Living Out wants to help churches understand how they can better help those who experience same-sex attraction to stay faithful to biblical teaching on sexual ethics and flourish at the same time.
The course will offer a positive biblical vision and practical steps forward as we seek to model both grace and truth in our Christ-like love for all those who experience same-sex attraction.
The Living Out team will share their insight and stories as same-sex attracted Christians who hold to traditional biblical teaching on sexual ethics and who have spoken and written on this subject widely.
Living Out is delighted to be bringing you this day of training in association with the Evangelical Alliance, and it is open to all Christians. While there are opportunities on the day to ask questions about what the Bible teaches in this area, those speaking are committed to the Evangelical Alliance's biblical and pastoral position with respect to homosexuality, summarised in these affirmations. The focus of the day will be how we can uphold these truths and love and serve same-sex attracted people in our churches and society.
Venue
Dundee - further details on registration
Date
Saturday 28 May 2022
Timing
Registration from 9:45am with the day starting at 10am and finishing at 2:30pm, tea/coffee will be provided but please bring your own lunch.
Covid Precautions
Face coverings are no longer “a legal requirement in public indoor venues”. If, however, you would feel more comfortable wearing one, then please feel free to do so.
Course Outline
| Session | Purpose |
| A biblical view of human flourishing | A Bible overview exploring God’s good purpose for our sexuality. |
| Engaging the culture | We’ll consider how the Bible’s vision challenges and fulfils the desires of our culture so we can be confident it really is good news. |
| Living it out in church and society | How can we build churches that are good places for those who are same-sex attracted and witness in a world of gay weddings and rainbow lanyards? |
| Stories & Question Time | Throughout the day the Living Out team will reflect on their experience and give plenty of opportunity for questions. |
Commendations
'We at the Alliance are very aware that many church leaders up and down the country are scratching their heads about how to respond pastorally and biblically to those experiencing same-sex attraction. I’m so grateful for Living Out’s heart for seeing the Church respond with grace and truth to the lives, experiences and stories of these brothers and sisters in Christ. The LOCAL course is an excellent way to engage and wrestle with the issues, and then to provide church leaders with the practical tools they need to go back to their congregations.'
Steve Clifford, Former General Director, Evangelical Alliance
'I would urge church leaders who don’t know where to start on the issue of engaging with people experiencing same-sex attraction to book onto the LOCAL course today. This unique course will provide a safe space to ask those questions, to learn from others and be better equipped – pastorally and biblically – to respond.'
Yemi Adedeji, Director, One People Commission
'The issue of sexuality is unavoidable in contemporary Britain. Specifically, the issues around same sex attraction need to be handled with a combination of warm sensitivity anchored to clear biblical values. The LOCAL course provides skills, wisdom and insight for leaders as they try to care for their congregations and communities. I thoroughly recommend it as a much needed resource for local churches and Christian agencies.'
Stephen Gaukroger, Director, Clarion Trust International
'We had a wonderful day yesterday with the Living Out team at the LOCAL course in Cambridge - over 150 folk! - and deeply appreciated by all I spoke to including many from my team at Eden. It reminded me what a brave and useful thing you guys have done in launching and running Living Out and how much we all owe you for it.'
Julian Hardyman, Senior Pastor, Eden Baptist Church and FIEC Trustee
Participant Feedback
'The mix of storytelling, biblical teaching, practical thinking and example, the physical 'handbook' all made for a really helpful day.''EXCELLENT course - thank you.'
'Brilliant!'
'I've found it SO helpful. Please keep running the course.'
'Honesty gave me a greater understanding of the struggles of LGBT+ Christians.'
'Nice to hear about... radical Christianity - getting back to the simplicity of the Bible, e.g. hospitality, family, loving each other practically.'
'Really helpful in framing the issues and presenting a positive vision of an inclusive church.'
'Well-prepared speakers who were willing to speak "from the heart".'
'I enjoyed the day and have been challenged in a positive way.'
'Plenty of humour that meant I was engaged throughout the day.'
'Really helpful, clear applications.'
'I've been deeply challenged by stories of obedience and sacrifice.'
Most helpful:
'Testimonies and postitive biblical re-inforcement of how to view sexuality.'
'The focus on the positive human flourishing in the gospel.'