This is a review of the video course “LBGT & The Church”, produced by the US-based Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender. The organisation is led by Preston Sprinkle and he sets the tone, getting away from the ivory tower to hear the stories of gay people.

I created this short script of an imaginary couple (Andrew and Zac) arriving at an imaginary church (Family Church). I tried not to make it too much of a caricature or too extreme. But I wanted to include a range of uncomfortable experiences, so that it can be used to stimulate discussion.

In this article we interview Tim, one of the church leaders of Citygate Church, on his reflections on this teaching programme. The leaders spent a considerable time learning about how to address matters of gender & sexuality, in order to remain biblically faithful whilst being pastorally sensitive and showing care to all.

In this article, Rob explores why our “private” sin affects others. In our individualistic society, it’s all to easy to believe that what we do on our own is just our business. He sensitively shows that God cares very much about all our behaviours, and that even our private actions affect others in the church.

What does the welcome look like in your church? Does it consist of a firm handshake and a service sheet, or is it being given a hug by someone in a bright T-shirt? But genuine hospitality, of course, goes way beyond creating a good first impression once a week.

Deciding how to share that your Same-Sex Attractions with others can be hard, particularly within your church family. Whom do you tell? Which person do you start with? For me, it started with my closest friend, followed by a few others. Then it became clear that I needed to tell my mentor, who was my student pastor.