Living Out Podcast

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

In this podcast, Andy and Dan discuss the relevance of biblical verses to their personal experiences with suffering, temptation, and sexual sin. They emphasize Jesus' sympathy and understanding towards those struggling, the importance of perceiving Jesus accurately, and the significance of our bodies to God. Through personal reflections and exploration of biblical passages, they provide guidance and hope for individuals wrestling with their behavior and faith.

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