First responders to the sexually broken

Churches today often minister to congregants struggling with a myriad of sexual distortions, including same-sex attraction, pornography addiction, and gender confusion. When it comes to ministering to these individuals, the gospel message remains the same, but the underlying dangers differ. Despite the challenges, the local church can offer the environment needed for healing and spiritual flourishing.

“We believe sexual brokenness is a consequence of relational brokenness,” said Bruno Borges, director and co-founder of the Institute of Biblical Sexuality (biblicalsexuality.net). “One of the biggest journeys in this healing process is cultivating healthy relationships. … What better place than the church to have healthy relationships?”

Healing the past

The insight Borges contributes to the lives of the sexually broken came through an excruciatingly painful personal journey. After years of living the homosexual lifestyle and eventually testing HIV positive, it was his own father who spoke the words that turned his life around: “The best thing I can offer you is the most precious thing that I have, which is Christ.”

In 2009, Borges discovered Living Hope Ministries (livehope.org). He stopped believing the lies about his sexual identity and started surrendering everything to Jesus.

“I found an amazing church that knew how to respond biblically and redemptively to some of the issues and feelings I still had and just allowed me to be Bruno,” he explained.

Equipping the church

Today, through the Institute of Biblical Sexuality, Borges walks alongside individuals who struggle with sexual issues and unwanted same-sex attraction. An important phase of the ministry is a certification program that equips individuals within churches and Christ-centered organizations to customize their approach to complex issues of sexuality.

“The Certification in Biblical Sexuality Ministry [biblicalsexuality.net/certification] is a two-year discipleship and training experience designed for pastors, ministry leaders, educators, counselors, and committed laypeople in churches and Christ-centered organizations,” Borges explained. “It equips people with a call and passion in this area to become what we’re calling ‘first responders’ to better understand, teach, and apply a theological framework of God’s design for sexuality.”

The training teaches leaders how to use the RESPOND model, which involves recommending, encouraging, serving, providing, offering, nurturing, and defending. (See sidebar.)

Applying the truth

M.D. Perkins, American Family Association’s research fellow of church and culture, was a recent guest lecturer at the Institute of Biblical Sexuality.

“The training is helping Christians think carefully through the snares, temptations, and misapplications that emerge in the discussions around gender and sexuality,” Perkins said.

Speaking on the topic of his book Dangerous Affirmation: The Threat of “Gay Christianity,” Perkins explained, “Many Christians either lack confidence or naively rush into interactions without realizing the complexity of the issues. Having time to think through scriptural teaching, biblical application, and pastoral wisdom is crucial for the local church.”

“It’s a rigorous program,” said Borges. “But we have come to a point where we can’t just know information; we need to know how to apply it. And if every other organization prepares people to be the best, why wouldn’t we do that as well?”