While these nights are highly conversational, they will not involve small-group discussions at tables. Instead, the conversation will take place in three primary ways:

1. A guided dialogue on stage between Josh and Laura

2. A moderated Q&A with the audience at the end

3. Anonymous surveys distributed afterward to capture additional perspectives and experiences

We plan to host these conversations three times per year over the next several years.

Our goal is to make healthy sexuality the norm at Salem Alliance by approaching this topic through three key lenses: restorative, preventative, and developmental.
These “Sex Is ____” conversations will focus primarily on the developmental aspects of sex and sexuality — asking questions like:

• What does healthy, life-giving sexuality look like over time?

• How can we grow in sexual maturity, not just sexual morality?

• How do we move from fear, shame, or stuck places toward freedom, confidence, and connection?

We’ll explore themes that help us develop a more holistic, hopeful, and informed understanding of sexuality — one that leads to greater relational health and spiritual flourishing.

This event is designed for everyone, regardless of relationship status or age. Here’s why:

• Many of us have not had sufficient teaching or dialogue to grow in wisdom, confidence, and compassion around sexuality.

• Every person carries a unique sexual history — often mixed with joy, questions, hurt, confusion, or shame. Better conversations can bring clarity and healing.

• We influence others (children, grandchildren, friends, coworkers) who are navigating their own questions and experiences. Gaining understanding helps us love others well.

• Sexuality is not limited to the act of sex. All of us are sexual beings with desires, dignity, and areas in need of growth.

We want to be a community marked by humility, curiosity, and lifelong learning — this is an opportunity for all of us to grow together.

Not at this time. While aspects of sexual orientation and gender are part of the broader conversation of sexuality, they are not the focus of this series. As the conversation develops over time, we may address these topics in the future.

We live in a culture that relentlessly promotes sex but is starved for genuine conversation. Many adults feel uneasy or uninformed, so these talks rarely happen—even though students long for dialogue and wise, biblically-grounded guidance.

These evenings help break that silence. Our students face constant sexual messaging that shapes their sexual understanding far more than any input they receive from their parents or church. In addition, high schoolers, in particular, are only a few years away from independence. This is a chance for them to be in the room with you — to experience Christ-centered, thoughtful dialogue that can continue at home. We believe it’s far better to engage these topics now, in a setting marked by honesty, maturity, and hope, than to let culture form them in isolation.