Summer 2011
Sex and the Church: The Conversations We Need To Have
The church today lives in a sex-saturated culture. Commercials and billboards offer soft porn as an enticement to buy products. The Internet and print offer hardcore porn to anyone who wants it. Today’s sexual culture is also invading the church. The lives of many in the church are not much different from modern culture. Teens, young single adults, and even senior citizens have bought into today’s sexual revolution, and while they seemingly live godly lives, in private, things are much different.
How can pastors address these pressing, but sometimes embarrassing issues? Some choose to ignore teaching or preaching biblical values concerning sexual issues. Others, when they do preach on these issues, only condemn those who may be struggling with sexual issues. As difficult as it might be, pastors must address today’s sexual issues and provide hope and healing for those caught in the web of sexual sin and temptation. Bob Burbee, Andrew Comiskey, Joe Dallas, Richard D. Dobbins, Shannon Ethridge, Robert A.J. Gagnon, Cindy Erwin, Ed Stetzer, William M. Struthers, and others provide pastors encouragement and practical advice for addressing the sexual issues in today’s society.
Theme Articles
INTRODUCTION
George P. Wood
The Sexually Healthy Pastor
Robert K. Burbee
How does a pastor maintain sexual integrity in an environment where talking about sex is not only a source of discomfort, but to acknowledge sexuality may arouse suspicion and criticism from a congregation?
The Pornification of American Culture
Ed Stetzer
Looking more closely at the pornification of our culture will help answer a critical question: Who will be the “salt” and “light” of biblical guidance to a culture gone wild?
A Fence or an Ambulance: Helping Families Deal With Today’s Sexual Issues
Richard D. Dobbins
If we are to remain a relevant church, we must overcome our shyness, break our silence, and confront the sexually threatening challenges to our children and families.
Hooking Up vs. Holding Out: Helping Youth Find a Healthy Sexual Balance
Shannon Ethridge
Convincing young people to save sex until marriage is only half the battle. We must also help them prepare for a healthy sex life within marriage.
Sex and the Single Christian: Moving From Don’t to Do
RICK STEDMAN
Single adults need more than negativism — they need to know the positive side of single sexuality and abstinence, the positive things God wants them to work on and do during this stage of life.
Restoring the Damaged Soul: Church-Based Ministry to the Sexually Broken
Andy Comiskey
A damaged soul threatens the spiritual and relational integrity of many Christians. Here are nine keys to facilitate the healing process for people struggling to free themselves from sexual brokenness.
Pornography Addiction in the Brain: Its Destructive Nature and How To Overcome It
William M. Struthers
How can you help church members who are controlled by pornography? Insight into the addictive nature of pornography is an important first step.
Love Thy Homosexual Neighbor
Joe Dallas
We are likely to encounter three general types of homosexual people: Those who are unconverted; those who claim to be both gay and Christian; and those who are repentant. Loving each group requires a different and specific response.
Understanding and Responding to a Pro-Homosexual Interpretation of Scripture
Robert A.J. Gagnon
Pro-homosexual interpreters frequently make four claims with respect to Scripture. Their misinterpretations require a scholarly response.
MinisteringTo and With People When Sexual Sin Has Complicated Their Lives
GEORGE PAUL WOOD
If modern culture has oversold sex and the church has ignored it, where can people find the truth about our God-given sexuality? Here are answers to some “hard-hitting sex” questions that will help you navigate these sensitive issues.
From the General Superintendent
Human Sexuality in the Image of God
George O. Wood
Christian leaders make three mistakes when it comes to human sexuality: They don’t talk about it; they don’t value it; they don’t model it.
Column Articles
In Context
Whose Image?
Marc Turnage
MANAGING THE MAYHEM OF MINISTRY
Advancing Your Ministry by Retreating With Your Leadership Team
Cal LeMon
MOVING LEADERS FORWARD
Removing the “I” From Team: How To Tear Down Silos That Separate Your Team
Glenn Reynolds
Run Well…Finish Well
Tear Down This Wall: Are You Preaching “Performance” Instead of “Promises”?
Scott Hagan
Dealing With Doubters
Does the Old Testament Endorse Slavery? Examining Difficult Texts (Part 2)
Paul Copan
MINISTRY AND MEDICAL ETHICS
Beyond Stem Cells: Ethical Issues in Regenerative Medicine
Christina M.H. Powell
Clergy, Church & Law
Performing “Religious” Marriages
Richard R. Hammar
Q&A for Ministry Wives
Unrealistic Expectations
Gabriele Rienas
departments
- Sermon Seeds
- Book Reviews
- The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led Me to Faith by PETER HITCHENS (Zondervan)
- Missional Small Groups by M. SCOTT BOREN (Baker)
- Naked Surrender: Coming Home to Our True Sexuality by ANDREW COMISKEY (InterVarsity Press)
- No Sex in the City: One Virgin’s Confession on Love, Lust, Dating, and Waiting by LINDSEY N. ISHAM (Kregel Publishing)
- No Stones: Women Redeemed From Sexual Addiction by MARNIE C. FERREE (InterVarsity)
- Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands by NANCY ORTBERG (Tyndale)
- Sex & the Soul: Juggling Sexuality, Spirituality, Romance, and Religion on America’s College Campuses by DONNA FREITAS (Oxford University Press)
- Uncensored: Dating, Friendship, and Sex by JEANNE MAYO (Harrison House Publishing)
- Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding Creation: A Biblical and Scientific Overview by MARK WHORTON AND HILL ROBERTS (Holman Reference)
- News and Resources
- With Christ
- Advertising Index
