Dear Leaders & Hosts,
The March 22-23 weekend message was on biblical sexuality—a topic that’s deeply personal and often full of questions. Our goal at North Coast is to be clear on what the Bible says, while being gracious and kind to everyone figuring out their next steps of obedience as they follow Jesus. We want to help people trust Jesus in every area of life—including this one.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the message to help you lead your group well if this topic comes up.
“What the Bible Says About Sex” Message Focus
- The Biblical Padre – God’s Heart as a Loving Father
God isn’t out to shame us—He’s a good Father who created sex as a gift and wants the best for His kids. His boundaries around sexuality are meant to protect and bless us. God is a loving Father that invites and accepts anyone and everyone to cross the street and come back into the family to be celebrated no matter how far they may have wandered from home.
- The Biblical Principle – God’s Design for Sexuality
Sex is designed to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 1–2, Matthew 19). Anything outside of that, according to Scripture, is sexual sin. Everyone is invited to surrender their sexuality to Jesus and follow Him fully. - The Biblical Problem – All of Us Fall Short
This message is for everyone. All of us—regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status—have gone off-course in this area. We all need grace. This message is about all of us trusting God more, not just fixing someone else. - The Biblical Prescription – Grace, Truth, and Transformation
The gospel meets us in our mess. Jesus welcomes the weary and the wandering, and His Spirit empowers us to grow in Christlikeness. Our role is to be a community that offers both truth and love, while pointing people to Jesus—not pushing them away. We will never affirm any lifestyle other than a totally surrendered life to Christ, and at the same time we will never be anti-anyone no matter how rebellious their lifestyle is against Christ.
Leader Tips
- You don’t have to have all the answers. Just be present, listen well, and gently point people back to Jesus.
- Let the conversation breathe. It’s okay for people in your group to wrestle with this. You’re creating space, not closing arguments.
- Prioritize trust and safety. When people feel safe, they’ll be more open to God’s work in their lives. Be caring, not corrective.
Common Questions You Might Hear
“Is North Coast changing its beliefs? Or becoming affirming of LGBT+ relationships?”
No. We have always and still hold to the Bible’s teaching that sex is designed for marriage between a man and a woman. Anything outside of that is sexual sin (Genesis 1-2; Matthew 19:1-12). That hasn’t changed. But we’re committed to holding that truth with grace, compassion, and humility.
“What if someone in our group identifies as LGBTQ—or someone they know and love does?”
That’s a big part of real life for many people in our church. Some are personally navigating questions about their identity, and others are walking closely with someone who is. The most important thing we can do as leaders is to create a safe, trusted space where people feel seen and heard. Be a listener, not a lecturer. Let your group know this is a place for honest questions and respectful conversations. Our goal isn’t to convince—it’s to care. As people encounter the grace and truth of Jesus over time, we trust the Holy Spirit to do the work that only He can do.
“How do I even talk about this without sounding like a jerk?”
God has worked in all of us as Christ followers. Share your own mess first, then point to Jesus. He’s not shocked by our junk; He’s ready to redeem it. Keep it real, keep it kind, and keep it about Him. You’ve got this, leaders! People don’t need perfect answers—just honest ones that point to a perfect Savior. Let’s pray, listen well, and watch Jesus do His thing!
“Where can I send someone who wants help or support?”
This link is for next steps, care, and support resources
https://www.northcoastchurch.com/life-skills-support-groups/
Need More Help?
If you’re navigating a tough question or unique situation, please reach out to your Life Group Pastor and/or Campus Pastor. You’re not alone—we’re here to support you.