In October, 2017, the #MeToo movement went viral after Alyssa Milano encouraged people to share their stories of sexual harassment and abuse in order to illustrate the near universality of the problem. Over the next number of months, and continuing today, the #MeToo movement continues to have influence around the world.

What I find troubling is while the new awakening and response to sexual harassment and abuse is almost global, very few people are connecting the primary narrative of pornography with the reality of our current human experience. Dr. Gail Dines and Professor Robert Jensen in an article posted in the Houston Chronicle said, 

“The contradiction is obvious: As men are being held accountable for using their power to manipulate and abuse women sexually, the pornography industry continues to socialize men into that very behavior. It’s time for the #MeToo movement—and feminism more generally—to make a critique of pornography part of the project of ending violence against women.”

Fortunately for our world, the hope of the Gospel provides the truth needed to overcome the darkness of the pornography narrative. That’s why it’s essential for youth workers to take seriously the role we have in embracing the Gospel in our ministry with teenagers.

The Gospel matters more than porn. 

So what do we do?

1. We talk a lot about Jesus 

We talk about the fact that He created us (so He knows what’s best for us). 

We talk about Him becoming a human being (and so He understands us). 

We talk about why He died on the cross for us (He loves us and restores us).

We talk about Him rising again (which empowers us). 

We talk a lot about the Gospel…always.

2. We talk a lot about confession and forgiveness

This means we own our sin.

We teach our kids to make confession a part of our regular journey.

We embrace being open and honest with Jesus.

But we also talk a lot about Jesus’ commitment to forgive over and over again.

3. We talk a lot about who we really are: new creations

Not because of what we have done, but because of what He has done.

Even though we don’t feel like it at times (maybe lots of times), this is our identity. And now we show them how to live in that identity. 

Porn has power, but the Gospel has immeasurably more power.

Porn is a part of our lives, the Gospel re-creates and defines our lives.

We need the Gospel.

Our teens need the Gospel. 

Every new generation that rises up desperately needs the Gospel.

Are you wondering how to connect the Gospel more deeply to your youth ministry and help teenagers overcome the power of porn in their life?

That’s why we have created a 7-session curriculum on pornography designed for use by small group leaders.

To help your students understand their own journey, understand the journey of unseen victims of porn, and understand the journey of confession, forgiveness, and wholeness because of the Gospel.

Think of a student in your ministry.

What could be the consequences in her life, if no one ever talks to her about God’s design for sex?

What if no one told him how porn is an evil counterfeit experience?

What could be the consequences 10 years from now if no one shows him a better way?

What difference could it make for her family (now and down the road), if someone took the time to journey with her in a loving and gracious mentoring relationship, helping her experience the freedom she never thought possible?

You can access the free Purity is Possible curriculum plus the on demand webinar recording here.

Looking for something more? Buy the Webinar Intensives & Resources here.