Living Out Podcast

Ashleigh shares her story of being a Christian teenager with same-sex attraction. We discuss how she shared that with friends and family, the support she received and how she now supports young people in their own struggles with sexuality. We also talk about how following Jesus has shaped Ashleigh's identity and why she trusts God's pattern for sexuality in a world that increasingly reje...

In this fascinating interview with Greg, we learn more of his story of reconciling his faith and sexuality. We also talk about how Jesus releases us from shame. In the second half, we discuss Greg's book, Still time to Care, which explains the history of the ex-gay movement, how terminology has changed and how we can move from a paradigm of cure to a paradigm of care for sexual minorities. Re...

Church leader Jez Field shares why he found Glynn Harrison's book 'A Better Story' so helpful in understanding and critiquing our culture's take on sexuality. He also explains how he seeks to better understand our culture in order to be more effective in communicating faith, building relationship and making disciples. Resources mentioned A Better Story: God, Sex & Human Flo...

Today we're joined by writer, editor and speaker Jennie Pollock, author of the book If Only: Finding Contentment in the Face of Lack and Longing . We discuss how to face the reality of disappointments in life when it doesn't turn out as hoped. Jennie shares her thoughts on singleness and sexuality, how to critique the culture more effectively and how to find a real joy in following Jesus...

We kick off a new Meet The Authors podcast series by interviewing Greg Coles. Greg is a writer, blogger, speaker and Senior Research Fellow at the Center For Faith, Sexuality and Gender. In the show he shares his experience of growing up gay and Christian, how he wrestled with biblical teaching and came to appreciate many of the blessings of singleness. We also discuss his books, how he went publi...

For the last show in this current series, we're joined by Tom Putt who is the vicar at St John the Baptist, Burford. Tom shares about what he learned at a Living Out course and how he's been navigating the sexuality conversation in his own church. We also talk about the points of the church audit that are most challenging for him and how he hopes to embed biblical inclusion at the heart...

In this series we're looking at how churches can be more biblically inclusive, working through our 10-point Living Out Church Audit. In this episode, we discuss statements eight and nine: God's gifts of either singleness or marriage are equally promoted, valued and practically supported in your church's family life together. Church family members instinctively share meals, homes, ho...

In the next instalment of our series looking at how churches can be more biblically inclusive, working through our 10-point Living Out Church Audit, we discuss statements seven and ten: A godly Christian's sexual orientation would never prevent them from exercising their spiritual gifts or serving in leadership in your church. No one would be pressurised into expecting or seeking any 'he...

We're continuing our series looking at how churches can be more biblically inclusive, working through our 10-point Living Out Church Audit. In this episode, we discuss statements five and six: All in your church are hearing the same call to radical self-sacrifice of themselves in response to God’s giving of himself in Jesus. All in your church are encouraged to develop an identity founded fir...

We're continuing our series looking at how churches can be more biblically inclusive, working through our 10-point Living Out Church Audit. In this episode, we discuss statements three and four: All in your church know that we all experience sexual brokenness and all are being encouraged to confess their own sexual sins. Same-sex sexual relationships are never mentioned in isolation from othe...

We're starting a new series looking at how churches can be more biblically inclusive, working through our 10-point Living Out Church Audit. In this episode, we discuss the first two statements: Your church meetings include peoplw who could be labelled LGBTQI+ / same-sex attracted. Derogatory language or stereotyping attitudes to anyone would not be tolerated either upfront or in conversations...

A trailer for the fourth series of the Living Out podcast where we'll be exploring how churches can become more biblically inclusive and support same-sex attracted Christians in their walk with God.

How helpful is it to ask the question "Why Am I Gay?" and what are some of the pitfalls in answering it? The team analyse various attempts to explain why some people are same-sex attracted and point to more helpful ways to think about the question in the light of a Christian perspective on God's sovereignty and our humanity. Resources mentioned and related Why Are Some People Same-s...

Christians who hold to traditional teaching on biblical sexuality are sometimes accused of harming the mental health of LGBT people. In this episode the team explore whether biblical sexuality really does harm LGBT people, expose some of the assumptions and missteps behind that claim and look at how churches can be better at supporting everyone with mental health difficulties. Resources mentioned...

Is the mere experience of same-sex attraction sinful, or is it morally neutral? When does temptation turn into sinful desire? Working out whether same-sex attraction is inherently sinful is important as we want to take sin seriously and repent of it on the one hand, whilst not feeling shame and guilt over something that isn't sinful. Join us as we explore this potentially divisive issue. Reso...

The team discuss how we should we respond when we get invited to a gay wedding and whether it makes a difference if the couple are Christians. They also ponder whether this is something that Christians can agree to disagree on, how we can communicate our decision to the couple, and some of the missional considerations. Resources mentioned and related Should I Go to a Gay Wedding? Anne Witton What&...

How should Christians who are attracted to the same sex describe themselves? In this episode, the team talk about the pros and cons of labelling ourselves as 'celibate gay Christians' or 'same-sex attracted Christians.' We talk about the importance of clarity in communication, how what we say about ourselves plays into our identity and give some words of wisdom for young people...

In this series, the team tackle some of the most difficult questions that we get asked and in this first episode Ed, Andy, Anne and Andrew discuss whether conversion therapy should be banned. They talk about definitions of conversion therapy, its effects, how prevalent it is and what needs to be taken into consideration as legislation is being drafted. Resources mentioned and related Does Living O...

A trailer for the third series of the Living Out podcast where we'll be discussing questions that no one wants to answer.

In the final podcast of this series, Ed, Andy and Andrew discuss whether holding to a traditional biblical sexual ethic puts us on the crazy end of the spectrum of historic and global Christianity. They also explore why people in secular society might think that Living Out's view on sexuality is crazy. Resources mentioned Living Out stories The Gospel in a Pluralist Society Lesslie Newbigin

Andrew, Andy and Anne talk about how they've each come to feel more at ease with their sexuality and how they've been able to develop good friendships in spite of the pitfalls. The show also explores pathways out of shame for the Christian and the importance of having an identity that is rooted in Christ. Resources mentioned How Can I Find Freedom from the Weight of Sexual Sin? Dan Reid...

In today's show, Anne, Ed and Andy discuss whether sexuality is really a big deal. Why are Christians obsessed with sex when there seem to be so many other pressing issues? Do Christians need to fall out over sexual ethics or is it something we can just agree to disagree on? How can we respond when churches and denominations change their stance? Resources mentioned Why Can't Christians A...

For many people, same-sex attraction can feel very isolating. Ed, Andy and Anne discuss how, over time, they felt less alone and were able to get support from friends and church. We also share some advice for those just becoming aware of their sexualities and wanting support and we look at helpful things churches can do. And we also learn about Ed's imaginary wife. Resources mentioned Washed...

Today we're discussing whether God is unfair when he says that sex should only be within a marriage between one man and one woman. Ed, Andy and Anne recount their personal experiences of wrestling with this question and share some favourite biblical encouragements. We talk about the good things about being single, the importance of trusting in the character of our good Father and not making s...

Andrew, Andy and Anne dive into the practicalities of living as same-sex attracted Christians seeking to be faithful to biblical teaching on sexuality. Each shares the difficulties, what has helped and the surprising blessings that have come from experiening this particular struggle. We also look at how the church can help make discipleship for same-sex attracted Christians more doable with plenty...