At Lifeline we aim to point students to scripture and what Jesus says about them. We do so in the context of relationships and conversations. There are so many resources out there to help sort through what scripture does say. We hope these resources are helpful to you and provide some support, while knowing that we are also here to talk and help walk through these spaces alongside you.
Below are some resources sorted by topic. We would recommend checking them out first before giving them to your student.
Relationships & Dating
10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
https://www.christianbook.com/questions-every-teen-should-about-christianity/rebecca-mclaughlin/9781433571664/pd/571667
This is a book geared towards students that cover a lot of big topics, while one chapter
specifically focuses on sexuality.
Can I Ask That | Student and Leader versions
https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/askthat
This is a book is similar to the one listed above with several hot topics, including sexuality.
LGBTQ
Living in A Gray World | Preston Sprinkle
https://faithgateway.com/products/living-in-a-gray-world-a-christian-teen-s-guide-to-understanding-homosexuality?variant=33623806247048
A quick read and a great starting point for navigating conversations with friends, family and coworkers.
People to Be Loved | Preston Sprinkle
https://faithgateway.com/products/people-to-be-loved-why-homosexuality-is-not-just-an-issue?variant=13764060545135
This is a deeper dive of the book in a more theological look at this topic.
Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been | Jackie Hill Perry
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gay-girl-good-god-jackie-hill-perry/1127236603
Jackie recounts her story and her own testimony while growing up in church, and letting God into that space.
Born Again This Way | Rachel Gibson
https://www.thegoodbook.com/born-again-this-way
This book takes a look at scripture with the author’s own testimony.
Embodied | Preston Sprinkle
https://www.prestonsprinkle.com/books/embodied
This book is written specifically for parents, leaders and pastors alike to help “understand and engage in the conversation about transgender identities.
A Hole in My Heart Ministries Podcast
https://lauriekrieg.com/podcast/
Confronting Christianity | Rebecca McLaughlin
https://www.rebeccamclaughlin.org/confronting-christianity
This is a general look at many topics in Christianity, but one chapter does focus on sexuality and is an accompaniment the student version of the book listed above, “10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (And Answers).”
Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender
https://www.centerforfaith.com/
This group has two goals. One, to help leaders cultivate a more robust biblical ethic of marriage, sexuality and gender. Two, to help churches and organizations create a safe and compassionate environment for LGBT+ people, their families, and anyone wrestling with their sexuality or gender identity.
Pornography
These resources are online and apps that help set limits and provide tools to help have conversations and take next steps.
XXX Church
https://xxxchurch.com/Protect Young Eyes
https://protectyoungeyes.com/be-tech-ready-biblical-digital-citizenship/Porn Free Radio
www.recoveredman.comTalking To Your Teen About Pornography
https://axis.org/resource/a-parent-guide-to-pornography/
Encouragement in your conversations
Each student is different. You may have a few kids, and each one will navigate this differently. You are the expert on your own kids and know how they respond and react and can lean into those differences.
Asking questions is your friend. If your student mentions a “friend” at school or brings something up, asking clarifying questions will help these conversations. Just because your student asks a question does not necessarily mean they subscribe to a certain idea.
Reaffirm who Jesus says they are! Anytime you can point them back to investigating what scripture says, how God made your student unique and wonderful is so beautiful! This also reminds them you value what God says about them.