Living Out Podcast

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