A student sits in your office and shares about his or her struggles with same-sex attraction. Or perhaps it’s your child asking you for help. What can you say or do that will bring the gospel into this struggle?
Cooper Pinson begins by helping parents and youth leaders understand that this struggle is not so very different than their own struggles with sin and suffering that they encounter every day. Then he goes on to give specific, detailed, and practical direction on how to encourage students to go to God and others for hope and help. As you read, you will learn how much we all have in common and how the gospel of Jesus Christ transforms every area of life.
Author
Cooper Pinson, MDiv, speaks to and helps create resources for those who work with students, including Alive: Gospel Sexuality for Students and Helping Students with Same-Sex Attraction. Having volunteered, interned, and been on staff in the world of youth ministry, he has a passion for helping students follow Jesus, particularly in the area of sexuality. Cooper and his wife, Katie, have two, beautiful daughters.
Harvest USA is a non-profit that has been ministering to individuals and families affected by sexual struggles since 1983. With over 100 years of combined direct ministry experience, Harvest USA staff also seek to equip the Church with their writing and teaching on biblical sexuality and how to help those who struggle sexually.
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David White
R. Nicholas Black
John Freeman
Excellent resource for helping followers of Jesus think & respond Biblically, in the Spirit to same-sex attraction. Though written especially as a guide for parents and youth leaders, the Biblical principles and practical suggestions would be helpful for virtually anyone who wants to "speak the truth in love," equip themselves, and help others. Same-sex attraction is one of the key frontline issues believers face today. The degree with which it touches people's very identity makes it very emotional, highly divisive, and sometimes explosive. This booklet helps believers approach the topic -- and those who struggle with it -- with grace, tenderness, and truth that has often been lacking. The author wisely reminds us that all sin is a matter of the heart, all of us struggle with sin, and we all need Jesus' life-changing power in one area or another. This places us on common ground with all other sinners, enabling us to move "toward same-sex attracted students in empathy, compassion, and commonality, not away from them in bewilderment and fear..." (p.11). Also excellent was Cooper's reminder that our overarching goal is to facilitate "growth and discipleship" (p.12), not simply conquer a certain problematic attitude or behavior. Since that is true, it's important that we "Keep the main thing the main thing. Students need to hear that the opposite of homosexuality and the goal of the Christian life is not heterosexuality but the holiness that flows from loving and trusting Christ (Hebrews 12:14). Yes, God's design and intention for humanity is heterosexuality, but heterosexuality doesn't solve the problem of sin. And because of our sin, even our heterosexuality is distorted and used to rebel against God. We are after one main thing... Christ-likeness (Romans 8:29) (p.15). Standing ovation! -- This author knows the breadth & depth of the Gospel well, and helps us apply it well in an area that is particularly challenging and which could not be more relevant to our calling in Christ "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). I intend to order a bunch of these for sharing with my small group and with anyone else who wants one. Highly recommended.