Pastorally supporting Christians experiencing attraction to the same sex
To view Sam Allberry's longer form presentation with your ministry team click on this link.
Theology
Pastoral Guidelines
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Know the key biblical texts that speak of homosexual sexual activity and develop a robust biblical theology of sex, gender and marriage, based on the wide sweep of biblical teaching and not just ‘proof texts’.
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Know the arguments around the interpretations about the specific passages that refer to homosexual sexual activity.
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Differentiate theologically between same-sex orientation/attraction and same-sex sexual activity.
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How do you think theologically about same-sex ‘orientation’? Are you consistent in the way you consider what is and isn’t sin in this area compared to others?
Further Resources
Audio/Video
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Dr Juli Slattery, Rethinking biblical sexuality
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The Living Out Team, What does God really say about sexuality?
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The Living Out Team, Marriage as a trailer
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Sam Allberry, Jesus is not neutral on sexual behaviour
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Andrew Errington, A theology of sexuality
Articles/Blogs
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Ed Shaw, What is sexuality for?
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Sam Allberry, What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
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Sam Allberry, Aren't we just picking which bits of the Old Testament law apply today?
Digging Deeper
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David Peterson, Same-sex unions and Romans 1
Books
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Preston Sprinkle, People to be Loved
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Ed Shaw, Purposeful Sexuality
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Juli Slattery, Rethinking Sexuality
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Mark Yarhouse, Homosexuality and the Christian
Maturity
Pastoral Guidelines
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Be patient with each person as you listen to their struggles and gently guide towards maturity in Christ.
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Remember sexual attraction is only one facet of a person’s life. Don’t treat same-sex attracted (SSA) people as ‘single issue Christians’, encourage holistic maturity and sanctification.
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Each SSA person will approach their struggle differently. We need to help people think through God’s guidance, singleness and marriage, celibacy, loneliness and more.
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Remind the SSA person that the gospel holds out both the hope of future glory, and the joys of life in Christ now.
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Many SSA Christians will have previously encountered “affirming theology” and may have found it emotionally engaging. How can you equip yourself well to respond to theologies like this?