If you find sex “too hot” to discuss in your youth ministry, this book is for you.
This curriculum, published by Youth Specialties, was designed for busy and hesitant youth ministers. You can hand it to a volunteer who only has 20 minutes to prepare. Its simple and straightforward instructions make the material easy to implement.
The module lessons reflect the conviction of authors that sex education should be "embedded in any youth ministry activity—as a subtext throughout the year" (pp. 9).It begins with a chapter on how parents can talk to their kids about responsible sexuality. It offers ideas on how church workers can partner with families in addressing issues pertaining to premarital sex.
What makes this volume valuable is its “never” design---never pushy, never intimidating and never moralizing. It will not tell you what to do and what not to do. You will not feel that you are being scolded for your sexual shortcomings. It just lets you discover the truth of God’s Word in each of the seven major concerns:
1. Sex Messaging – responding to cultural messages on sex 2. Sexual Identity – identifying factors shaping our sexual identity 3. Intimacy – the real essence of closeness and the dangers of recreational dating 4. Desire – understanding sexual appetites and desires 5. Boundaries – deciding what to do with sexuality 6. Responsibility – the meaning of sexual responsibility 7. Do Overs – the issue of repentance, mercy, forgiveness and restoration
Lessons are systematically discussed using the NOW, NEW, HOW framework. The NOW attempts to excavate all the preconceptions and prejudices of the students before the start of the session. The NEW illuminates the Word of God regarding the topic at hand. The HOW offers practical tips on how to accomplish God’s will. Aside from the main lesson, several options are laid down for each section.
Also interesting are the complementary, value-added lessons which can be found at the last pages of the book---Basics of Human Reproductive Organs; FAQs on kissing, oral sex, masturbation, among others and a neat summary of all sex topics in the Bible with its verses and description from Genesis to Revelation.
