuality Ashleigh HullEvaluating the Top Biblical Affirming Arguments Andrew BuntIsn’t the Christian Sexual Ethic Harmful and Repressive? Andrew BuntIsn’t God Being Unfair?Christian + Same-Sex Attracted: Is It Doable?Is My Sexuality Who I Am? Andrew BuntAren’t We Just Picking Which Bits of the Old Testament Law Apply Today? Sam AllberryLessons from a Week Teaching Teenagers About Sex Andrew BuntLiving in a Gray World Preston SprinklePurposeful Sexuality Ed ShawMarriage as a TrailerThe Prodigal Prophet Tim Keller (quote from p.138)

In this show, we critique some of the commonly held cultural views such as 'I'm inherently good and know what’s best for me'; 'I won't be happy unless I embrace and act on my desires'; 'Love equals complete acceptance'; 'If something’s not hurting anyone, it can’t be wrong' and 'Porn is an expression of normal sexuality'.We think about ther kernels of truth underlying some of these ideas whilst highlighting the damage they've often caused and pointing to biblical truth as a better narrative.Discussion questionsWhich of the ideas raised in this episode do you find most challenging to teach on? Why?Which of these ideas is most relevant for/prevalent among the teens in your group?How can you begin to teach on these ideas?Resources mentioned and relatedYouth Leaders' Crash Course podcast pageThe Righteous Mind Jonathan HaidtThe Case Against the Sexual Revolution Louise PerryThe Coddling of the American Mind  Jonathan Haidt and Greg LukianoffTheology in the Raw podcast #1004 – The Coddling of the American Mind Greg Lukianoff with Preston SprinkleConfronting Porn Paula HallStrange New World Carl R. TruemanDifferent for Boys: A Review Ed ShawThe Plausibility Problem Ed ShawThe Plausibility Problem podcast seriesStraight Youth Leader, Please Teach on Sexuality Ashleigh HullThe Courage to Warn Anne Witton

The Emerging Generations team discuss the need to understand the culture that our young people are steeped in so that we can be more effective in communicating biblical truth about sexuality.We look at Jonathan Haidt's moral matrix to understand the values that shape our young peoples' moral decisions and see that they care about harm, fairness and freedom. We reflect on how we can listen well, find common ground and show how the Bible ultimately answers the questions that young people care about.This episode features a bonus interview with Mike Snowdon who has 15 years of experience as a youth pastor, speaker, student worker and resource creator.Discussion questionsWhere are your teens in terms of sexuality? What are the specific ideas they hold to?What’s the impact of these ideas on individuals, gay or straight?How might you begin to respond to the messages of our culture?Resources mentioned and relatedYouth Leaders' Crash Course podcast page (including Moral Matrix graphic)The Righteous Mind Jonathan HaidtThe Ultimate Heartstopper Andrew BuntiGen Jean M. TwengeDifferent for Boys: A Review Ed ShawA New Freedom Mike SnowdonA New Freedom websiteHelp - I’m a Youth Leader! Ed ShawRelease Patrick NessSex Education Netflix

In the last of our current series – going through the missteps identified in The Plausibility Problem by Ed Shaw – we discuss whether suffering can and should be avoided. We share our own painful experiences and examine why some argue that the suffering of celibate same-sex attracted Christians is a reason to abandon traditional biblical teaching on sexual ethics.We go on to show that suffering is a normal part of following Jesus, whether you're gay or straight, single or married. We look at some of the reasons why God allows us to suffer and the joys and benefits that we receive precisely because we suffer.We also look at practical things that help us when we're struggling and ways that we can use our pain to love and serve others.Resources mentioned and relatedThe Plausibility Problem Ed ShawThe Plausibility Problem: A Review Steve WardSupport to Grieve Anne WittonYou Only Live Once. Really? Adam CurtisKitchen Floors and Gethsemane Andy RobinsonWhat's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne WittonChildlessness Anne WittonAnne and Abby on Their Community House Anne WittonSharing Life Together Anne WittonConfronting Christianity Rebecca McLaughlinDark Clouds, Deep Mercy Mark Vroegop

Today we unpick some of the cultural assumptions about sex being a need which underpin the idea that celibacy is bad for you. We discuss the problems with the view that sex is the only form of intimacy, sex is just about pleasure and sexual expression is core to our identity.We examine some faulty interpretations of significant Bible passages on sexual desire and show that the Holy Spirit enables us to live fulfilled lives as celebate people who enjoy God, his people and his creation.Resources mentioned and relatedThe Plausibility Problem Ed ShawThe Plausibility Problem: A Review Steve WardMarriage: God’s Solution to Sexual Temptation? Dani TreweekWhat is the Gift of Singleness? Andrew Bunt Finding Your Best Identity Andrew Bunt Finding Your Best Identity: A Review Alicia Barwick The Case Against the Sexual Revolution Louise PerryThe Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A Review Ed Shaw The Mental Health and Well-Being of Celibate Gay Christians Mark Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets Hey, Single Christian. Your Celibacy Isn't Extraordinary Dani Treweek Hey Single Christian. Your Celibacy is Uniquely Meaningful Dani Treweek 

What is godliness and what does it look like for people who experience opposite-sex and same-sex attraction? That's the question we explore today.We also look at why the idea that godliness for a gay Christian means developing heterosexual desires is unhelpful and unbiblical.Resources mentioned and relatedThe Plausibility Problem Ed ShawThe Plausibility Problem: A Review Steve WardWhat Does God Really Say About Sexuality? (Explore Questions #1)Called to be Holy and Blameless Andrew Bunt Putting My Armour On Anne WittonA Bible Chapter for Same-sex Attracted Christians Andrew BuntWhat's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne Witton Does Living Out Support ‘Gay Cure’ or ‘Reparative Therapy’? Ed Shaw Can Your Sexuality Change? Peter Ould Gay Girl Good God Jackie Hill PerryGay Girl, Good God: A Review Adam Curtis The Heart of Christ in Heaven towards Sinners on Earth Thomas GoodwinGentle and Lowly Dane OrtlundGod Has a Name John Mark ComerPrecious Remedies Against Satan's Devices Thomas Brooks