Reexamining Sexuality: Starting with God, Self, Sex
[pullquote style=”right” quote=”dark”]This training is adding a whole different dimension to how I will approach sexuality and spirituality in my ministry[/pullquote]Before we could start reexamining sexuality, Becky Patton first taught on the value of having a healthy view of God: as the creator of sex, desire, gender, mind, body and spirit. Read a summary of the first (Imago Dei) workshop.Reexamining Ourselves and Others
Next the second Reexamining Sexuality workshop focused on reexamining our views of ourselves and others – the whole and broken parts we all carry around. [pullquote style=”right” quote=”dark”]It was very fascinating and very disruptive in a healthy way.[/pullquote]Patton taught how as image-bearers of God, our gender differences reflect the fullness of who God is; and these differences bring forth the wholeness of God in each other.
“We are made in God’s image, not He in ours. Even our gender differences are defined in Him and those differences were created purposefully and are aspects of God,” said one attendee.
“Becky’s presentation style is so gracious and loving, and very affirming, and brings so much value to each individual person, who God has created, and the value of covenant, relationship, and communion – all of these aspects factor into a relationship where sex is present. It was very fascinating and very disruptive in a healthy way,” said Claire, with Eagle Brook Church.
Reexamining God’s Design for Healthy Sexuality
Finally, in our third workshop we embraced God’s good design for having a healthy view of sexuality and of being sexual and spiritual beings. [pullquote style=”right” quote=”dark”]…the church taught that sex was secretive and shameful, that you shouldn’t feel desire.[/pullquote]
We explored the physical and spiritual nature of sexual desire, sexual struggles, and ultimately the gift of intimacy in a committed sexual engagement.
“Being in relationships with others and deriving meaning and pleasure is not just about sex. It was fascinating to learn that sex has a healing power and of the interesting benefits of sex,” said one attendee.
“It was eye-opening for me to think about what sex means to me; and how my family of origin, society, and the Church have influenced my views of sex. 
As much as society has glorified sex in a passionate and exciting way; the church taught that sex was secretive and shameful, that you shouldn’t feel desire. These workshops made me realize how toxic that viewpoint is, and has forced me to reexamine the way I raise my kids, and how I broach the subject of sex with them in a way that is not shameful or embarrassing, but is healthy,” said Dawn, with Eagle Brook Church.
Transform Minnesota believes in the power of diving into the complex issues surrounding sexuality in today’s society. It is only through having a healthy view of God, ourselves and others that our society can hold a healthy view and experience of sex.
