Conferences:

Engaging Questions of Faith, Sexuality & Gender in the Church

Equipping Christian pastors/leaders in the LGBT+ conversation through conferences sponsored by seminaries, colleges, churches, or denominations.

Dr. Preston Sprinkle and other guest presenters will help Christian leaders and pastors engage tough questions about faith, sexuality and gender with theological faithfulness and courageous love. To maximize the learning experience, these events will be thoughtful, dialogical, practical, and relational.

Watch our video to learn more

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THOUGHTFUL - Teaching segments will be theologically in-depth and well-researched, both exploring and articulating a Christian ethic of sexuality and gender, and responding to the most compelling counter-arguments to this ethic.

DIALOGICAL – Most people learn best through dialogue and interaction. These events will integrate both dynamic teaching and interaction, presentations and Q & A. Everyone has a voice.

PRACTICAL – These events will not be ivory-tower discussions with little connection to real life. Although the teaching will be in-depth, everything will be ministry focused, seeking to address the real questions that pastors and leaders are wrestling with in the trenches of ministry.

RELATIONAL – Not only will the participants get to know the speakers, but they will get to know each other. These events will be a safe place where participants can form a collective of like-minded Christian leaders, where relationships are built and networks are fostered.

The Format

At our conference, we’ll engage various topics in the LGBT+ conversation, including:

  • Humanizing the conversation; it’s about people, not just issues
  • Breaking down the stereotypes—not all LGBT+ people are alike
  • Why language is so important; learning nuances of the LGBT+ conversation
  • Understanding the top gay affirming arguments and cultivating thoughtful responses
  • Guidance for churches on membership, service, communion, and baptism of LGBT+ people
  • Pastoring same-sex attracted or LGBT+ people and their families
  • Cultivating a pastoral theology of gender, transgender experiences, and intersex persons

Attendees will explore most pressing questions, such as:

  • Is “being gay” (or experiencing same-sex attraction) a sin?
  • Is sex difference necessary for marriage?
  • Does the Bible really prohibit same-sex, monogamous marriage?
  • Can someone be born into the wrong body?
  • Should Christians perform or attend a same-sex wedding?
  • What is the most faithful Christian view of sex reassignment surgery and hormone therapy?
  • Is gender identity and expression fluid or stable?
  • How should your church view open and affirming Christians, both gay and straight?

An Introduction to the LGBT Conversation

Leadership Forums

In this 2 ½ hour event, Dr. Preston Sprinkle will lay a relational and theological foundation for how Christians should engage the LGBTQ conversation. This event is geared towards all Christians interested in learning more about this important topic; it will be particularly helpful for parents with LGBTQ kids, leaders, and anyone with LGBTQ friends and loved ones. Typically, these introductory events are held the night before our full day Faith, Sexuality, and Gender Conference.