Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting - Softcover

Serio, Sam

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0825444179 ISBN 13: 9780825444173

Publisher: Kregel Ministry, 2016

Synopsis

Today's church has sadly failed to minister to men and women deeply affected by porn, abortion, rape, casual sex, a sexless marriage, same-sex attraction, or childhood sexual abuse. Church leaders know these broken people sit in their pews. What they don't know is what to say to them. Those who would speak out directly from the pulpit worry that they will be unwise or insensitive, whatever their intent to the contrary. They may even fear being fired and losing their ministry altogether.

The truth is that seminary curriculums rarely prepare preachers to talk about sex in their sermons. Despite the pervasiveness of sexual wounds in the church, preachers tend to either ignore them and say nothing or abhor them without nuance and condemn. Sam Serio posits a powerful and necessary middle ground: preaching that offers forgiveness, transformation, and restoration.

Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting is a ready-to-use resource written from a preaching perspective. Serio examines the causes and consequences of the seven most difficult sexual issues of today. Moreover, he provides appropriate wording to use in crafting sermons, along with corresponding Scripture texts. He examines how preachers can prepare their churches, their hearts, and their sermons for the topic, and how these can all work together to build a healthier future for their congregations and the wider church body.

About this title

About the Author:

Dr. Sam Serio writes with more than thirty-five years of experience in preaching and counseling. He has pastored churches, conducted seminars, and currently counsels individuals who daily feel the deep emotional effects of sexual sin or pain. Dr. Serio is founder and president of Healing Sexual Hurt (www.HealingSexualHurt.com) where people from all around the world seek his words of biblical wisdom and warmth in these taboo topics. He has published various articles and is available to speak at churches and conferences. Dr. Serio lives with his family in Atlanta, Georgia.

Review:

"The church is filled with the sexually hurting that need the biblical guidance found in God’s word. Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting provides much needed help to pastors and leaders who communicate in today’s pulpits. Dr. Sam Serio illustrates how God openly talks about sex in his Word. Filled with practical examples, this book opens the door to greater communication." (Sue Detweiler, author, speaker, and pastor of Life Bridge Church, Frisco, Texas 2016-05-25)

"Dr. Sam Serio has provided a desperately needed resource in ministry to break the silence of the greatest evil our society faces: sexual brokenness, perversion, and abuse. Many pastors and those involved in pastoral care struggle with understanding a survivor and his or her emotional needs. I applaud Dr. Serio for offering perspective, compassion, and thought-provoking sermons as a guide for pastors to address this difficult issue. This book inspires courage to address the silent epidemic of sexual abuse and exploitation in our society. This is a must-read for all pastors and those in pastoral care in order to facilitate accountability and healing for the millions of wounded survivors." (Angela Williams, founder of VOICE Today and author of From Sorrows to Sapphires 2016-05-25)

"We live in a world where sexual freedom reigns and exploitation is at an all-time high. Many individuals have emotional scars and deeply wounded hearts as a result of horrific trauma caused by this freedom and exploitation. These hurting hearts sit in our churches and youth groups behind a wall of fear and secrecy, praying to find hope and healing rather than criticism and condemnation. In Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting, Dr. Sam Serio profoundly informs in explicit words how to minister to and counsel the sexually hurting who are presently suffering silently. The precise words needed for healing are found throughout his book. With Scripture for each topic and sample sermons, readers cannot help but hear the heavenly Father’s heart as the Holy Spirit prompts our own hearts with a passionate desire to offer hope to the hurting and wholeness to the broken, setting the captives free." (Keven C. Covert, speaker, facilitator of post-abortion healing Bible studies, and author of Brick 2016-05-25)

"Sam Serio has written the book that few others would have. In a sensitive manner, and with absolute care not to offend, he explains how to preach from most of the biblical passages dealing with sexual sin. You will receive much help from his frequent tips. I know of no other book like it. You will want a copy." (Jay E. Adams, founder of The Institute for Nouthetic Studies 2016-05-25)

"Finally--a powerful tool for pastors and counselors. Dr. Serio shares his profound knowledge of Scripture and sexual abuse throughout this book. Those who wish to address the walking wounded from sexual sins, but don’t know how, will find this a phenomenal resource. Sam Serio’s book should be in every pastor’s study and every Christian counselor’s office. I especially like the final chapter, ‘My Challenge to the Church of the Future.’ Through counseling, marriage preparation, and sermons, we absolutely must address the issue of abnormal sexuality and its consequences. Everyone is affected by the topics discussed in this amazing book." (Karen (Austin) McDonald, counselor and president of Racheal’s Rest 2016-05-25)

"Dr. Sam Serio’s wisdom comes from years of research into and experience dealing with tough topics. As a survivor of sexual abuse, I can personally say the chapter on sexual abuse is not only brilliant but much needed. I can’t adequately describe the pain, confusion, and rejection I felt during my early years in recovery when I tried to attain support and direction for healing from the leadership in my church. Dr. Serio has a passion for empowering pastors to address the pain, sin, and bondage inherent in sexual deviance and to apply the Word of God to heal their flocks." (Tammy Kennedy, founder of The King’s Treasure Box Ministries 2016-05-25)

About this edition

• Publisher: Kregel Ministry
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0825444179
• ISBN 13: 9780825444173
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208