Living Out Podcast

In the first of our series answering the questions our listeners have submitted, we're thinking about experiencing same-sex attraction. How do we handle sexual temptation? How do keep trusting God if we have a deep but unfulfilled desire to be married? What are some of the gifts and blessings of being single and same-sex attracted? And much more! Resources mentioned and related What Is It Teaching You? Ashleigh Hull Unwanted by Jay Stringer Overcoming Unwanted Sexual Behavior featuring Jay Stringer  Hey Single Christian. Your Celibacy is Uniquely Meaningful Dani Treweek True Freedom Trust  Single, Gay, Christian by Greg Coles The Plausibility Problem by Ed Shaw The Intimacy Deficit by Ed Shaw Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry A War of Loves by David Bennett Born Again This Way by Rachel Gilson Living in a Gray World by Preston Sprinkle 

We're back with a new series, and this time we're answering YOUR questions. You submitted so many good questions when we asked for them recently, that they've filled a whole series! We'll be chatting about everything from experiencing same-sex attraction, to evangelism and parenting. We're excited, and hope you are too! 

Welcome to the Living Out Podcast - helping people, churches and society talk about faith and sexuality. Join us to hear about life as a same-sex attracted or gay Christian, and God's good news on sexuality for every single one of us. 

Let's get practical: what does all this friendship stuff look like in real life? We've heard all sorts of wisdom from our guests in this series, on everything from how Jesus models friendship, to the need for vulnerability, and navigating change in friendships. In this final episode, we sit down with a couple more of our friends for a chat about what that's looked like in our own lives. We pray you find it helpful!Resources mentioned and relatedThe Best of Friends Phil Knox IVP Books – Use code LIVINGOUT20 for 20% off ebooks by Ed Shaw and Andrew Bunt Jubilee+ 

Friendships bring with them all kinds of blessings, but how do we handle the challenges that also come with them? How should we respond to changes in circumstances, for example when friends move away? Being vulnerable is so important for building friendships, but isn't it risky? And how can we speak and receive hard truths when we do things which hurt each other?  We're joined by Kevin Morris, host of the Professional Third Wheel podcast, to talk through some of the challenges of friendship and share our experience of how to navigate them. Resources mentioned and related Professional Third Wheel Podcast In Praise of Awkward Conversations Andrew Bunt Why I'm Glad My Friendships Are Being Disrupted Andrew Bunt A Beautiful Mess Ed Shaw Why I Need My Single Friends Alison Bolton 

For our very special 100th podcast episode, we're joined by John Wyatt – author of Transforming Friendship – to talk about how we can foster healthy intergenerational friendships, what friendship looks like at different stages of life, and how we can go about strengthening existing friendships.  There's also the chance to enter our 100th podcast episode giveaway, and if you're desperate to hear about Thomas the Tank Engine, The Musical, then we bring you good news of great joy: it made it into our first ever podcast episode, when we heard from our very own Andrew Bunt about his story of faith and sexuality. You can find the link for that and lots of other useful resources below. Resources mentioned and related Enter our 100th podcast episode giveaway (closes 10th April 2025)  Youth Leaders' Crash Course Misstep 9 - 'Suffering is to be avoided' (The Plausibility Problem #9) Imperfect Reflections Kirsten Birkett Meet the Authors #1 – Andrew Bunt Friendship and Intimacy (Friendship #3)  Transforming Friendship John Wyatt Transforming Friendship: A Review Ed Shaw Same-sex attraction and friendship in church, with Ed Shaw 

So far in this series we've talked about why we need friendships and the difference Jesus makes to them, but what does that look like in reality? Adam and Ashleigh each sit down with a friend to talk about how their friendship has brought them closer to God and taught them more about him, and share their reflections on what has helped their friendships to thrive. Why not share this episode with a friend and let them know how much you appreciate them? Resources mentioned and related The Radiant Dawn Tom Parsons From Glory Into Glory Tom Parsons Three or More Andrew Bunt  Friendship and Intimacy (Friendship #3) 

Isn't intimacy all about sex? How and why should we pursue intimacy in our friendships? We're joined by Katherine (Kaleidoscope contributor and part of the Being Human team at the Evangelical Alliance) for a conversation about different kinds of intimacy, how we can practically cultivate deeper and more intimate friendships, and how to navigate some of the risks inherent to pursuing intimacy in friendships.   Resources mentioned and related Kaleidoscope Relationships Matter Evangelical Alliance Have You Been Intimate With Anyone Recently? Andrew Bunt Emotional Dependency Andrew Bunt Simon: Intimacy and Emotional Dependency (Different Stories #4) In Praise of Awkward Conversations Andrew Bunt Navigating Physical Touch Andrew Bunt  Made for Friendship Drew Hunter Upcoming Living Out Events Stop Looking for the Perfect Friend Andrew Bunt Power in the Mundane Andrew Bunt 

How does being friends with Jesus change the way we do friendship, with Christians and non-Christians? What are the most encouraging and challenging things about the friendship Jesus offers us? And how do we practically go about addressing the friendship deficit in our own lives, while having realistic expectations of ourselves and our friends?  We're joined by Vaughan Roberts for a challenging, encouraging and liberating conversation about the joys and limits of human friendship, and how knowing Jesus as our friend transforms our view of and approach to friendships. Vaughan is the rector of St Ebbe's church in Oxford and author of True Friendship. Resources mentioned and relatedTrue Friendship Vaughan Roberts Emotional Dependency: A Threat to Close Friendships Lori Thorkelson Rentzel Emotional Dependency Andrew Bunt A Little Life Hanya Yanagihara   The Lord of the Rings J R R Tolkien Wicked Wendell Berry short stories and novels Politics, Poverty and Belief: A Political Memoir Frank Field 

How can we be friends with God? What does that actually look like in daily life? Does being friends with God mean we don't need human friends? With Phil Knox - evangelist, missiologist and author of 'The Best of Friends' - we're kicking off our series on friendship thinking about what friendship is, why it matters, and some top tips for cultivating friendships with God and with other people. Resources mentioned and relatedEvangelical Alliance The Best of Friends Phil Nox Billy No Mates Max Dickins The Four Loves C. S. Lewis Friends Robin Dunbar True Friendship Vaughan Roberts (read our review here) Spiritual Friendship Aelred  Crossing to Safety Wallace Stegner Transforming Friendship John Wyatt (read our review here) Jesus on Friendship Andrew Bunt Jesus's Greatest Miracle Andrew Bunt Kaleidoscope 

Friendship. We all need it, and it's especially valuable in making the single life plausible. But how do we do it well? How can we foster healthy intimacy in friendship? What example does Jesus give us? All this and more to come in our new podcast series - stay tuned!

Who's the Tiny Tim of the Living Out staff team? And the Scrooge? How can we keep going as single people over Christmas and New Year, and look out for the single people around us?  All this and more in our (slightly chaotic) podcast Christmas Special!  Resources mentioned and related The Loneliest Day of the Year Dani Treweek God Gets You Andrew Bunt Coming Home for Christmas Dan Reid A Poetic Gift This Christmas Ed Shaw 

James, a youth leader and Kaleidoscope contributor, shares his experience of trying out the series with some of his youth group, including what they particularly enjoyed about the series.  We also hear from Eleanor, who tells her story in episode 3 of Kaleidoscope, about some of the blessings of singleness, her reflections on how the Church has handled the wider issue of sexuality, and why she as a church leader is excited about Kaleidoscope.  Finally, Adam tells us about his experience of faith and sexuality as a teenager, what's changed in our culture and in the Church for young people growing up today, and what stands out to him about Kaleidoscope. Resources mentioned and relatedKaleidoscope  What I Would Tell My Teenage Self About Singleness Adam Curtis  True Freedom Trust Born Again This Way Rachel Gilson A War of Loves David Bennett Is God Anti-gay? Sam Allberry Meet the Authors #2 – Adam Curtis 

We speak to two parents, Jo and Claire, about the world their children are growing up in and their experience of talking to them about sexuality, gender and faith. They share how their churches have tackled these issues so far, and why they're excited about Kaleidoscope. We also hear from Sean – a parent, church leader, and someone who experiences same-sex attraction – about the difference Kaleidoscope would have made for him as a teenager and how he hopes it will help start good conversations on these big topics. Resources mentioned and relatedKaleidoscope What I Wish I Was Told about Sex When I Was a Teenager Ed Shaw  

What is Kaleidoscope? Why have we made it? Andrew and Ashleigh, our Emerging Generations team, share their hopes for the series, and catch up with two of the people who contributed to it.  Katherine tells us what conversations about sexuality were like for her growing up, and why she's excited for Kaleidoscope giving space for more open conversations in churches. And Ben shares his thoughts on how we can have those conversations well, with some particular tips for youth leaders. Resources mentioned and relatedKaleidoscope Katherine: The Power and Beauty of Stories (Different Stories #3) Christ and the Culture Wars Ben Chang A Better Story Glynn Harrison 

As a teenager, Nat was fascinated by God and got confirmed. But when she came out as a lesbian at 16, she was met with rejection from her peers and a Christian school teacher. At university, she joined the LGBT society and remained angry at God and at Christians for the way she'd been treated. But then she met Matt when she started working, and his reaction to her story was different. They tell the story of how they met, how Nat gave her life to Jesus, how they started dating, and share some of the benefits and challenges of their mixed-orientation marriage. Resources mentioned and related God Healed My Experience of Rejection Nat Sean and Gaby's Story This episode contains a reference to self-harm.

This episode contains discussion of childhood sexual abuse, depression, and suicidal thoughts.Sometimes God breaks into our lives in the most unlikely circumstances. Robert was sexually abused by a teacher at school, forced into becoming a Christian, and went on to marry a woman and lead a church – all while being same-sex attracted and not truly knowing Jesus. From there things fell apart, and Robert began living as an out gay man. Only later would he come to know the love of God for the first time, and give his life to Christ.  Resources mentioned and related If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, please reach out to someone you trust. In the UK, you can also contact Samaritans for support – call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day. Samaritans also provide a full list of organisations you can contact for advice on a range of issues, including abuse and mental health. You can find that here. 

As a gay teenager, David felt rejected by the Church and couldn't see a plausible way for him to be a Christian. He became an activist set on destroying Christianity and opposing it at every turn. But his time at university found him looking for something deeper, eventually leading to an unlikely encounter with Jesus and the love of God. Now a theologian, David shares how his research has helped him see that living a single and celibate life can not only be a way to flourish, but also to subvert and challenge the ideas of the society around us, pointing people to Jesus, our subversive saviour.  Resources mentioned and related: A War of Loves David Bennett A War of Loves: A Review Stuart Ferguson David's Story Video Kaleidoscope

Looking for purpose and meaning at medical school, Laura spoke to a Christian friend who invited her to church. She decided to put her trust in Jesus, and it was only several years later she realised she was same-sex attracted. We chat with Laura about how she's found trusting that God's ways are good since then, and why good friendships are so important as she seeks to follow Jesus. She shares how her friendships have sometimes been complicated by attraction or emotional dependency, and some of the things God has taught her about friendship along the way.  Resources mentioned and related Simon: Intimacy and Emotional Dependency (Different Stories #4) Adopt An Aunt Ed Shaw Transforming Friendship: A Review Ed Shaw True Friendship Vaughan Roberts Made for Friendship Drew Hunter 

Paul tells us how he came to faith as a teenager, and how a combination of clear teaching and sharing with good friends has helped him navigate same-sex attraction and stay faithful to Jesus. Paul also shares how he unexpectedly fell in love with his now wife, and his advice for any same-sex attracted Christians considering an opposite-sex marriage.We also chat about how we respond to our desires. Is it harmful to deny ourselves things we desire? How do we know which desires are good to act on and which aren't? What are the different lenses we might look at those questions through and how do they influence our approach? Resources mentioned and relatedStrong Desires and Deep Desires Andrew BuntWhat Are Your Desires Telling You? Amy RiordanYou Are Being Lied To Andrew BuntHandling Sexual Urges (Part 1) Jo Johnson

We chat to Simon about how understanding God's bigger purposes for his people has helped fuel his excitement for living God's way when it comes to sexuality. Simon tells us how getting involved in True Freedom Trust helped him find a supportive community where he could be more open about his sexuality, having not come out to anyone until his early 20s. Simon also shares his experience of emotional dependency and what God has taught him about healthy relationships and intimacy. We talk about loneliness, singleness and forming friendships with deeper commitment. Resources mentioned and relatedTrue Freedom Trust   Body Matters in Genesis Andrew Bunt Relationships: A Mess Worth Making Paul David Tripp 

Katherine shares her story of dating a girl as a teenager, and noticing how Jesus genuinely transformed the lives of Christians she knew. As she opened up the Bible for herself and got to know and love Jesus, Katherine tells us how she accepted the invitation to follow him in all areas of her life, including with her sexuality. We also chat to Katherine about how she ended up marrying a man, and why she thinks it's so important that we share our stories, particularly as we seek to connect with the younger generation and reach them with the good news. Resources mentioned and relatedEvangelical Alliance The Power of Stories for a Post-Truth Generation Katherine Three or More: Reflections on Polyamory and Consensual Non-Monogamy Andrew Bunt 

Ryan shares his story of coming out as a teenager, coming to faith at university, and the gradual, ongoing process of reconciling his faith and sexuality. He unpacks some of the key things God has taught him along the way, including why following Jesus means gaining so much more than you lose, and why living a single and celibate life isn't a waste of your sexuality.

Simon shares his story of coming to faith and coming to terms with his sexuality. We ask him about his experience of sharing with friends about his sexuality having kept it quiet for 10 years, and some of the benefits and challenges of being same-sex attracted in ministry. Simon also shares what he would tell his younger self now, and some reflections on how much our sexuality is part of our identity. Resources mentioned and related:Living Faith website  Simon's Substack

For our next podcast series, we're going back to our roots - hearing stories from same-sex attracted Christians about the goodness and faithfulness of God in their lives. We hope you'll join us and be encouraged! First episode coming 4th July.

What are your legal freedoms to speak on sexuality and gender at church and in the workplace? Andy and Andrew are joined by Danny Webster from the Evangelical Alliance to think through our legal freedoms when it comes to what we say and what we do on issues of sexuality and gender, both at church and in the secular workplace. The team discuss what the law says about all this, the implications for who we employ or admit as members in our churches, the need to be clear and consistent in what we say and do, and what the future might hold. Resources mentioned and relatedLiving for Jesus at Work Evangelical Alliance Speak Up Evangelical Alliance Should a Christian Wear a Rainbow Lanyard? Ed Shaw Resources for Pride Month Andrew Bunt Church Membership and Discipline (Church Leaders #5) 

How do we engage with a culture which holds such different views to us on sexuality and gender? It's easy to feel hopeless or fearful as we engage in conversations with those around us on these sensitive issues, but in this episode Ed, Adam and Andrew help us to think about how we can do it well. In particular, what sort of mindset or attitude should you and your church family adopt as you approach these topics? How can you equip your church family to engage with and understand our culture? How can we communicate lovingly, and how do we respond to pushback or pressure to engage with things which seem to contradict our faith? Resources mentioned and relatedThe Culture Translator Podcast Axis Being the Bad Guys Stephen McAlpine The Ultimate Heartstopper Andrew Bunt  What Young People Are Hearing Andrew Bunt  Do We Have To? Ashleigh Hull Questioning Evangelism Randy Newman Listening Carefully and in Full Andrew Bunt  The Righteous Mind Jonathan Haidt Should a Christian Wear a Rainbow Lanyard? Ed Shaw  Humility in Pride Andrew Bunt  Living Out Webinar for Church Leaders (13 June 2024) 

How as churches can we best engage and help the next generation on the issue of sexuality? It can be an intimidating topic to tackle, but Andy, Ashleigh and Andrew encourage us that young people need the gospel as much as anyone else, and that it speaks good news into their big questions and concerns on sexuality and gender.  The team also offer some practical wisdom on how we as church families can all play our part in proclaiming and living out the good news, as we navigate an issue which presents big challenges but also big opportunities to connect the next generation with the gospel. Resources mentioned and relatedStart Talking to Your Kids about Sex: A Review How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Who Am I? Faith in Kids Growing Up Faith in Kids What Do Teens Need to Hear? Dr. Jeff Myers on The 3 Biggest Reasons Why Young Adults Choose Jesus The Culture Translator Podcast Youth Leaders' Crash Course Podcast Series 21 Tips on How to Teach on Sex, Gender and Identity  The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A Review Living in a Gray World Preston Sprinkle Living Out Youth Leader Network and Resources Living Out Webinar for Church Leaders (13 June 2024) Limitless TV - God and Sexuality 

How should we approach a conversation with a gay couple wanting to get baptised or get their child baptised? What should we bear in mind when considering who to invite to formal church membership or leadership positions? How can we be consistent and loving in disciplining people who are living unrepentantly in ways that are contrary to what the Bible teaches?  Ashleigh, Ed and Andy discuss the issues of church membership and discipline particularly in relation to sexuality and relationships, but also more broadly for anyone who is part of a church. Resources mentioned and relatedThe Living Out Church Audit The Courage to Warn Anne Witton Living Out Webinar for Church Leaders 13 June  What Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? Andy Robinson

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!

Our new series is coming soon, and in the meantime we're highlighting a couple of episodes from the vault. In our second series, we took on some of the most common questions we get asked about faith and sexuality, including this one: how important is all this?Anne, Ed and Andy discuss whether sexuality is really a big deal. Why are Christians obsessed with sex when there seem to be so many other pressing issues? Do Christians need to fall out over sexual ethics or is it something we can just agree to disagree on? How can we respond when churches and denominations change their stance?Resources mentionedWhy Can't Christians Agree to Differ? Sam AllberryWhat Is Sexuality for? Ed ShawWhy Should the Church Be Debating Homosexuality? Ed ShawHow Can We Have Good Discussions With Christians Who Disagree With Us on Sexuality? Andrew GoddardI Will Follow Jon Guerra

While we work on our next series, we thought we'd take the opportunity to highlight a couple of episodes from the vault. In our second series, we took on some of the most common questions we get asked about faith and sexuality, including this one: isn't the Christian sexual ethic harmful and repressive?In the first half of the show we explore ways in which Christians and churches have sadly harmed people in the areas of sex and sexuality. We talk about how silence has made it hard for people to feel safe and understood; how churches have sometimes created cultures of shame; and we discuss the damaging legacy of conversion therapy.In the second half, we push back on the claim that the pattern for sexuality laid out in the Bible is harmful, and we share our own experiences of the Christian sexual ethic as life-giving. Oh, and you can step back in time and find out what we were all watching on TV!Resources mentionedIsn't the Christian Sexual Ethic Harmful and Repressive? Andrew BuntDoes Living Out Support ‘Gay Cure' or ‘Reparative Therapy'? Ed ShawWashed and Waiting Wesley HillWhat Should We Do With Gender Stereotypes? Andrew BuntHow Biblically Inclusive Is Your Church? The Living Out Church Audit Still Time To Care Greg JohnsonLGBT and Mental Health: What's the Link? Andrew BuntLGBTQ+ Suicide Andrew BuntHow Can You Live Life Without Sex? Ed Shaw

In this special episode we say a sad farewell to our Content Director, Anne Witton. Anne shares her reasons for stepping down from front-line ministry at this time and talks honestly about some of the joys and struggles of her work with Living Out.The team discuss highlights of the last few years, share favourite resources and remember plenty of funny moments.Resources mentioned and relatedAnne's StoryThe Courage to Warn Anne WittonThe Importance of Rounded Stories Andrew BuntWhat Is Sexuality for? Ed Shaw15, Same-sex Attracted... and Christian? Ashleigh HullChristmas special 2022 podcastThinking About Transgender feat. Dr. Julie Maxwell (Youth Leaders' Crash Course #6) podcastThe Plausibility Problem Ed ShawThe Plausibility Problem: A Review Steve Ward

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

Ed is joined by Living Out co-founders Sam Allberry and Sean Doherty to talk about the early years of the ministry and some highlights from its history.They share the story of how and why Living Out started and what their expectations were when it was launched ten years ago.In the second half of the show they share their personal highlights, discuss the impact Living Out has had and express their hopes for the future.Resources mentioned and related£10 a month clubSam's storySean and Gaby's storyAren't We Just Picking Which Bits of the Old Testament Law Apply Today? Sam AllberryIf We've Rejected What the Bible Says About Slavery - Why Not What it Says About Homosexuality Too? Sean DohertyTrue Freedom Trust websiteIdentity in Christ Conference: Culture and Identity Tim KellerThe Living Out Church auditTen Years of Living Out Ed Shaw

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