116: Talking With Students About Sexuality and Gender

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian Podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the critical importance of addressing sexuality and gender issues within youth ministry. They explore the biblical foundations for teaching on these topics, the role of youth pastors, and the need for open conversations about sexual holiness. The discussion also touches on the implications of purity culture, the importance of engaging parents, and practical approaches to teaching these sensitive subjects. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for compassion, clarity, and intentionality in addressing these sensitive issues with youth.   Recommended Resources: Affiliate links provide a small financial benefit to YPT, which we use to provide the content you enjoy. Thanks for your support. 

• For Youth: Mike McGarry, Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World
• For Youth: Jennifer Kvamme, More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships
• For Parents: Rachel Gilson, Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World: Discipling Our Kids with Jesus' Truth and Love
• For Biblical Study: Dennis Hollinger, The Meaning of Sex: Christian Ethics and the Moral Life

Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on  Instagram or X/Twitter.    John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.    Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. Visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.    Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)

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