Living Out Podcast Living Out

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 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 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 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

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!