What to Expect?

This course is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge about sexuality that is critical for Christian religious professionals.

The course begins with a personal reflection on one's sexual values and history. 

Students then examine the concept of sexual health, how it applies to religious professionals and faith communities, including how to handle boundaries and attractions in ministry. 

Students will examine how Christian sexual ethics has evolved throughout the history of the Christian church. 

Finally, students will develop skills necessary for ministry, including preaching/teaching, pastoral care, public witness, and creating sexually safer congregations.

This course meets the Metropolitan Community Churches’ requirement for sexuality studies.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Welcome!

    • Syllabus and Required Readings
  • 2

    Module 1: Sexuality and Religion

    • Overview to Sexuality and Religion

    • Exercise #1 Introductions

    • Exercise #2 Poll

    • Exercise #3: Readings

    • Exercise #4: Sexually Healthy Religious Professional Self-Assessment

    • Sexual Health Frameworks

    • Exercise #5: What is Sex? What is Sexuality Discussion

    • Defining Sexuality Video Lecture

    • Exercise #6: Discussion: Sexuality and Faith

    • Components of Sexual Identity

    • Transgender Basics

    • Exercise #7: Survey: Sexual Behaviors

    • Exercise #8: Journal Reflection: Sexual Behaviors
  • 3

    Module 2: Sexual Health & Development

    • Module 2: Sexual Health & Development

    • Exercise #9 Poll

    • Exercise #10: Readings

    • Child and Adolescent Development and Gender Variance

    • Adolescent Sexuality and Education

    • Exercise #11: Journal Reflection: Adolescence

    • Exercise #12 Assessment of Sexual Health

    • What Religious Professionals Need to Know About Adult Sexual Behavior

    • Love and Intimacy Video Lecture & Videos

    • Exercise #13: Journal Reflection: Adult Sexuality
  • 4

    Module 3: Attraction and Boundaries in Ministry

    • Module 3: Attraction and Boundaries in Ministry

    • Exercise #14: Readings

    • Exercise #15 Poll

    • Preventing Sexual Harassment

    • Baylor University Study and Videos

    • Attraction and Boundaries

    • Dealing with Attraction to and from Congregants

    • Pastor Attracted to Congregant Case Study

    • Recommended Code of Conduct

    • Exercise #16: Discussion: Misconduct Policy

    • Exercise #17: Attraction and Boundaries Debrief
  • 5

    Module 4: Church History and Scripture

    • Module 4: Church History and Scripture

    • Exercise #18: Readings

    • Exercise #19: Journal Reflection

    • Exercise #20: Discussion: Ripped From the Headlines Exercise

    • Sex Matters: Incarnation and Divine Complexity Video Lecture Presentation

    • Exercise #21: Journal Reflection: What Does Your Tradition Say?

    • Exercise #22: Journal Reflection: Christian Tradition
  • 6

    Module 5: Skills for Faith Leaders

    • Module 5: Skills for Faith Leaders

    • Exercise #23: Readings

    • Preaching on Sexuality Related Issues

    • Sample Sermons and Resources

    • Exercise #24: Journal Reflection: Sermon

    • PLISSIT Model for Pastoral Care

    • Exercise #25 Case Studies

    • a. Teen Pregnancy Scenario

    • b. New Relationship for Older Adults

    • c. In Vitro Fertilization

    • d. Genderqueer Teen

    • Exercise #26: Discussion: Pastoral Care
  • 7

    Module 6: Congregational Life

    • Module 6: Congregational Life

    • Exercise #27: Readings

    • Sexuality Education in Faith Communities

    • Adolescents In Their Own Voices Videos

    • Exercise #28: Journal Reflection

    • Exercise #29: Sexuality Education Materials Review Exercise

    • Exercise #30: Discussion: Children and Youth Sexuality Education Materials

    • Exercise: #31: Sexuality Education

    • Sexually Safer Best Practice Congregations Presentation

    • Exercise #32: Discussion: Sample Policies Discussion

    • Exercise #33: Sexually Safer Best Practice Congregation Assessment

    • Exercise #34: Journal Reflection: Sexually Safer Congregations

  • 8

    Module 7: Witness to the World

    • Module 7: Witness to the World

    • Exercise #35: Readings

    • Christianity and LGBT Welcome

    • Transgender and Christian--Is Your Youth Group Trans Friendly?

    • Exercise #36: Welcoming Congregation Checklist and Journal Reflection

    • Exercise #37: Readings

    • Ideas and Resources for Public Witness on Sexuality Issues

    • Exercise #38: Journal Reflection: Taking a Stand

    • Exercise #39: Journal Reflection: Public Witness Checklist and Journal Reflection

Designed For You:

  • Personalized Learning

    Study at a time when it's convenient for you or take the course with a group of colleagues.

  • Learn from leading experts

    The course was designed by religious professionals and sexuality experts.

  • Experience the content

    There are over 30 exercises to help you develop a deeper understanding of sexuality issues.

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