JUSTSEX

How can people of faith engage in constructive conversations about sexuality when we are more aware than ever of its complexity and diversity? When the word “sex” itself can elicit conflict and division, is it possible to move beyond schisms to dialogue and discernment? How do modern understandings of human sexuality inform a holistic sexual ethic? Join the Alliance of Baptists for a justice-focused event exploring ways we can work together to bring sex to light.

The conference, taking place Oct. 18-20 at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn., is open to all who wish to foster healthy discussions about sexuality in their own lives and in their faith communities. Attendees will participate in worship, learn from experts, engage in honest conversation and take part in breakout sessions that explore:

How our understanding of sexuality changed over time;
How cultures, institutions and faith traditions approach sexuality – both in the past and in our current moment;
Guiding principles for developing a contemporary sexual ethic; and
How people of faith reclaim sex as a gift from God and support healthy sexuality in our communities.

We hope you’ll join us for this momentous and inspiring event. Keep checking here for more details and for registration information.

Register here.

Registration for the first 50 registrants includes lodging at Scarritt Bennett Center (small individual rooms with a shared bath between rooms) and breakfast: $180 per person

General Registration (lodging on your own): $75 per person

View bios of our Plenary Speakers: Kelly Brown Douglas, Marvin Ellison, William Stayton

Schedule

Thursday, October 18:

6:00 - 6:15 Gathering Music

6:15 – 7:15 Worship:

Proclaimer: The Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes
Musician: Don Schlosser

7:15 – 7:45 Introduction of Plenary Speakers and Themes

7:45 – 8:15 Plenary Session: The Rev. Dr. William Stayton

"The Sexuality Education Challenge to the Church: an historical perspective."

Where are we now? How did we get here? What are the sexuality crises facing our churches?

8:15 – 8:30 Break

8:30 – 9:15 Facilitated Small Group Discussion and Get Acquainted

Friday, October 19:

8:50 – 9:00 Gathering Music with Don Schlosser

9:00 – 9:15 Bible Study: The Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan

9:15 – 10:30 Plenary Session: The Rev. Dr. William Stayton

"The Spectrums of Sexuality"

In this session, we will explore different sexuality issues that challenge traditional belief systems. The unintended result has been much suffering, misunderstanding and spiritual abuse of members of our churches and communities.

10:30–10:45 Break

10:45–11:45 Facilitated Small Group Discussion

11:45– 12:45 Lunch on your own

12:45 – 1:00 Gathering Music with Don Schlosser

1:00 – 1:15 Bible Study: The Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan

1:15 – 2:30 Plenary Session: The Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas

"Shaping a Sexual Ethic: What is it and Who Decides"

2:30 – 2:45 Break

2:45 – 3:45 Facilitated Small Group Discussion

3:45 - 4:00 Break

4:00 – 5:00 Break Out Workshop Session #1 (see options)

5:00 - 5:15 Break

5:15 - 6:15 Break Out Workshop Session #2 (see options)

6:15 - 7:30 Dinner on your own

7:30 - 9:00 Baptist Beer Garden: JUSTSEX Talk Back

Eden Seminary, contributing sponsor

Location: Reading Room at the Vanderbilt Divinity School

Join Touch Podcast and leaders from the JustSex Conference for an informal conversation that pushes the boundaries of what we think we know about sex. You'll get a chance to engage directly with plenary speakers, breakout facilitators and conference attendees about your most burning questions on sex, shame, spirituality and more. Bring your curiosity, we'll bring the beer.

Note: This event will be recorded and facilitated by the hosts of Touch Podcast, Ryan Clark and Nate Novero. Attendees can consent to varying levels of participation upon arrival.

Saturday, October 20:

8:45 – 9:00 Gathering Music with Don Schlosser

9:00 – 9:15 Bible Study: The Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan

9:15 – 10:30 Plenary Session: The Rev. Dr. Marvin Ellison

"Bearing Witness: Practicing and Proclaiming a Just and Healthy Sexuality"

What’s the good news regarding sexuality that Christians are called to embody? What does a commitment to sexual justice and relational integrity ask of us, personally and communally? How do we equip ourselves to become passionate and principled lovers in the bedroom and beyond? In sorting out these questions, we’ll consider the importance of reframing Christian discourse or changing the subject in two distinct, but related senses: changing the “what” (the topic of conversation) and the “who” (the subject who speaks and is taken seriously.

10:30 - 10:45 Break

10:45 – 11:45 Facilitated Small Group Meeting

11:45 – 12:00 Break

12:00 – 1:00 Closing Worship with Communion: