I’m pretty excited about this project! Not only is it probably one of the biggest blogging projects that I’ve had the opportunity to organize, but it’s probably one of the most needed conversations in the church today.
I recently shared that The Idea Camp is running an event this September on the topic of ‘sex’. But one of the coolest things about this one is that the conversation is starting well before the actual event in Vegas!
There will be six weeks leading up to the Vegas event that The Idea Camp will be hosting discussions on various aspects of this conversation. Here’s the schedule of topics that we’ll be discussing…
It’s a big business, probably because of it’s addictive nature. It can damage relationships in so many ways, and many would consider it a form of cheating (infidelity). This discussion will focus on the physical, emotion, and spiritual damage that can result from a porn addiction, and how healing and restoration can be ministered to those stuck in it.
2. Sexual Abuse – Week beginning Sunday, July 25
It usually leaves invisible scars that never go away. And it can be root of other issues not only sexually, but relationally. This discussion will focus on not only the damage that is caused by sex abuse, but with special consideration of how to help those hurt by it with immediate and long-term healing.
3. Gender – Week beginning Sunday, August 8
What does it mean to be a man? Or a woman? Society today would give a large variety of definitions and events that it takes to ‘become a man/woman’. This discussion will focus on defining gender identity and roles, but can also cover factors that may prompt confusion about what it means to be a certain gender.
4. Orientation – Week beginning Sunday, August 22
Same-sex attraction is likely one of the most controversial issues that the church deals with today. Is it okay to be gay/lesbian and be a Christian? More importantly how should the church respond to people who live with same-sex attraction? This discussion will focus on reconciliation… with the Word AND with people. This is a good opportunity to build a bridge to those who have been alienated by the church for a very long time.
5. Slavery – Week beginning Sunday, September 5
This is the ‘social justice’ side of the sex discussion. Many are sold into sex slavery every day all around the world. But what can/should the church be doing about it? Do we have a responsibility to protect those who are affected by this? This conversation will focus on building awareness for this tragic issue, but also further practical solutions that people can take to bring an end to it.
6. Family – Week beginning Sunday, September 19
This is where it all starts. All of the discussions up until now end up pointing back to the family in some way. What should a loving relationship in a marriage look like? Where does sex fit in? What’s healthy? What about the kids? When/how do they learn about sex? This conversation will not only focus on what a healthy marriage looks like, but what healthy discussion about sex in a family sounds like.
If you’re interested…
We’re looking for people to join these discussions. Are you are a blogger who’s interested in dealing with these difficult conversations on your blog? Or do you just have strong feelings about some of these topics? If you’d like to contribute to this conversation in some way, then let me know.
Let’s blog about sex for what it should be, not what we’ve made it.
Long overdue, indeed! This is a brave project. I think there are churches at either end of the spectrum. ..churches not afraid and others terrified of the discussion. And all points in between.
I think there are many who are sitting on the edge of their seats just waiting for the opportunity to talk about it. I don't think amyone believes that any one place or person will give them all of the answers but I wonder how many people out there just want to be able to talk about it.
Yes. Let's blog about sex! Count me in!
This is definitely one of the bravest projects that I've ever been a part of! Sex has been so twisted by society, and the church needs to be a strong voice in this conversation.
I'm glad to hear that you're 'in'! I'll reach out to you by email to discus how you can be involved… this is gonna be really cool!
No doubt a difficult and touchy subject for everyone, churched and unchurched alike.
BUT… definitely a much needed one, especially since so many in society have and continue to sweep under the rug, The Creator's heart on the issue. Somebody has to step up to the plate in His defense. Somebody has to be the voice in the city, on the streets, shouting from the rooftop in hope of turning even one, back to The Father!!! It's NOT about condemning the sinner to Hell, but assisting the stray back into the protection of the fold. My prayer is for eyes to be open, hearts to be receptive and lives to be transformed!!!
Dan – I'd definitely be interested. This is something that we have been talking about for A LONG TIME in the Lutheran church and people are still afraid to talk about it. Can you send me a little more info about what the project might look like or what kind of posts you'll be looking for?
Hey Dan, I'd love to contribute. This sounds like an awesome project and I literally JUST finished talking through Purity with my Youth Group. I'd love to be a part of this project if you could shoot me some more info.
The ministry of Jesus was (is) one of restoration, and in a world with twisted views on sex there is a LOT of restoration that needs to happen. I think you are right on with what you said about not condemning sinners (or victims for that matter), but working towards redemption and transformation that can be found in Christ!
I'm looking forward to amazing things through all of this!
Absolutely! You're in if there are areas that you want to contribute to the conversation in! I'll shoot you some more information about participating shortly. This is a difficult one to talk about in church, but I believe that open, honest, respectful conversation can bring great freedom! This is gonna be amazing!
I'd love to have you as part of the project Seiji! And that's awesome that you've just been talking about purity with your youth group! I think that this is going to be awesome! I'll email you some more details shortly…
I don’t know if I would go as far as saying sex itself is the biggest problem in the church…but you may have a point in that it is the biggest symptom of the worlds brokeness and rebellion against God’s Word and our desire to separate ourselves from God’s design due to our own pride and sense of entitlement. Write on dude.
It may not be one of the biggest problems IN the church, but it certainly is one of the biggest that it has to deal with. The effects of sexual addictions that create secret issues with porn, abuse, and many other problems is not something that the church is immune from, and we should be LEADING the way in helping people find freedom and healing. It’s just an issue that most churches are TOO quiet on, and I think we should be talking MUCH more about it.
Thanks for the encouragement! Glad to hear that others see the need to address the issue!