Session 4

Identity and Inclusion, Part Two

Developing a sense of personal identity and belonging is such a key issue for adolescents that it merits a much deeper discussion than most. In this session, we focus on issues like gender differences, sexual identity and preference, and race as they inform teenage identity. All of these subjects may be controversial, but they are all part of life for contemporary youth, so it is important to have some preparation and “safe” discussion before attempting to meet your youth where they are.

Session Video Lectures

Gender

Suggested Resources

The Junia Project advocates for the full inclusion of women in church leadership and for mutuality in marriage.

Baptist Women in Ministry offers help for female ministers in navigating the search process and compensation negotiations.

Soughers, Tara K. Beyond a Binary God: A Theology for Trans* Allies (Book)

Gender Issues and Sexism in Modern Society

The Art of Manliness is a website that focuses on affirming positive male gender roles.

LBGTQ+

Suggested Resources

The Trevor Project works to prevent the suicide of LGBTQ youth and offers a 24-hour lifeline: 1-866-488-7386.

Hartke, Austen. Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians (Book).

Advocates for Youth: LBGTQ Health and Rights

LGBT Youth Resources from the CDC

Race and Ethnicity

Suggested Resources

Talking Race with Youth.  Note: You have to scroll to the bottom of the page to find 8 articles and discussion questions.

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man .  An excellent YouTube series that can be used with groups, too.

America in Crisis: White Silence, Black Suffering, Protest and Transformation.  A shameless plug for another Flourish course for adult leaders.

UNICEF: Learn About Racism. Lessons about racism on a global scale.

ADL: Engaging Young People in Conversations About Racism

Anti-Racism Toolkit

 

Sara Clarke Turpin

Instructor

Rev. Sara Clarke Turpin is Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Buechel Park Baptist Church in Louisville, KY, where she has served since 2013. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from BSK: Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, along with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown College with majors in Religion and Business Administration: Management and minors in Church Music and Psychology. She has been both a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) Scholar and Fellow and served on the CBF Kentucky Coordinating Council and Execitive Committee. Before coming to Buechel Park, Sara served as the Youth Minister at Melbourne Heights Baptist Church in Louisville for four years.

Andrew Noe

Instructor

Andrew Noe serves at East Leonard CRC in Grand Rapids, Michigian as the Pastor of Faith Formation. He is a proud graduate of the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, is passionate about bringing creativity to ministry, and enjoys working with teenagers. He is married to the wonderful Hannah, and they have two spectacular kids – Gwen and Benjamin. His side passions are comic books, lego and video games.

Justin Sizemore

Instructor

Justin Sizemore is the Minister to Youth at Calvary Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. He is a graduate of the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University and a proud Georgetown College Tiger! He has been involved in Youth Ministry as a volunteer, assistant, chaperone, and now minister for over 14 years. Youth Ministry is his passion and calling.

Justin is married to Abby Sizemore (The FABULOUS Director of Admissions for the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky!!!) and they have two wonderful daughters, Ann-Thomas and their most recent addition, Edith (Edie).

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