As we enter 2016, the Northwest Conference is pleased to provide another opportunity for learning and engagement by sponsoring a workshop led by Dr. Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D., entitled, “Sexual Identity & the Christian: Positioning the Church to Be Both Faithful and Engaged in a Changing Culture.”
Join us for a discussion on how people of faith navigate sexual identity questions in their lives. Sexual identity refers to the labels people use to discuss their sexuality—labels like gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight. In the morning we will discuss two of the most frequently asked questions: What causes homosexuality and can it change? What are the experiences and challenges encountered by people of faith who are navigating sexual identity questions in their personal lives?
This event is open to pastors, ministry staff members, lay leaders and key influencers in NWC churches and affiliated ministries. This event is free of charge. However, refreshments and a box lunch will be provided for a suggested minimum donation of $10.00/person.
Please RSVP with how many people are planning to attend from your church or ministry by Monday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. to Jessa Anderson at the NWC office by phone (612-721-4893) or by e-mail at jessa@northwestconference.org. We encourage you to make use of this valuable resource.
In 2015, Dr. Yarhouse was a presenter at the University of Northwestern (St. Paul) sponsored by the National Association of Evangelicals. He is the Hughes Endowed Chair and Professor of Psychology at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA, where he directs the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity. He has spent several years promoting dialogue between people who view the topic of sexual identity differently. In 2000, he chaired a groundbreaking symposium at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention that brought together gay psychologists and religious psychologists to discuss common ground for people sorting out sexual and religious identity conflicts.
Yarhouse is the past recipient of the Gary R. Collins Award for Excellence in Christian Counseling and was a past participant with the Ethics and Public Policy Center think tank in Washington, D.C. He was named Senior Fellow with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities to conduct a study of students navigating sexual identity concerns at Christian colleges and universities. He has also been a consultant to the National Institute of Corrections to address issues facing sexual minorities in corrections and is currently the Chair of the task force on LGBT issues for Division 36 (Psychology of Religion and Spirituality) of the American Psychological Association. He was invited to write the featured white paper on sexual identity for the Christ on Campus Initiative edited by Don A. Carson for The Gospel Coalition.
Dr. Yarhouse has published over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and is author or co-author of several books, including “Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors and Friends,” “Understanding Sexual Identity: A Resource for Youth Ministers,” and “Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture.”