78: Discussing Gender and Sexuality with Youth (Andrew Bunt & Ashleigh Hull)

Discussing gender and sexuality with teenagers has never been more important... or intimidating. It seems so easy to step on landmines, lose credibility with either students or parents or church leadership, which can make it tempting to avoid the topic altogether. But students are hearing about gender and sexuality, and every ministry has youth who are struggling with these questions personally.  Andrew Bunt and Ashleigh Hull lead Living Out's initiative to support youth to view gender and sexuality in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They also share about Living Out's new curriculum, Kaleidoscope, which helps youth ministries discuss these important topics with truth and love and patience.  Could you tell us a little about Living Out’s ministry, and what drew you to be part of it?  What’s the lay of the land in LGBTQ+ conversation in the UK? Are there any noteworthy differences between the States and UK?  How does the gospel shape and direct the way we care for teenagers who are experiencing SSA or gender dysphoria?  How is a biblical vision for sexuality and gender anchored in the Imago Dei and creation? Why is that so important for us teach?  What do you recommend concerning pronoun hospitality? Why?  What is Living Out’s position on the phrase “Gay Christian”?  What recommendations do you have about breaking into small groups by gender?  If you’re going on a weekend retreat and a trans student signs up, how do you address that? What are some characteristics of churches and youth ministries that are addressing gender and sexuality with courage and compassion, and what are some ways that churches tend to give lip service without actually following through? Could you tell us a little about Living Out’s new series for youth, Kaleidoscope and what you hope it offers to ministries who use it? Learn more about Living Out's new Kaledoscope Curriculum Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book presents ten articles from the YPT archives to help new readers catch the vision for what it looks like to pursue theological depth in youth ministry.