Porn in the Pews - International Pentecostal Holiness Church

Cracking the Lid:
Events Woo People Out of Hiding
Churches that do the best job bringing this issue out into
the light usually start with some sort of event that breaks
the ice. These events involve someone leading from the
front, either a down-to-earth talk about pornography or a
heart-felt story of struggle.
Those who are
struggling with
pornography
on some level
are very likely
struggling alone.
The point of events like these
is to woo people out of hiding.
Those who are struggling
with pornography on some
level are very likely struggling
alone. They don’t feel free to
bring their sin into the light
of confession. Perhaps they
aren’t close enough to anyone
to trust them with their secret. Perhaps they simply
feel too ashamed. Perhaps they’re not ready to give up
their sin and they prefer the secrecy. Having a large-group
event is not the ultimate goal. It is a means to the goal of
getting people out of their dark corners.
What events would work best for your church? Consider
a Saturday morning men’s breakfast, or a youth event.
Perhaps you have midweek services that are widely attended.
Or maybe this is something that deserves a Sunday
morning message. Whatever you choose to do, don’t
shrink back because you know this topic will ruffle some
feathers. Any time you open a can of worms, you’re likely
to get a few squirms.
Lifting the Lid:
The Power of Story
Jon Acuff 1 talks about giving people “the gift of going second.”
When some brave person is willing to share their
story first, this gives the rest of the church the gift of going
second. When one person is willing to say, “I love you
enough to crucify my public image and get real with you,”
this motivates others to be honest themselves.
Who should tell their story? Ideally it should be someone
people in your church might know—one of your congregation
members. Perhaps there’s a mature Christian in your
midst that used to struggle with pornography. Or maybe
there’s a brave man who’s still in the thick of the struggle
who is willing to be brutally honest with others. Perhaps
you have a story of your own.
If you don’t know anyone in your congregation who is able
and willing to share their story, there might be others in
your network you can find. Are you a part of a denomination
or ministerial association? Ask some of your fellow
ministers if they know anyone with a story to share that
you can bring in.
Another option, though often not as powerful, is using
some sort of multimedia. Covenant Eyes has provided
videos on its YouTube channel 2 as resources to help you
get started. A free DVD can be shipped to your church
by calling toll-free at 1.877.479.1119. You can also surf
through our “Favorites” to find videos made by other ministries
and companies.
Removing the Lid:
Preaching on Pornography
While pornography may be a taboo subject in your community
or congregation, addressing this subject in a
frank and honest way is vital in our modern age. When
the prophets and apostles spoke of the sexual temptations
assaulting God’s people, they were able to be frank
without being crass, specific without being lewd, and holy
without being prudish. The language and tone we use from
the pulpit needs to reflect the real-life temptations people
face. Pastors, ministers, and teachers need to speak in a
way that links Biblical principles to the everyday experiences
of those in the congregation.
Pornography, like any subject,
can only be understood
in its broader contexts. First,
it must be understood in the
behavioral context of sexuality.
Second, it must be understood
in the modern context
of sexualized media. Third,
it must be understood in the
hidden context of prostitution.
The language
and tone we
use from the
pulpit needs to
reflect the reallife
temptations
people face.
Porn in the Pews • © 2010 CovenantEyes
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