Advent and Waiting

Sex: It’s Worth Waiting For by Greg Speck
Greg Speck has been doing youth ministry for more than 30 years and has a remarkable ability to connect with students on difficult topics in ways that are relevant and helpful. This is a great read for any teenager who has questions about sex.

Sex Has a Price Tag: Discussions About Sexuality, Spirituality and Self Respect by Pam Stenzel
Pam Stenzel is not shy about the subject of teenage sexuality. She is very blunt, but also very clear. This book is addressed to both boys and girls. You will find personal testimonies, medical stats and practical solutions in this book.

Pure Eyes: A Man’s Guide to Sexual Integrity by Craig Gross and Steven Luff
Craig Gross is the founder of XXXChurch, which is a ministry to people who struggle with pornography and sex addiction, as well as to people in the sex industry. This is a great book designed for men and the struggles they face to maintain sexual purity.

Pure Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Integrity by Shellie Warren
This is an official resource of XXXChurch and is the female counterpart to Pure Eyes. This book addresses real and honest issues that women face in regards to sexual temptation and maintaining sexual purity.

Sex, Dating and Relationships by Gerald Hiestand
You will find some very clear, practical, and more importantly biblical wisdom in this book. This may be a great book for students and parents to read through together.

Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality by Wesley Hill
The subject of homosexuality is increasingly a significant topic of conversation. With so many voices and opinions on the issue out there, Wesley Hill (a gay Christian) provides some helpful words on how the church can begin to think and talk about it in ways that are both faithful to scripture and helpful to those with questions and struggles.

Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex Is Affecting Our Children by Joe McIlhaney Jr., and Freda McKissic Bush.
This is one of the best book we have read, thus far, on the subject of sexuality and adolescence. It is a well-researched book that is very accessible for both teens and adults. We have found it very insightful and would strongly recommend you read this book.

So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can do to Protect Their Kids by Diane E. Levin and Jean Kilbourne
A fabulous commentary on the over-sexualized culture that our children are growing up in and how it is impacting their sexual development. While it is a great book on how to talk to your children about sex, there is a great deal on practical information for parents on how to guide and protect their children in a sex-saturated culture.

Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity by Lauren Winner
This is a phenomenal book for both parents and older teenagers. It approaches the subject of sex in a much more holistic sense, as well as in a communal sense.

Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain by William Struthers
While this may not be all that helpful for teenagers, it is a great resource on understanding how pornography hijacks our brain and distorts the way we think about sex.

Teaching Your Child Healthy Sexuality: A Biblical Approach to Prepare Them for Life by Jim Burns
This book is similar to The Purity Code, but addresses you, as the parent, giving valuable ideas on how to address some of the biggest sexual issues our teenagers are facing today.

Sex, Dating and Relationships by Gerald Hiestand
You will find some very clear, practical, and more importantly biblical wisdom in this book. This may be a great book for students and parents to read through together.

Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality by Wesley Hill
The subject of homosexuality is increasingly a significant topic of conversation. With so many voices and opinions on the issue out there, Wesley Hill (a gay Christian) provides some helpful words on how the church can begin to think and talk about it in ways that are both faithful to scripture and helpful to those with questions and struggles.

purelifeministries.org
Founded by a former sex addict and his wife, this ministry offers articles and resources for those who struggle with sexual sin and for spouses of those who struggle.

xxxchurch.com
One of the leading resources in helping men and women fight the battle for their sexual purity, XXX Church offers resources, blogs, videos and confessional opportunities for men and women struggling with sexual sin. Also, they feature a section for those dealing with the repercussions of their spouse’s sin.

fightthenewdrug.org
Fight the New Drug’s message is based on science and facts. In a sense, science is an international currency. They explain why porn is harmful by educating people about the negative psychological and physical reactions it causes.

Can I Ask That? Volume 1 (Student Guide) by Jim Candy, Brad M. Griffin, and Kara Powell

Can I Ask That? Volume 2 (Student Guide) by Jim Candy, Brad M. Griffin, and Kara Powell

New City Catechism by Tim Keller

Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will by Kevin DeYoung

Called: The Crisis and Promise of Following Jesus Today by Mark Labberton

Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Before You Go: Following Jesus and Growing in Your Faith After High School by Gerald Fadayomi

How to Talk to Your Child about Communion

At Christ Community, we believe communion is one of two sacraments of the church, with baptism being the other. A sacrament is a directive, something you do because someone told you to do it or a command. Communion is a sacrament because Jesus commanded the church to practice it. Communion is a ceremony the church observes and practices as a sign of the grace God has shown to each of us. Communion is a way for those who have experienced the saving grace of Jesus to remember and celebrate what Jesus did when He died on the cross, and God raised Him from the dead.

When do I talk to my child about Communion?

Children are naturally curious and commonly ask questions about communion. If your family is involved at church, they may start asking these questions at a really young age. If the question is asked, it is the time to talk about communion.

Questions Kids Might Ask & How You Might Respond

NEXT STEPS:

Each Christ Community campus has resources available to help guide your conversation with your children about Communion. If you feel your child is ready for more, please contact your Children’s or Student Pastor.