Discerning Sexuality and Gender Identity

The theme of this year’s Answers for Women conference is Discern: Engaging the Culture with Wisdom and Grace. As I explained in my earlier post on the conference, discernment is lacking in the church today. We have designed this conference to equip women to “speak the truth in love” and avoid being “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14–15).

Joining Erin Benziger at this year’s conference will be Dr. Corey Abney, lead pastor at Florence Baptist Church (Florence, Kentucky). Corey is a dynamic speaker who brings much needed biblical authority and guidance to the very controversial topic of sexuality and gender identity. This is what Corey had to say about his presentation at this year’s conference:

Dr. Corey Abney

The media’s rush last spring to make Caitlyn Jenner a transgender hero underscored the radical moral shift in Western culture. ESPN recently honored Jenner for “her” courage at a high profile awards ceremony. Though this is one of the more pronounced examples of the growing gender confusion of our culture, many others exist as well. The state of Minnesota, for example, is considering a law that will eliminate gender distinctions in high school sports. CNN published an article last year that suggests it’s wrong to ask parents if they are having a boy or girl. The article suggests that friends and family members should wait until the child is old enough to determine that for himself or herself. Some parents are taking this to heart and giving their children hormone pills to delay puberty, so that children can determine for themselves if they want to be boys or girls. The First Unitarian Church in Louisville, Kentucky announced it is removing all men’s and women’s restrooms in the church and are moving to “all gender” restrooms. In Virginia, a public school district decided to get rid of the word biology in their curriculum, and they have replaced biology with “sexual fluidity.” These are but a few examples of the gender confusion of our day.

As our society celebrates each new form of “liberation,” every one of us will probably interact with a Caitlyn sooner or later—whether at work or even at home. The question is, how should we respond? Undoubtedly, cultural issues related to marriage, sexuality, and gender are the tip of the spear for the work of the evangelical church in the days to come. We must have an answer, and, thankfully, the Bible has much to say about the issues of gender, sexuality, and marriage. We have a firm foundation from which to engage our culture with wisdom and grace.

This year’s Answers for Women Conference will help you to apply the clear teaching of Scripture on the topic of sexuality and gender identity and to engage your community with the gospel. Moreover, you will be equipped to shepherd the hearts of your children concerning their ultimate identity and influence for Christ. We must remember that our hope lies not in an American democracy but in a kingdom monarchy where Jesus Christ rules and reigns on his throne. We can honor Him in these difficult days, and we can “give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

Since the SCOTUS decision last summer, I have realized even more that my daughter will grow up in a very different world from the one I grew up in. We need to be discerning and know what the Bible says and doesn’t say about sexuality and gender. I know Corey will bring much needed biblical clarity to this topic.

Register today to take advantage of the early bird price (ends February 1st) and remember the price includes a two-day Creation Museum admission for attendee, husband, and children. We’ve also added a poster, bulletin insert, and video promo on the event website that can be downloaded to advertise the conference at your church.

Keep fighting the good fight of the faith!