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Understanding Sexual Identity: A Resource for Youth Ministry
Today’s youth struggle with difficult questions of sexual identity. How can a youth worker offer wise care and counsel on such a controversial and confusing subject? Mark Yarhouse, director of the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity, equips youth ministers so they can faithfully navigate the topic of sexual identity in a way that is honest, compassionate, and accessible. Reframing the focus away from the culture wars, Yarhouse introduces readers to the developmental considerations in the formation of sexual identity―all of which occurs in the teen years. He offers practical and helpful ways to think about homosexuality along with suggestions for talking with people who experience same-sex attraction. He also helps parents and youth volunteers learn to graciously respond to children and teens who struggle with questions of sexual identity, and discusses how youth ministry can become more relevant in the lives of youth who are navigating these issues.
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2013
45 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Mark A. Yarhouse
33 books69 followersMark A. Yarhouse is a professor of psychology and the director of the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity at Regent University. He is also part of a group practice in the Virginia Beach area, providing individual, couples, family, and group counseling. Dr. Yarhouse received his PsyD from Wheaton College and has worked collaboratively on a number of books. He and his family live in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 29, 2021
Mark Yarhouse's book, Understanding Sexual Identity, ministered to my heart in realizing that "much of pastoral care today has been reduced to an assumption that clear theological teaching about sexual morality is all we need." ... "However, teaching alone is not a replacement for personal, relational ministry to people" (31).
Yarhouse helpfully uses an image of young people navigating difficult terrain (young people who are sorting out sexual identity questions) as a way to invite Christian leaders to come along side them so that they are not alone in navigating this difficult and lonely terrain. So, he starts chapter 1 with how we can be better "trail guides." Then in chapters 2-4, he discusses (1) the conflict that many young people experience between their faith as Christians and their same sex attractions, (2) the developmental process of identity formation, and (3) the competing perspectives from the mainstream of the gay community and from the local church. The rest of the book seeks to help with unique challenges that arise once you understand all of these realities (13-14).
Big take-away: Early in the book, Yarhouse makes some very helpful distinctions between attraction, orientation, and developing a "Gay identity." He fleshes this out throughout the rest of the book, and this has been the most practical help for me personally when engaging with students who struggle with same-sex attractions and questions. I also really appreciate what he calls "convicted civility." Yarhouse writes that "convicted civility" refers "to a balance between holding convictions as a Christian and communicating those convictions with civility" (22).
Lastly, at the end of every chapter, he has wonderful interactive questions to think through that help consolidate the material that you are reading. I found his book a wonderful introduction to this very relevant topic in our particular cultural moment.
Yarhouse helpfully uses an image of young people navigating difficult terrain (young people who are sorting out sexual identity questions) as a way to invite Christian leaders to come along side them so that they are not alone in navigating this difficult and lonely terrain. So, he starts chapter 1 with how we can be better "trail guides." Then in chapters 2-4, he discusses (1) the conflict that many young people experience between their faith as Christians and their same sex attractions, (2) the developmental process of identity formation, and (3) the competing perspectives from the mainstream of the gay community and from the local church. The rest of the book seeks to help with unique challenges that arise once you understand all of these realities (13-14).
Big take-away: Early in the book, Yarhouse makes some very helpful distinctions between attraction, orientation, and developing a "Gay identity." He fleshes this out throughout the rest of the book, and this has been the most practical help for me personally when engaging with students who struggle with same-sex attractions and questions. I also really appreciate what he calls "convicted civility." Yarhouse writes that "convicted civility" refers "to a balance between holding convictions as a Christian and communicating those convictions with civility" (22).
Lastly, at the end of every chapter, he has wonderful interactive questions to think through that help consolidate the material that you are reading. I found his book a wonderful introduction to this very relevant topic in our particular cultural moment.
February 10, 2021
Full review to come on the Living Out website
April 22, 2022
Highlights:
- p.56: If a teen does not fit into gender stereotypes, that’s okay. You can create an atmosphere that says, “That’s okay. You are okay.” We don’t make assumptions that not fitting into rigid stereotypes means a person anything other than not fitting into rigid stereotypes. That is perfectly fine. What we are not going to do is highlight those rigid gender stereotypes as though a person should feel inadequate for not “fitting in.”
- P.60: there is now a younger generation of Christian sexual minorities who use the adjective “gay” to communicate to themselves and to others their same-sex sexuality. By this, they are not intending to say anything particular about their behaviour or their values. They may be celibate, or they may practice homosexual behaviour. But by using the term “gay,” they are simply trying to reduce confusion. They tend to reject labels such as “ex-gay”, “post-gay,” and even “same-sex attraction.” They have found that these labels are not all that helpful to them in naming their reality , nor do they relate as well to the larger discussions occurring in the church and broader culture.
- P.63: A relationship can solidify a person’s sense of identity. It can validate so much of what has been in doubt until this point.
- P.65: Don’t assume that these behaviours or identities are in place when you talk with a young person. Instead, try to foster the kind of relationship that is built on trust and openness, one in which they can share with you what they’re thinking and feeling and talk about their experiences.
- P.74: When people experience guilt, they understand, “I should not have done that.” Shame, on the other hand, says to them, “I should not be that.” Guilt is about what we do that we should not do; shame is feeling bad about who we are. It is “the emotion from self-condemnation along with a fear of condemnation from others.”
- P.77: When Church leaders communicate a message or an expectation of easy change, it can lead to resentment toward the church. We found that this message also leads to negative emotions that are turned inward as shame… Since the primary that emerges from the local Christian church is that of shame, we need to ask ourselves if this script is truly the message we want to be communicating to those navigating questions about their sexual identity… A Gay identity provides meaning, purpose, and dignity to a person who would otherwise live in shame
.
- P.82: Ideally, a youth minister or volunteer would initiate a discussion with the girl, avoiding a narrow focus on her behaviour and instead trying to talk with her about how she is doing, how she is relating to others, about her interests, her likes and dislikes. It is hard to overestimate just how many conversations and shared experiences are necessary to earn the right to speak into someone’s life about their sexuality and sexual identity.
- P.88: Like any other burden, it is much easier if it can be shared with someone. Ask yourself: Am I the kind of person whom others could come to if they were sorting out sexual-identity questions? is our youth group the kind of place where a person could be honest about that?
- P.89: We all need to know that we are not alone. And even if they feel this way, the truth is that it’s a relief to find someone we can be real with, someone who lets us “fall apart” when we need to. Even if they act as if they don’t need you or want to talk with you, the truth is that most young people who are navigating sexual-identity questions would love to have a youth minister who is knowledgeable and compassionate.
- P.97: …all of this gets at the deeper issue of identiy. A person’s identity determines the choices he or she makes in life. And the more central something is to his or her identity, the more it will influence the choices that are made. When an identity is centered on more than just sexuality or sexual attractions, it leaves a person greater room to make choices about his or her behaviours, thoughts, and feelings.
- P.119: Individuals who experience same-sex attractions need to discover that they can have relationships with others for reasons apart from their sexual feelings.
- P.155: When we do not experience the affirmation of God’s love within the Body of Christ—with real people who know us intimately—the concepts remain too abstract to do most of us any practical good.
- P.161: how we pray says a lot about how we view God, ourselves and our circumstances.
- P.172: our culture has an almost idolatrous obsession with romantic love. To the extent that our culture equates romantic love with experiencing true happiness and fulfilment… This raises a good question: Can marriage be valued while we simultaneously value singleness? The church will need to make some adjustments if it wants to hold out celibacy as an expectation that is meaningful and fulfilling, rather than a burden.
- P.176: The challenge that exist for the “celibate and friendship” model is that there is a need to develop the kinds of communities that can actually support celibacy. This is a broader question for pastoral care for all who are single, but there are unique challenges that face sexual minorities that should not be glossed over.
- P.180-181: in the church today, most discussions about stewardship are limited to what it means to steward our finances or maybe being a good steward of the environment…Stewardship reflects a call for all of us to honour God with our sexuality, as our sexuality is not ours to begin with, but rather is one of the many aspects in the human experience that is ultimately God’s, and we can find ways to honor God through our sexuality and its expression.
- P.183: It is important to distinguish between politics and pastoral care. The church has to stand above the culture wars in terms of being able to minister to the needs of those within our communities who are navigating this terrain.
- P.186: compassionate ministry starts here—with recognising that Christians who are navigating this terrain are “our people.”
- P.187: While the church should not change its teachings in matters of sexual morality, we have to change the assumption that correct teaching functions as pastoral care in its entirety. We can and must do more—and it begins with recognising how our culture has created a sense of meaning, purpose, identity, and community that is tied to same-sex sexuality.
- P.188: if you throw the word “hope” out there and expect it to land on Christlikeness, then I think we are heading in the right direction. When hope lands there—on the expectation of sanctification, we are trusting in God for something we know with certainty he has already promised to fulfil.
- P.188: as a youth minister, you can help teens think and explore ways in which their gifts, passions, and creative abilities can be used to shape the world in ways that give them a sense of meaning, purpose, and calling.
- p.56: If a teen does not fit into gender stereotypes, that’s okay. You can create an atmosphere that says, “That’s okay. You are okay.” We don’t make assumptions that not fitting into rigid stereotypes means a person anything other than not fitting into rigid stereotypes. That is perfectly fine. What we are not going to do is highlight those rigid gender stereotypes as though a person should feel inadequate for not “fitting in.”
- P.60: there is now a younger generation of Christian sexual minorities who use the adjective “gay” to communicate to themselves and to others their same-sex sexuality. By this, they are not intending to say anything particular about their behaviour or their values. They may be celibate, or they may practice homosexual behaviour. But by using the term “gay,” they are simply trying to reduce confusion. They tend to reject labels such as “ex-gay”, “post-gay,” and even “same-sex attraction.” They have found that these labels are not all that helpful to them in naming their reality , nor do they relate as well to the larger discussions occurring in the church and broader culture.
- P.63: A relationship can solidify a person’s sense of identity. It can validate so much of what has been in doubt until this point.
- P.65: Don’t assume that these behaviours or identities are in place when you talk with a young person. Instead, try to foster the kind of relationship that is built on trust and openness, one in which they can share with you what they’re thinking and feeling and talk about their experiences.
- P.74: When people experience guilt, they understand, “I should not have done that.” Shame, on the other hand, says to them, “I should not be that.” Guilt is about what we do that we should not do; shame is feeling bad about who we are. It is “the emotion from self-condemnation along with a fear of condemnation from others.”
- P.77: When Church leaders communicate a message or an expectation of easy change, it can lead to resentment toward the church. We found that this message also leads to negative emotions that are turned inward as shame… Since the primary that emerges from the local Christian church is that of shame, we need to ask ourselves if this script is truly the message we want to be communicating to those navigating questions about their sexual identity… A Gay identity provides meaning, purpose, and dignity to a person who would otherwise live in shame
.
- P.82: Ideally, a youth minister or volunteer would initiate a discussion with the girl, avoiding a narrow focus on her behaviour and instead trying to talk with her about how she is doing, how she is relating to others, about her interests, her likes and dislikes. It is hard to overestimate just how many conversations and shared experiences are necessary to earn the right to speak into someone’s life about their sexuality and sexual identity.
- P.88: Like any other burden, it is much easier if it can be shared with someone. Ask yourself: Am I the kind of person whom others could come to if they were sorting out sexual-identity questions? is our youth group the kind of place where a person could be honest about that?
- P.89: We all need to know that we are not alone. And even if they feel this way, the truth is that it’s a relief to find someone we can be real with, someone who lets us “fall apart” when we need to. Even if they act as if they don’t need you or want to talk with you, the truth is that most young people who are navigating sexual-identity questions would love to have a youth minister who is knowledgeable and compassionate.
- P.97: …all of this gets at the deeper issue of identiy. A person’s identity determines the choices he or she makes in life. And the more central something is to his or her identity, the more it will influence the choices that are made. When an identity is centered on more than just sexuality or sexual attractions, it leaves a person greater room to make choices about his or her behaviours, thoughts, and feelings.
- P.119: Individuals who experience same-sex attractions need to discover that they can have relationships with others for reasons apart from their sexual feelings.
- P.155: When we do not experience the affirmation of God’s love within the Body of Christ—with real people who know us intimately—the concepts remain too abstract to do most of us any practical good.
- P.161: how we pray says a lot about how we view God, ourselves and our circumstances.
- P.172: our culture has an almost idolatrous obsession with romantic love. To the extent that our culture equates romantic love with experiencing true happiness and fulfilment… This raises a good question: Can marriage be valued while we simultaneously value singleness? The church will need to make some adjustments if it wants to hold out celibacy as an expectation that is meaningful and fulfilling, rather than a burden.
- P.176: The challenge that exist for the “celibate and friendship” model is that there is a need to develop the kinds of communities that can actually support celibacy. This is a broader question for pastoral care for all who are single, but there are unique challenges that face sexual minorities that should not be glossed over.
- P.180-181: in the church today, most discussions about stewardship are limited to what it means to steward our finances or maybe being a good steward of the environment…Stewardship reflects a call for all of us to honour God with our sexuality, as our sexuality is not ours to begin with, but rather is one of the many aspects in the human experience that is ultimately God’s, and we can find ways to honor God through our sexuality and its expression.
- P.183: It is important to distinguish between politics and pastoral care. The church has to stand above the culture wars in terms of being able to minister to the needs of those within our communities who are navigating this terrain.
- P.186: compassionate ministry starts here—with recognising that Christians who are navigating this terrain are “our people.”
- P.187: While the church should not change its teachings in matters of sexual morality, we have to change the assumption that correct teaching functions as pastoral care in its entirety. We can and must do more—and it begins with recognising how our culture has created a sense of meaning, purpose, identity, and community that is tied to same-sex sexuality.
- P.188: if you throw the word “hope” out there and expect it to land on Christlikeness, then I think we are heading in the right direction. When hope lands there—on the expectation of sanctification, we are trusting in God for something we know with certainty he has already promised to fulfil.
- P.188: as a youth minister, you can help teens think and explore ways in which their gifts, passions, and creative abilities can be used to shape the world in ways that give them a sense of meaning, purpose, and calling.
December 31, 2019
I thought it was a helpful read. There needs to be thoughtfulness in how we approach this issue in culture. I appreciate the distinction between attraction, orientation, and identity. We don't have to jump straight to identity, big g "Gay," because someone has an attraction toward the same sex. This is a complicated issue, and I thought Yarhouse did a good job of communicating the facts as well as the grace needed to move toward people. They need time to process. We should take the time to walk with those who are wrestling with their attraction and orientation. Those that balk at a book like this or turn aside from the LGBT/homosexual community don't realize how much harm they are creating and possibly just ensuring that those individuals remain in the Gay community. How can pushing someone away make them want to change? There is a lot of good stuff to consider in this book.
May 1, 2025
5.0 // A fantastic resource for those who want to engage with teens on issues of same-sex attraction and sexuality more broadly from a biblical perspective (note however that this is not a book written for teens). Yarhouse is compassionate and clear, and while I had minor quibbles, I mostly think this is a much-needed voice in the conversation. Some Christians might take issue with moments when Yarhouse does not take a “side,” but that is not the purpose of this book, and I think it would be a mistake to allow that to prevent one from learning and applying the content. Even though Understanding Sexual Identity is not that old, the conversation on sexuality is constantly shifting, and so there are words and phrases that already feel dated. But this is kind of inevitable when engaging on this subject.
January 7, 2021
I’m going to be direct; I didn’t enjoy this book. I was given this book by my parents shortly after coming out when I was in middle school. I have since re-read this book a few more times throughout high school, in order to better understand the points brought forward. I still do not like this book.
Sexuality has been brought up thousands of times in my own youth group. This book and the ideals brought with it are, for a lack of better description, palatable for straight and cisgender Christians, but a rising terror for a queer student such as myself at the time.
The idea of holding one’s faith above their own identities is one that can rest easy for many, even some in the LGBTQ+ community. However, for many other queer Christians, it is served to us in such a way that implies that it is best we shed and obliterate our identities that do not fall under the ideals written in biblical text. This book sadly showcases focusing on one’s faith above their identities in such a way.
The points brought up in this book are not the best methods for understanding sexuality. Especially not in youth ministry, when the people being ministered to do not need to be told to stifle a core part of their identity.
Sexuality has been brought up thousands of times in my own youth group. This book and the ideals brought with it are, for a lack of better description, palatable for straight and cisgender Christians, but a rising terror for a queer student such as myself at the time.
The idea of holding one’s faith above their own identities is one that can rest easy for many, even some in the LGBTQ+ community. However, for many other queer Christians, it is served to us in such a way that implies that it is best we shed and obliterate our identities that do not fall under the ideals written in biblical text. This book sadly showcases focusing on one’s faith above their identities in such a way.
The points brought up in this book are not the best methods for understanding sexuality. Especially not in youth ministry, when the people being ministered to do not need to be told to stifle a core part of their identity.
December 29, 2015
This is an excellent - even essential - resource for anyone connected to youth and/or others who struggle in this area. It calls out the conflict between religious identity and sexual identity, and it teaches us how to guide struggling individuals into healthier and more godly options for life, given their attractions. True to orthodoxy, yet saturated in compassion, Yarhouse demonstrates 'convicted civility' as much as he encourages it. This is a very enlightening and beneficial read.
July 9, 2018
Great resource - I wish I could send a copy of this to every youth leader in America. Yarhouse has been studying sexual identity and publishing peer-reviewed articles about it for 15 years and is very adept at explaining its various aspects in ways that Christians/churches can understand and engage. He has counseled, interviewed and studied countless "sexual minorities" (people whose sexual feelings/attractions/identity/behavior differ from the norm) in both religious and secular contexts, so he does a good job of representing their varied experiences with integrity and compassion. He also has a solid grasp of the developmental factors that are at work in adolescents who are naturally grappling with their identities in general, and how this plays into the development of sexual identities in our current cultural context.
Though he draws on statistics, sociology, worldview concepts, etc., this is a very accessible guide for any youth leader or parent who wants to understand and relate to kids middle-school through college-age. Yarhouse challenges the approaches that different ministries tend to take with both theology (What does the Bible teach about our identity? How do we understand sanctification for people who are same-sex attracted?) and science (What are the actual outcomes of people who want to change their sexual attractions? How much sexual fluidity truly exists?) He advocates teaching a biblical sexual ethic clearly and regularly, but is very firm on not stopping there - teaching ethics is not a substitute for relevant pastoral care and true relationships. More than anything, sexual minority kids need people who are willing to commit to listening to them and being true friends to them for the long haul as they make sense of their feelings/attractions and navigate decisions about their beliefs/identity/behavior. Recommend.
Though he draws on statistics, sociology, worldview concepts, etc., this is a very accessible guide for any youth leader or parent who wants to understand and relate to kids middle-school through college-age. Yarhouse challenges the approaches that different ministries tend to take with both theology (What does the Bible teach about our identity? How do we understand sanctification for people who are same-sex attracted?) and science (What are the actual outcomes of people who want to change their sexual attractions? How much sexual fluidity truly exists?) He advocates teaching a biblical sexual ethic clearly and regularly, but is very firm on not stopping there - teaching ethics is not a substitute for relevant pastoral care and true relationships. More than anything, sexual minority kids need people who are willing to commit to listening to them and being true friends to them for the long haul as they make sense of their feelings/attractions and navigate decisions about their beliefs/identity/behavior. Recommend.
September 19, 2024
"Understanding Sexual Identity: A Resource for Youth Ministry"* is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in youth ministry, offering a compassionate, insightful, and comprehensive approach to understanding and supporting young people as they navigate their sexual identities. The authors do an exceptional job of balancing biblical teachings with the real-world experiences that today's youth face, fostering an atmosphere of love, empathy, and open dialogue.
The book presents a well-rounded perspective on sexual identity, guiding youth leaders on how to engage with young people in a way that respects their individuality while also grounding discussions in faith. The practical tips, real-life scenarios, and reflection questions make it an interactive resource, perfect for sparking meaningful conversations in youth groups.
What sets this resource apart is its focus on listening and understanding rather than judgment. It encourages leaders to build trust and offer a safe space for youth to explore their questions and challenges around sexual identity. By prioritizing relationships over rigid dogma, this book promotes an inclusive, grace-filled ministry approach that resonates deeply with both leaders and students alike.
In short, this resource is an essential read for any youth minister who seeks to genuinely understand and support the young people in their care, helping them navigate an often complex aspect of their identity with compassion, wisdom, and faith.
June 15, 2019
Dr Yarhouse does a great job addressing a tough topic. I heard him speak a few months ago. He was compassionate and gracious; a trait that the Church needs more of. Some people will be disappointed in his book because he doesn't give a "straight" answer (no pun intended). He offers a way for the Church, especially youth pastors, to walk alongside students who are asking questions about sexuality. He focuses on sexual minorities, but most of what he writes would apply to all students. He also discusses how to help shape a shame-free community. It is a great resource for anyone who is looking to create a safe place for students to ask questions and be transparent. Those with lots of knowledge of the LGBTQ community may find it elementary, but there is still much to glean.
May 21, 2022
I first encountered Mark Yarhouse at the National Youth Workers Conference just as this book came out. Having worked with "sexual minority" students (see the book for the definition), I didn't think he had much new information to give me. Sadly, it took me almost a decade to embrace his findings.
I found his differentiation of orientation, identity, and behavior to be extremely helpful.
Some of the material is a little repetitive, but when you have a word count to meet and difficult ideas to communicate, that's understandable.
I plan to use this as a required text in my fall seminary class.
I found his differentiation of orientation, identity, and behavior to be extremely helpful.
Some of the material is a little repetitive, but when you have a word count to meet and difficult ideas to communicate, that's understandable.
I plan to use this as a required text in my fall seminary class.
March 12, 2018
This is a must-read for youth ministers and youth volunteers. He uses such intentional and gentle language to equip adults for the ministry of listening and receiving sexual minorities (those who do not have heterosexual attractions). Reading level is simple and the concepts could be attained by anyone who is literate. This book is the answer to the call of a Christian alternative to hate and rejection from the church the to sexual minority community.
April 11, 2019
Thought provoking look at same-sex sexuality. Reflecting on same-sex attraction, sexual orientation and sexual identity - how the three can be distinguished and how some people identify with different interpretations and behaviours. It also looks at the tension between sexual identity and Christian identity. And, of course, how a person’s identity is so much more than their sexuality. Already marginalised, sexual minority people need to be loved and accepted as they are.
July 18, 2019
I found this balanced and compassionate, which I greatly appreciated. However, I kept wanting more. It was heavy on counseling and pastoral care, but light on biblical perspective of how to teach youth to follow Christ within the context of their sexuality.
June 26, 2024
This is a really good book to read for the content, but it can be hard to track with sometimes. It’s definitely an active read that requires focus.
June 5, 2025
Very helpful for youth ministers
September 2, 2017
The most helpful book I've read on ministry and LGBTQ. It's written to high school youth ministers. But very translatable to college ministers. It's rather technical but not an impossibly difficult read.
If you can stick with it through some of the more clinical descriptions, there are some very practical helps - especially on what to say when a young person share with you re their same sex attraction/experiences.
One of the best insights:
"If young people are exposed to silence on the topic of homosexuality or gay and lesbian issues, they will draw the conclusion that homosexuality is so bad it cannot be discussed.
Right now gay teens hear a robust “Yes!” from the mainstream media and gay culture. From the Church, they hear only a “No.”
Students who experience same-sex attraction or who are sorting our sexual-identity questions are navigating difficult terrain.
The place to begin is with compassion.
The church needs to provide a Christian vision for sexuality.
Our failure to discuss the topic (homosexuality) in meaningful and relevant ways is one of the things that drives young people toward greater isolation and the consolidation of a new sexual identity."
If you can stick with it through some of the more clinical descriptions, there are some very practical helps - especially on what to say when a young person share with you re their same sex attraction/experiences.
One of the best insights:
"If young people are exposed to silence on the topic of homosexuality or gay and lesbian issues, they will draw the conclusion that homosexuality is so bad it cannot be discussed.
Right now gay teens hear a robust “Yes!” from the mainstream media and gay culture. From the Church, they hear only a “No.”
Students who experience same-sex attraction or who are sorting our sexual-identity questions are navigating difficult terrain.
The place to begin is with compassion.
The church needs to provide a Christian vision for sexuality.
Our failure to discuss the topic (homosexuality) in meaningful and relevant ways is one of the things that drives young people toward greater isolation and the consolidation of a new sexual identity."
April 1, 2015
Yarhouse does a wonderful job of discussing the formation of sexual identity and applying it to the context of youth ministry. He provides excellent counseling tips and guides the reader to listen first and then walk non judgmentally with the student.
Yarhouse takes data and addresses the common models of Christian ministry in a fair manner. His soft-spoken was a welcome relief from the vitriolic culture wars and his wisdom was appreciated. Ultimately, we need to find our identity not in our sexual attractions (as difficult as it is to alter), but in the identity of Jesus.
I highly recommend this book to youth workers and also to any one who wants to read a Christian psychologist's take on the formation of sexual identity.
Yarhouse takes data and addresses the common models of Christian ministry in a fair manner. His soft-spoken was a welcome relief from the vitriolic culture wars and his wisdom was appreciated. Ultimately, we need to find our identity not in our sexual attractions (as difficult as it is to alter), but in the identity of Jesus.
I highly recommend this book to youth workers and also to any one who wants to read a Christian psychologist's take on the formation of sexual identity.
September 7, 2016
A thought-provoking and compelling look at how those of us in youth ministry in the Christian church can minister to young people who experience same-sex attraction. In the times we face today, I think this must be essential reading for youth ministers.
August 25, 2014
Excellent resource!
March 4, 2016
Should be considered a must read for Student Pastors.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews