The landscape around gender and identity has changed significantly in the last 20 years. And with this change, new language has developed to express it. But, it leaves many feel like they are falling behind or that they are at risk of being cancelled if they say something wrong.

If you feel like you’re falling behind, you’re certainly not alone. (And the idea of just doing a broad Google search seems like an exercise in futility.) When I recently picked up the book written by Dr. Mark Yarhouse and Dr. Julia Sadusky, I realized that they had compiled so much of the information we are needing today, while maintaining both a compassionate and logical tone.

We are so glad to be able to bring this conversation with Dr. Sadusky to you today. We talked about:

⁃ Why it is so imperative for church leaders to learn about and approach the topic for the sake of people who are looking for guidance and support

⁃ Some key terms and definitions (like even the difference between gender dysphasia and transgenderism)

⁃ key theories about WHY there has been such a steep incline in the number of young people who are identifying themselves in non-binary terms

⁃ the damaging affect of rigid gender stereotypes that have not originated from God, but from culture

I hope you take the opportunity to learn with us today, for your sake, but also for the sake of growing as a compassionate, truthful witness for Christ in your place to influence.

As you listen, we encourage you to share the episode with anyone that is looking for some answers today on these complex issues.

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Dr. Julia Sadusky is the co-author of “Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth” along with Dr. Mark Yarhouse.

Dr. Sadusky is currently a research fellow of the Sexual & Gender Identity Institute in Wheaton, IL. and an advisor to the Center for Faith, Sexuality and Gender. She is a licensed psychologist based in Colorado, where she offers individual, family, couples, and group therapy in addition to consultations for individuals and families around sexuality and gender.

It’s been said that “one’s identity will determine their destiny”. So true right!

We believe that this is one of the main reasons why the Biblical authors are very purposeful to remind us of who we are in Jesus and what He has done, on our behalf, because we are called to model who He is. This understanding will empower us to live free, holy, and whole, while also being set to communicate it to others around us.

In this episode, Bryan and Bonnie share from their hearts on the importance of identity, holiness, and what to do with brokenness.

The term “covenant” isn’t a word that is used very often in todays society. We are familiar with words like contract or agreement. Covenant means something so much deeper than just these words.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Dr Daniel Block to discuss his new book “Covenants”and discover the reality of Gods plan of redemption. Get your copy here.

Leading scholar Daniel Block helps students of the Bible understand the big picture of God’s covenants with humanity as they play out in both the Old and New Testaments.

After fifty years of teaching and preaching experience around the globe, Block brings a lifetime of study and reflection on the Old Testament and relationship with God to this comprehensive volume. The book focuses on God’s covenants as the means by which God has reached out to a fallen humanity. It examines the heart and history of God’s redemptive plan and shows why the covenants are essential for our understanding of the Bible.

Daniel I. Block (DPhil, University of Liverpool) is Gunther H. Knoedler Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He lectures and preaches around the world and is the author of numerous books, including For the Glory of God and commentaries on Deuteronomy, Judges–Ruth, and Ezekiel. Block has also been involved in the production of the New Living Translation of the Bible.

In this episode Bryan sits down with Brent Henderson to discuss his new book, The Roar Within. Here we discuss one of his chapters, looking at the "5 Man Killers".

Brent Henderson is a nationwide speaker, published author, professional outdoorsman, John Maxwell certified life coach, ordained pastor, national recording artist, and the Executive Director of MenMinistry.org. He’s toured with Dove and Grammy Award winning artists including Steven Curtis Chapman, Sandi Patti, Avalon, and Crystal Lewis. Brent is an in demand speaker and has been featured at hundreds of outreach events including the Billy Graham Crusade and Promise Keepers.

No one walks down the aisle with the hope that their marriage will die, but how can you find hope for healing if things happen beyond your control?

Ruth Erickson is the guest on our podcast this week, and she vulnerably shares about her journey of healing after her husband had an affair.

We talk about:

⁃ the value of laying strong foundations of personal identity and connection to the heart of God so that the choices of others do not shipwreck us

⁃ how to make space for the most painful of emotions, without getting stuck there

⁃ how reconciliation after adultery is possible but not inevitable

⁃ the critical steps of forgiveness in order to be free

You can find this episode over on our website, or subscribe to The Union Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

Do you ever wonder if you should go back to an ex? Were they your best chance for love?

Or maybe you are wrestling with the fear that your standards are too high, but you’re not sure what to negotiate on.

Perhaps you are even sensing the need to take a hiatus from dating in general because you feel like you are losing confidence along the way.

Mandy Hale, the amazing 40 year old single woman and best-selling author of the newly released book, “Don’t Believe the Swipe” has some strong encouragement (and challenges) for you in today’s podcast episode.

We talk about:

• How your value is not connected to your relational status

• The changing landscape of dating in a digital world

• Not being afraid to define your deal-breakers and non-negotiables

• How to include a support network into your relationship decisions

You can follow Mandy online @thesinglewoman, and find more of her content at www.mandyhale.com.

Have you ever gone through a break up?

They aren’t easy. There can be so much pain and emotional anguish connected to them, especially if there have been lines crossed emotionally and sexually.

In this episode Bryan and Bonnie discuss key elements of how to respond and re-focus after a breakup, as well as fight the real lies that will try to speak to you about who you are and what is in your future.

We cover these topics:

-confronting your past

-handling memories

-walking out of shame and regret

-finding identity and purpose as a single person

-identifying true compatibility

Have you ever felt disconnected from your body?

The truth is you aren’t alone. Many people feel a strong separation between who they are as a person and their body.

In this episode, Bryan sits down to talk with Dr. Gregg Allison to discuss his new book Embodied: Living As Whole People In A Fractured World.

In this conversation we discuss:

-How scripture affirms the belief that we are our bodies.

-What the centuries old worldview of Gnosticism means in relation to our bodies.

-How the message of Embodied and the scriptures speak to the topic of gender.

-How Christians can respond in this conversation, around the notion that there are more than 2 genders.

-How the gospel of Jesus gives hope for those who legitimately struggle with gender dysphoria.

One of the major challenges as a parent, who follows Christ, is to raise your children in such a way that they grow to genuinely love Him too.

In this episode we sit down for part 2 of our conversation with our friend Jim Anderson, to hear wisdom and practical tips on how Jim and his wife Lisa have raised 8 children to love Jesus.

We recently sat down with long time friend a mentor Jim Anderson and talked about the unique story of how his ministry began. God had put a burden in his heart for protecting the unborn and over the years of work in this arena God begin to reveal the connection between abortion and the increase in sexual brokenness within culture.

Jim Anderson has been married to Lisa for 41 years and has 8 wonderful grown children.

He and Lisa lead Sexuality Unmasked, a worldwide ministry dedicated to releasing God's truth, healing, and restoration in the areas of sexuality and relationships.

He is also the author of the book "Unmasked: Exposing the Cultural Sexual Assault".

Sexuality Unmasked Website

UnMasked Book

In this conversation with Erin Clark, a homeschooling mama of 3, we talked about the irreplaceable role that a mother plays in her family, as well as some of the biggest obstacles we face in trying to remember this calling.

In this podcast episode, she shares -

• How it was her 6-year-old daughter’s struggle in school that led them to homeschool (long before homeschooling was cool)

• One of her main goals of home education

• The need to have and hold to a vision statement for yourself as a mother

• How jealousy of other peoples’ callings (including your husbands) could derail your focus

• The need for relational intentionality with our kids in order to have safe places for ongoing conversations about sex and self-worth

Erin Clark, her husband Mark, and her three daughters live in western B.C. where they planted The Village Church in 2009. She is the host of the podcasts “The Good, the Bad, and The Beautiful”, as well as “Homeschooling with Erin Clark”.

You can find more from her @erineclark or at www.erineclark.com.

There is this trend within culture today that is trying to separate the choices made in the areas of our sexuality and our relationship with Jesus. The lie is to think that the choices made in this area don't really matter because the other areas of our lives are following Jesus. The good news is though is Jesus calls us to live a life that is not compartmentalized and invites us into a life where we are fully known.

In this episode, Bonnie and Bryan Pue sit down with Mo Aiken to discuss her new book " Fully Known" and hear all about how the radical love of Jesus brings us into real freedom.

Mo Aiken's Website

Get Your Copy of "Fully Known"

Mo's Instagram

Mo's Facebook Page

Often we are asked why the topic of God’s design for sexuality and identity is so important to us. We decided that in this episode we would answer that question by sharing our own personal stories and how we ended up starting The Union. We hope you enjoy it.

Porn, pills, food, money, alcohol, social media, body image, status, sex, anxiety. Whatever you're struggling with, John Elmore knows what it's like to be stuck and how to get free. In 2005, he put a loaded shotgun to his head and later had three doctors tell him he was going to die of alcoholism. More than fifteen sober years later, he leads the world's largest weekly recovery gathering, re:generation, where people journey toward healing in Christ. In his latest book, “Freedom Starts Today” he unpacks timeless biblical truth that will help anyone who is stuck in socially acceptable or unacceptable sins find long lasting freedom in Christ.

John is the senior director of pastoral care and director of recovery at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas.

He and his wife, Laura, have not had REM sleep since 2013, after having three kids in three years. They survive on coffee, takeout, and lots of prayer.

You can follow him

@john_a_elmore and www.freedomstartstoday.org

We live in such an interesting yet very confusing time. So much of what the Bible states around morality and identity is viewed as hateful or bigotry. This is the time for us as followers of Christ to be all the more diligent to not just speak the truth but to speak it in love.

In episode 33, Bryan and Bonnie sit down with Carrie Abbott to discuss how you and I can do exactly that. This was an amazing conversation in which Carrie unpacks great insight and wisdom from her years of dealing with difficult subjects with grace and truth.

Carrie and her husband, Greg, live in Washington, US, and are the parents of 5, and grandparents to 10 (and counting).

She is the Co-founder and President of The Legacy Institute which began in 2011. She hosts daily and weekly radio shows, and has authored multiple programs and curriculums that bring Biblical truths about sexual integrity.

You can find out more about her work here- www.carrieabbott.com, & www.thelegacyinstitute.com

“I didn’t sign up for this!”
“I can’t do this anymore!”
“That’s it - I’m done!”

Ever said or thought these things? Or, are you feeling disconnected, like you’re drifting apart? Marriage is challenging at times. Especially when you don’t feel equipped to face the challenges. In this episode, Bryan and Bonnie sit down with Toni Nieuwhof to discuss her new book, “Before You Split: Find What You Really Want for the Future of Your Marriage”

Toni Nieuwhof is a family law mediator, former divorce attorney, author, speaker and co-host of the Smart Family Podcast. She has been married to her husband Carey for over 30 years, and live in the greater Toronto area.

Visit Toni's Website

Get Your Copy Of Before You Split

Follow on IG- @toninieuwhof

Far too often we separate what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and the choices one makes in the realm of sexuality.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Adam Narciso and they discuss how vital the connection between discipleship and sexuality really is.

Adam lives with his wife, Jenny, and their four children, in Franklin, Tennessee. He is the author of "New Identity: 30 Days of Prayer for Spiritual Transformation" and producer of multiple e-courses, as well as the Jesus Movement Now Podcast. Since 2009 Adam has trained and mobilized over 40 international evangelism teams and has equipped thousands in the areas of identity, hearing God and evangelism via seminars around the world. You can find him on Instagram @adamnarciso, or on his website www.adamnarciso.com

New Identity: 30 Days of Prayer for Spiritual Transformation

Jesus Movement Now

Where do you stand on the issue of feminism?

Some people hate the word and equate it with being a man-hater. Others embrace modern feminist philosophies without question, eager to throw off all traces of male leadership.

Instead of riding the waves of cultural trends, as followers of Jesus, we have to follow God’s heart, intention, and teachings.

In this episode, you will hear about:

⁃A basic overview of the history of feminism

⁃Where feminism shows up in the Roman Empire (where the early church was planted)

⁃How men can begin to think, serve, and lead like Jesus so that the women around them feel supported, not oppressed.

⁃How women can find identity as followers of Jesus, rather than as victims or goddesses

If you’ve enjoyed our podcast, we’d greatly appreciate it if you would share, subscribe, or review our podcast. It helps others find our podcast more easily.

When you are dealing with an issue of lust, should you talk to your spouse about it? (And how?)

How can you overcome the past and get freedom in your mind?

How can you grow in intimacy with your husband or wife?

How do you face the pain of feeling betrayed by your spouse’s issue with porn?

These are all questions that we tackle in this refreshingly open conversation with Brendan and Jaclyn Weidner. We’re so grateful for their transparency about their past issues with us here on the Union Podcast, and we know you’ll get some help in sorting through some of your own.

Head over to Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Play to listen to Episode 28. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the upcoming episodes, and please do leave us a review or share, so that others will have an easier time finding us!

Comment below, and let us know what you learned!

Ready To Thrive Podcast w/ Jaclyn Weidner

Like an inheritance that grows exponentially, God loves to see one generation release blessing onto the next.

Adversely, the Bible talks about a spiritual enemy who does everything in his power to divide generations and cut off God's design for the young.

Too often we are short-sighted and impatient, wanting to experience personal ease at the expense of the younger generation.

In this episode, we look at Scripture to see:

⁃ How God’s promises can find fulfillment in our children and children’s children

⁃ How our investment into other generations can release healing and blessing in our nations

⁃ How we must face our own pain and dysfunctions for the sake of our own children and anyone we influence.

God is commissioning His followers to lean into the temporary discomfort and be resolute in sexual morality and righteousness, for the sake of the next generation.
The health of a nation is as strong as the church, as strong as the families, as strong as the marriages, as strong as the young men/women

1. God thinks generationally with a desire to increasingly BLESS (Abraham, promise comes to him, but isn’t fulfilled until Joseph)

2. The enemy hates the young generation. Targets the foundations to cause suffering.

3. To invest in the young generation (your children) is to invest in the kingdom (too often we are short-sighted, impatient)

4. Redemption always possible with Christ. (Sin of fathers to 3rd and 4th generation, but His mercy to the 1000th generation)