Understanding Sexual Identity: A Resource for Youth Ministry

Description

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.

Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D., is a Professor of Psychology at Regent University and the Director of the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity. Dr. Yarhouse has spent several years promoting dialogue between people who view the topic of sexual identity differently.He has published over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and is author or co-author of several books, including Sexual Identity Synthesis: Attributions, Meaning-Making and the Search for Congruence; Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation; and Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends.