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In this introduction to our new series, Ashleigh and Jo quiz Andrew on his latest book Getting God’s Perspective: A Short Christian Introduction to Worldviews, Sexuality and Gender.   Why did Andrew write the book? Why are we doing a podcast series about it? And what is a worldview, anyway?  In this series we’ll involve more voices in the conversation started by Andrew’s book and will focus particularly on what all this means for sexuality and gender. If you'd like some help evaluating the worldview that our culture is giving you, or to have better conversations with others about sexuality and gender, give it a listen!  Resources mentioned and related Getting God’s Perspective by Andrew Bunt An Introduction to Christian Worldview: Pursuing God's Perspective In A Pluralistic World by Tawa J. Anderson, W. Michael Clark, David K. Naugle Foundations for Teaching on Sexuality and Gender, Ashleigh Hull Living Out prayer newsletter

Our views on sexuality and gender are shaped by the foundational beliefs - the worldviews - beneath them. In this series we'll be digging up the worldviews of the modern secular West and of the Bible, and seeing how getting God's perspective on key worldview topics can help us with our questions and the questions of others. This series will be drawing on ideas from Andrew Bunt's new book, Getting God's Perspective: A Short Christian Introduction to Worldviews, Sexuality and Gender. Get your copy now and read the book alongside this series!

Hannah tells us about her favourite episode from our back catalogue.  Ed and Jo are joined by Jez Field to talk about intimacy with others. What are the catalysts for this kind of intimacy? What are some of the barriers to it? And do women need intimate friendships more than men do?  Resources mentioned and related  The Intimacy Deficit by Ed ShawJez’s review of The Intimacy Deficit Billy No-Mates: How I Realised Men Have a Friendship Problem by Max DickinsMore from Jez on the Living Out websiteKeswick Convention talks on the intimacy deficitLiving Out podcast series - Friendship

Andrew tells us about his favourite episode from our back catalogue. This episode from our first Meet The Authors series features thirteen guests giving their answers to five quickfire questions. We'll hear what advice our guests would give to their younger selves, what resources they recommend, how churches have been particularly helpful, what's been good about being same-sex attracted or being single, and top tips for deepening healthy intimacy in friendship. Resources mentioned 7 Myths About Singleness Sam AllberryIs God Anti Gay? Sam AllberryBreaking the Marriage Idol Kutter CallawayThe Center for Faith, Sexuality & GenderA Change of Affection Becket CookRedeeming Singleness Barry DanylakBorn Again This Way Rachel GilsonJesus, Lover of My Soul Julian HardymanWashed and Waiting Wesley HillThe Single Issue Al HsuThe Prodigal God Tim KellerLiving Out Identity in Christ conferenceThe Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw (Published in the US as 'Same-Sex Attraction and the Church')Single Friendly ChurchPeople To Be Loved Preston SprinkleTwo Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church Preston SprinkleSingle-Minded Kate WhartonUnderstanding Sexual Identity Mark Yarhouse

Ed tells us about his favourite episode from our back catalogue.  So far in this series we’ve talked about why we need friendships and the difference Jesus makes to them, but what does that look like in reality? Adam and Ashleigh each sit down with a friend to talk about how their friendship has brought them closer to God and taught them more about him, and share their reflections on what has helped their friendships to thrive. Why not share this episode with a friend and let them know how much you appreciate them? Resources mentioned and related Friendship podcast seriesThe Radiant Dawn Tom ParsonsFrom Glory Into Glory Tom ParsonsKaleidoscopeFriendship and Intimacy (Friendship #3)

When you begin to tell people about your experiences of same-sex attraction or your decision to obey what God says about sexuality, you’re likely to receive questions.  Andy is joined by our old friend Anne and our new friend Laurence to talk about their experiences here. What’s it like for us as same-sex attracted Christians when people ask us those questions? How might we begin to answer them?  Resources mentioned and related  A Better Love  Should I Go to a Gay Wedding?, Anne Witton  Shouldn't We Expect Sexuality to Change? (Engaging Objections #6), Living Out Podcast  What's Wrong With a Permanent, Faithful, Stable Same-Sex Sexual Relationship?, Ed Shaw  Isn't Love Good? (Engaging Objections #5), Living Out Podcast  Podcast Series: The Plausibility Problem, Living Out Podcast  How Can You Live Life Without Sex?, Ed Shaw  What Is Sexuality For?, Ed Shaw  What Does Sexuality Have to Do With the Gospel?, Ashleigh Hull  What Would Jesus Do? Ask Questions!, Ed Shaw  For more common questions, have a look at our Explore Questions page and check out our previous podcast series Questions No One Wants to Answer and Engaging Objections.

Ashleigh is joined by our old friend Nat and our new friend Angela to talk about what leaving a same-sex relationship was like for them.  Whether you’re considering leaving a same-sex relationship in order to follow Jesus, or you’re wanting to support someone in that situation, this conversation has something for you.  Resources recommended and related  Nat and Matt: Mixed-Orientation Marriage (Different Stories #9), Living Out Podcast Support to Grieve, Anne Witton What's Wrong With a Permanent, Faithful, Stable Same-Sex Sexual Relationship?, Ed Shaw What If a Gay, Married Couple, With Children, Become Christians?, Ed Shaw

Ed and Adam are joined by our new friend Tom to talk about the times when their experiences of same-sex attraction make them want to give up on their faith. What keeps them going in these times?  Resources mentioned and related Psalms 63 and 73 (Bible Encouragements #3), Living Out Podcast  The Intimacy Deficit by Ed Shaw  Exploring the Intimacy Deficit, Living Out Podcast

Andy is joined by Jeanette and Simon to talk about whether we should expect a change in our same-sex attractions as followers of Jesus. They share ways they’ve sought change in the past, how they view it now, and how others have helped them.  Resources mentioned and related  Living Faith Simon: Reconciling Sexuality, Faith and Ministry (Different Stories #1), Living Out Podcast Shouldn't We Expect Sexuality to Change? (Engaging Objections #6), Living Out Podcast 2 Corinthians 12 and Revelation 5 (Bible Encouragements #2), Living Out Podcast What's Good About Struggling With Same-Sex Attraction?, Anne Witton Getting God’s Perspective by Andrew Bunt Resources on Conversion Therapy, Living Out Team

Andrew is joined by Jeanette and Jon to share their stories of same-sex attraction and faith. They’re honest about their experiences of loneliness, talk about how singleness and childlessness can come with grief as well as joys, and consider what we can do about loneliness.  Resources mentioned and related  Jeanette’s story and writing  Kaleidoscope Friendship and Intimacy (Friendship #3), Living Out Podcast Strengthening Friendships (Friendship #5), Living Out Podcast Youth Leader Network Are We Just Playing at Being Family?, Ashleigh Hull More Living Out resources about loneliness

Andrew is joined by our old friend Dan and our new friend Ruth as they share their stories of same-sex attraction and talk all about the realities of sexual temptation.   What helps us to avoid temptation? What about when we give in to it? And what can we learn from how Jesus faced temptation?  Resources mentioned & related  Meet the Authors #21 - Dan Reid I Used to Identify As a Sinner. Now I’m Learning Who I Really Am., Dan Reid Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing, by Jay Stringer (see our book review here and listen to Jay on an episode of ‘The One Conversation’ podcast here) How Can I Find Freedom from the Weight of Sexual Sin?, Dan Reid Handling Sexual Urges (Part 1), Jo Johnson Handling Sexual Urges (Part 2), Jo Johnson The Desires That Tempt You May Not Be Your Deepest Desires, Andrew Bunt What Are Your Desires Telling You? (Could It Be Something Different Than You Think?), Amy Riordan Getting God’s Perspective by Andrew Bunt

Coming out (sharing with someone about your experience of sexuality) is not always easy, whether you're the person sharing or the one hearing about it. Laura and Paul join Ashleigh to talk about what coming out was like for them. We hear about the first people they told, the things that have been helpful for them in these conversations, and what it's like to share so publicly about such a personal experience. Paul also shares some thoughts on doing all of this when you're married. Resources mentioned & related Laura: Good Friendship (Different Stories #6)Paul: Responding to Our Desires (Different Stories #5)Should All Same-Sex Attracted Christians Come Out?, Vaughan RobertsComing Out – Some Advice for Christians, Andrew BuntHow Should I Respond When a Christian Comes Out to Me?, The Living Out TeamSubscribe to the Living Out podcast

As Christians who experience same-sex attraction, how can we flourish? In this series we'll talk about coming out, answering people's questions, feeling alone, and more.  Whether you experience same-sex attraction yourself or you want to support someone who does, this series will have something to comfort, challenge and encourage you.

This episode contains discussion of childhood sexual abuse, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Jo tells us about her favourite episode from our back catalogue - one that shows how God sometimes breaks into our lives in the most unlikely circumstances. Robert was sexually abused by a teacher at school, forced into becoming a Christian, and went on to marry a woman and lead a church – all while being same-sex attracted and not truly knowing Jesus. From there things fell apart, and Robert began living as an out gay man. Only later would he come to know the love of God for the first time, and give his life to Christ.   Resources mentioned and related  If you’re affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, please reach out to someone you trust. In the UK, you can also contact Samaritans for support – call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day.  Samaritans also provide a full list of organisations you can contact for advice on a range of issues, including abuse and mental health. You can find that here.

Andy tells us about his favourite episode from our back catalogue. 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 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 and Waiting by Wesley HillTrue Freedom TrustLiving Out storiesShould A Church Start a Group for Same-Sex Attracted Members? Charlie SkrineWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 1) Andy RobinsonWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 2) Andy RobinsonWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 3) Andy RobinsonLiving Out Church Audit