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? 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 related

• Born This Way. Really? Adam Curtis
• Finding Your Best Identity Andrew Bunt
• The Unexpected Joy of Being Single Catherine Gray
• Purposeful Sexuality Ed Shaw
• What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
• People to Be Loved Preston Sprinkle
• Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? Preston Sprinkle