Sexuality

Articles

These articles were originally published in The Lutheran Witness, October 2013 issue, Vol. 132. Many were written by members of the LCMS God’s Gift of Sexuality Task Force.

• 10 Questions with Daniel Puls
  
  
• The Birds and the Bees
  
  
• Confessing Marriage, Confessing Christ
  
  
• The Gift of Sexuality
  
  
• Is There Any Hope for Me?
  
  
• It’s Broken: Hope and Healing for the Struggle
  
  
• Jesus Welcomes Sinners
  
  
• Marriage Matters
  
  
• Marriage Toolkit
  
  
• Princeton Professor to LCMS: Support Biblical Marriage
  
  
• The Silence of Jesus
  
  
• Searching Scripture: Words of Forgiveness and Love

Audio & Video

• What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
  How can Christians who believe God’s Word and design for marriage respond to those who support same-sex marriage and homosexuality? Rev. Tom Eckstein talks with Kay L. Meyer, president and host of Family Shield Radio, regarding what the Bible says about marriage and homosexuality in part one of a two-part series on responding and witnessing to homosexuals. Part 1 | Part 2
  
  
• Cross Defense – The Apologetics to A New Generation and Same-Sex Marriage
  
  
• Faith’n’Family – The State of the Synod, Marriage, and College Students
  The Rev. Herb Mueller, LCMS first vice president, discusses the correlation between views on marriage, family and the numeric decline in the Synod. The Rev. Marcus Zill, director of LCMS Campus Ministry & LCMS U, and the Rev. Tom Eckstein, chair of the LCMS God’s Gift of Sexuality Task Force, discuss the January 2015 LCMS U Conference: TABOO.
  
  
• Faith’n’Family – God’s Gifts of Marriage and Sexuality
  Members of the LCMS God’s Gift of Sexuality Task Force, The Rev. Tom Eckstein, chair, the Rev. Dr. Peter Scaer and Rev. Dr. Gary Zieroth discuss God’s gifts of marriage and sexuality as described in Scripture and the influence of the world on Christians’ perspectives and beliefs.

Documents

• Clarity and Care for Children with Gender Confusion — Dr. Brad Alles provides clear information on gender dysphoria and confusion, as well as guidance for parents caring for children who struggle with it.
  
  
• LCMS President Harrison Letter and LCMS Family Ministry Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
  
  
• The Contemporary Debate on Homosexual Clergy
  
  
• God’s Gift of Sexuality Task Force Answers Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• Gender Identity Disorder or Gender Dysphoria in Christian Perspective
  
  
• Response to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust
  
  
• The Creator’s Tapestry
  
  
• Standing Firm, Lovingly
  Having a statement of belief is critical for any Lutheran school. It will guide your ministry and give you a firm leg upon which to stand. Stand firm, be courageous, “for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
  
  
• Bible Study: Truth and Compassion for LGBTQ+ Individuals
  This Bible study provides guidance and biblical testimony about how Christians should respond to gender and sexual identity issues in light of God's Word.
  
  
• Truth and Compassion for LGBTQ+ Individuals
  In this article, Deaconess Emma Heinz discusses the Christian attitude toward members of the LGBTQ+ community: both the pitfalls Christians can fall into, and the balance of truth and compassion we are called to by God's Word.
  
  
• For more resources on this topic, please visit the Life Library.
  
  

Studies

• Beyond Broken
  This six-week study is focused on God’s intent for identity and relational wholeness. The study begins with a larger discussion focused on gender, and specifically, on God’s design for male and female and how they were intended to be in relationship with one another.

• Sexuality Mentality
  This six-week study is focused on God’s intent for identity and relational wholeness. The study begins with a larger discussion focused on gender, and specifically, on God’s design for male and female and how they were intended to be in relationship with one another.

• Do You Believe in Love…Real Love
  This one-part Bible study answers the question, "If love is love, and God is love, then isn't same sex love okay?"

Podcast

• End Goals – Difficult Conversations: Gender and Sexuality

Articles

• I’m Straight
  This article for youth leaders highlights four ways we can engage youth struggling with identity, especially around sexuality.

• Homosexuality and the Church's Response
  This article for youth leaders discusses how we in the church speak the truth in love when it comes to the topic of homosexuality.