The Sex Thing

Probably the most important topic the young people in your life are already thinking about hearing about and talking about. In this moment where it’s so vitally important we shape those conversations and create safe spaces they can make sense of the powerful messages they are bombarded with, Rachel has written a fantastic book to guide, equip and provoke your own thinking so you can do the same for theirs. Anyone who ever talks to teens should read this.

‘The Sex Thing is a much-needed challenge to anyone serving in youth ministry. A timely reminder of the need to intentionally create space for honest, open conversations about sex. With practical advice and examples, and building on years of experience and insightful new research, Rachel helps unpack how we can begin to have healthy conversations with our young people about sex, relationships and intimacy.’

‘Rachel Gardner is a brilliant, courageous leader with decades of experience on the frontlines of relational ministry. I’m so glad she has written this important, insightful and ground-breaking book. The Sex Thing shows us how to put Jesus at the centre of conversations about sex with empathy, understanding and grace.’

‘This book addresses one of the great blind spots of the church in our time. There seems to be a great hunger amongst leaders and pastors to engage in conversations about spiritual formation, and simultaneously, a great reluctance to engage in conversations about sexual formation. The silence is agony, particularly for the next generation who are looking for guides to help them navigate this incredibly complex cultural moment. We desperately need courageous voices to break the silence … Praise God, Rachel Gardner has broken the silence and exposed the blind spot. When it comes to reimagining conversations with young people about sex, I honestly can’t think of anyone I’d rather sit at the feet of to learn.’

‘This book is everything we need it to be and more. As a church leader and as a mother of two preteens, I’m grateful for Rachel’s honesty, wisdom and challenge for us to leave behind awkward mumblings [about sex] and instead have informed, relevant and real conversations that are so much wider than sex talks of the past. The Sex Thing overflows with beautiful theology, helping us to guide our young people as they grow in their relationship with God and apply what they know about who he is to their lives.’

‘Rachel is a gift to youth ministry: she is passionate, funny, enthusiastic, and always able to shake things up in a creative and unrestrained way. This book [feels] like you are in a conversation with Rachel about topics that young people long to explore. If you love young people and you want to be empowered to have conversations about sex, relationships, and all the stuff in between, then this is a must-read.’

‘Over the last decade or so, no subject has felt more challenging - or more blurry - for Christian youth leaders to address than sex. In a culture that is moving so fast, the old principles for guiding young relationships suddenly feel like a poor fit, if indeed they ever did fit at all. The church has been crying out for someone to bring fresh vision, and a perspective that is both holistic and holy to this area… and now here it is. Rachel Gardner is the UK church's trusted voice on sex and relationships and young people; many youth workers like me will feel incredibly grateful that she has chosen to write this vital book.’