Talking to our kids about sex can feel awkward, intimidating, and even overwhelming—especially for parents who grew up with shame-based messages around faith, bodies, and sexuality. In this episode of The Roots That Last, Ryan and Madeline talk with Dr. Kelly Edmiston, Lead Pastor at The Vineyard Church in Sugar Land/Stafford and author of Shame-Free Sex Talks, about how Christian parents can begin having healthier, more faithful conversations with their kids. Kelly offers a framework she calls spiritual sexuality, helping families understand that our bodies, desires, faith, and formation are not separate parts of us, but deeply connected. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of grace for parents who want to do better but may not know where to begin. In this episode, we talk about moving beyond purity culture, why “the talk” should become a thousand small conversations, how Scripture can shape a better sexual ethic, and how to help kids know that their bodies are good, holy, and loved by God. Whether your kids are toddlers, teenagers, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to approach these conversations with courage, tenderness, and hope.Episode Title: Shame-Free Sex Talks: Faith, Bodies, and Guiding Our Kids with Grace Episode Summary:In this episode of The Roots That Last, Ryan and Madeline sit down with Dr. Kelly Edmiston to talk about one of the most important—and often most intimidating—conversations Christian parents have with their kids: sex. Kelly names the gap many parents feel. We know we do not want to repeat the shame of purity culture, but we also do not want to say nothing. So what does it look like to offer our kids a better, more integrated, more faithful way forward? Through her framework of spiritual sexuality, Kelly helps parents see that faith and sexuality are not disconnected. Our bodies, desires, questions, and spiritual formation are all part of our life with God. In this episode, we talk about: Why many Christians inherited a disconnected view of faith and sexuality What purity culture tried to solve, and where it caused harm Why silence around sex still communicates something to our kids How to move from one big “sex talk” to many small, ongoing conversations Why parents may need to name and heal from their own sexual shame How Scripture can help shape a sexual ethic rooted in covenant, community, and consent Why kids need to know their bodies are good, holy, and loved by God How to begin age-appropriate conversations from early childhood through the teenage years Guest:Dr. Kelly Edmiston is the Lead Pastor at The Vineyard Church in Sugar Land/Stafford and the author of Shame-Free Sex Talks: Guiding Kids to Live Out Their Faith, Love Their Bodies, and Understand the Goodness of Sex. Resource Mentioned:Shame-Free Sex Talks by Dr. Kelly Edmiston Listen and Watch:You can listen to The Roots That Last on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube. Dr. Kelly Edmiston: https://www.drkellyedmiston.com/ The Vineyard Church: https://thevineyard.church/ Shame-Free Sex Talks: https://a.co/d/0gSG5ud3 The Roots That Last: https://ecclesiahouston.org/rootspodcast
