Living Out Podcast

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 related The Living Out Church AuditThe Courage to WarnLiving Out Webinar for Church LeadersWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like?

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 related Why Can't Christians Agree to Differ?How Important Is All This? (Explore Questions #6)The Pastoral Principles – Church of EnglandPeople to be LovedDoes the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?What Does it Mean to be a Truly Inclusive Church?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 related Born This Way. Really?Finding Your Best IdentityThe Unexpected Joy of Being SinglePurposeful SexualityWhat Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?People to Be LovedDoes the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?

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 related Starting 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 mentioned Why Can't Christians Agree to Differ?What Is Sexuality for?Why Should the Church Be Debating Homosexuality?How Can We Have Good Discussions With Christians Who Disagree With Us on Sexuality?I Will Follow

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 mentioned Isn’t the Christian Sexual Ethic Harmful and Repressive?Does Living Out Support ‘Gay Cure’ or ‘Reparative Therapy’?Washed and WaitingWhat Should We Do With Gender Stereotypes?How Biblically Inclusive Is Your Church? The Living Out Church Audit Still Time To CareLGBT and Mental Health: What’s the Link?LGBTQ+ SuicideHow Can You Live Life Without Sex?

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 related Anne's StoryThe Courage to WarnThe Importance of Rounded StoriesWhat Is Sexuality for?15, Same-sex Attracted... and Christian?Christmas special 2022Thinking About Transgender feat. Dr. Julie Maxwell (Youth Leaders' Crash Course #6) The Plausibility ProblemThe Plausibility Problem: A Review

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 related Kitchen Floors and GethsemaneThe Plausibility ProblemWhat God Has to Say About Our Bodies: A ReviewWhat God Has to Say About Our Bodies

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?If We've Rejected What the Bible Says About Slavery - Why Not What it Says About Homosexuality Too?True Freedom Trust websiteIdentity in Christ Conference: Culture and IdentityThe Living Out Church auditTen Years of Living Out

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 related Misstep 9 - 'Suffering is to be avoided' (The Plausibility Problem #9)'Be True to Yourself.' Really?Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy

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 related No One Can Live Without a LoverThe Lesbian Urge to MergeIs Jesus worth it? King's Church 1066

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 related Book of Revelation Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1)Book of Revelation Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 2)Is He WorthyWhat's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction?

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 related The Three Lies of the FallNewtown: Erskineville Anglican Church, John 4Purposeful SexualityLiving Out review hereIntimate JesusLiving 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 questions For the episode: For the series: Resources mentioned and related Youth Leaders' Crash Course podcast pageLGBT and Mental Health: What’s the Link?A Christian Perspective on LGBTQ+ Mental HealthDoes Christian Teaching Cause LGBT Mental Health Problems? (Questions No One Wants To Answer #5)The Mental Health and Well-Being of Celibate Gay ChristiansDoes Living Out Support ‘Gay Cure’ or ‘Reparative Therapy’?LGBTQ+ SuicideIt’s Time to Stop Weaponising SuicideSuicide Facts and MythsCenter For Faith, Sexuality & GenderDoes the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?Stats 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 questions Resources mentioned and related Youth Leaders' Crash Course podcast pageList of LGBTQ+ TermsParents guide to LGBTQ teensour review of the resourceLiving Out Church leaders' webinar on trans-identification amongst teensEmbodiedour reviewFinding Your Best Identityour reviewPeople Not Pronounsour reviewWhat God Has To Say About Our Bodiesour reviewGender identity & trans identification - for youth workersTransgender: An Introduction for Parents and Youth Leaders#768 – Where Should Trans Students Sleep at Summer Camp? And Other Questions#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 questions Resources mentioned and related Youth Leaders' Crash Course podcast pageComing Out – Some Advice for ChristiansWhat to say if a young person ‘comes out’ in conversation with youLiving In A Gray WorldLiving In A Gray World: A ReviewWhat Does God Really Say About Sexuality? (Explore Questions #1)Should Conversion Therapy Be Banned? (Questions No One Wants To Answer #1)

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 questions Resources mentioned and related Youth Leaders' Crash Course podcast page10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) About Christianity: A ReviewWhen Children Come Out – A Guide for Christian Parents

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 questions Resources mentioned and related Youth Leaders' Crash Course podcast pageWhat Is Sexuality for?What Does God Really Say About Sexuality?Straight Youth Leader, Please Teach on SexualityEvaluating the Top Biblical Affirming ArgumentsIsn’t the Christian Sexual Ethic Harmful and RepressiveIsn’t God Being Unfair?Christian + Same-Sex Attracted: Is It Doable?Is My Sexuality Who I Am?Aren’t We Just Picking Which Bits of the Old Testament Law Apply TodayLessons from a Week Teaching Teenagers About SexLiving in a Gray WorldPurposeful SexualityMarriage as a TrailerThe Prodigal Prophet