Living Out and True Freedom Trust are holding a joint conference in London on 7^th June. Here are four reasons why I am excited about it.

1. It is a great theme. As I wrestle with sexuality myself and speak to others about it, I have become convinced of the centrality of the heart. If I don’t want to submit to Jesus’s teaching, I’ll find an intellectual excuse to deviate from it. But if my heart is warm towards Jesus and full of love for him then it becomes a joy to obey him. So I am delighted that the heart will be the theme of the day as we look at Psalm 27 and John 4 in the main sessions.
2. I’m also delighted that Vaughan Roberts will be the main speaker. Vaughan provided one of the first story videos for the Living Out website (in which he looks – ahem – slightly younger than now) and has appeared on the podcast (twice!) and as well as being a source of help and wisdom.
3. The conference is a great chance for us to celebrate our partnership with True Freedom Trust. TFT has been around for a lot longer than us and I am often asked about the relationship between the two organisations. We work well together and, at Living Out, we are so thankful for the vast amount of pastoral encouragement and support they provide for many people. So it is great to be able to do a joint conference where there will be a chance to hear news from the two organisations and to pray for each.
4. As well as the main talks there will be a heap of other things going on. There’s a choice of seminars. I’ll be digging into what true freedom means and looks like in our lives, Andrew will be talking about ministry to young people, building on his work on Kaleidoscope, and the TFT team will be thinking about being good allies to those who are gay or same-sex attracted. We’ll praise God together, hear testimonies, enjoy browsing the bookstall, and have the fun of a day in the centre of London. I’m looking forward to it.

The conference is designed both for those experiencing same-sex attraction and those who support them. So, if you are reading this blog, you probably qualify! Check out the details and book in at the event page.