Ten Tips for Youth Leaders & Preachers

Appendix I

1. Teach covenant trajectory instead of line-drawing: aim bodies and choices toward public, durable, mutual commitment.
2. Replace shame with formation: preach a sex-positive, consent-centered ethic (covenant, honesty, non-exploitation).
3. Use the Two Fruit Tests: evaluate teaching by its outcomes in real lives, not applause.
4. Name LGBTQ+ people as subjects of grace, not objects of debate; include us in everyday illustrations—not only “issue” sermons.
5. Make room for process: discipleship is paced care; belonging precedes agreement.
6. Equip small-group leaders: train on trauma-aware listening, mandated reporting, and boundary-keeping.
7. Preach safety practices: consent scripts, alcohol wisdom, power-differential red flags; model the language from the pulpit.
8. Resource wisely: provide affirming counselors, campus/community hotlines, and a confidential referral pathway.
9. Tell better stories: share testimonies of healthy singleness, engaged couples practicing boundaries, and married covenant faithfulness (straight and queer).
10. Be transparent about your church’s stance and one-ethic-for-all policy (membership, communion, marriage, leadership). Clarity is care.