Should we start with Our Whole Lives for Adults as a way of preparing the congregation for the youth levels?
Our Whole Lives for Adults was not designed as a mechanism to introduce sexuality education for children and youth in the congregation, although it may be helpful for that purpose by increasing understanding of the nature and importance of sexuality education in a religious community. Similarly, the adult level was not designed for parents of teens in Our Whole Lives programs, although it certainly could be offered to such a group. The adult level was designed for adults of all ages to explore their own issues, interests, and needs regarding sexuality. It would place too much of a burden on this program to expect it to prepare a congregation for lifespan sexuality education, particularly when only a small number of adults in the congregation would likely be participating in the program. Don't feel the children and youth programs must wait until the adult program has been offered, yet know that if the adult program is offered regularly, support for all levels will continue to grow (and teacher recruitment will become easier). For suggestions for introducing Our Whole Lives into your congregation, see the Frequently Asked Question, "How do we get started?"Last updated on Monday, June 4, 2007.
