Local Church Talks Sex
Local Church Talks Sex Save Email Print
Posted: 7:47 PM Oct 17, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:55 PM Oct 17, 2008
 Reporter: Carrie Cline
Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com
36 comments
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PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Let's talk about sex; that's what a local church is doing and church members invite you to join them.

It's a frank discussion about God, love and sex using a provocative approach in a hip setting. The word is getting out through the U.S. Postal Service. Some folks in parts of Putnam County opened their mailboxes to a giant postcard proclaiming God, love and sex.

“It certainly catches your attention. I guess church is the best place to talk about this,” said Joyce Cook.

“Sex is one of those things people talk about and get all hot and bothered by. But, it’s a gift from God,” said Pastor Aaron Gooden.

Gooden is responsible for the steamy mail. He's the pastor of Connections Church in Hurricane, W.Va., where nothing is typical. Once a Dollar General store, the church's exterior doesn't fit your typical idea of "church." Inside, it's still not your typical worship center.

There’s a café, and the sanctuary is set up like a restaurant. There's even a stage and a rock band. Yes, rock.

“Music is a big part of people's life and if you look at their CDs and iPods, this is the type of music you'll find,” Gooden said.

From music and worship to seating and setup, everything there is geared toward family and today’s busy, casual lifestyle. That includes preaching messages about everyday topics people are wrestling with, including sex.

“Sex is like fire," Gooden said. "God gave us fire to keep our homes warm and to cook our food. But, in the wrong hands, it can be dangerous. Sex is the same way. God wants us to enjoy it with passion in marriage. Outside of that, it's dangerous.”

According to Cook, “I think these young people these days need to talk about this. (He thinks some older people do, too). Some of them do."

This isn't the first time Connections Church has sent out thought-provoking postcards. So, are these mailers working? Gooden said they are.

The church is only three years old, and the mailers are helping to establish its name in the community along with a number of other activities the church is sponsoring.

To learn more about Connections Church, check out their website
at www.ConnectionsChurch.com
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Posted by: ALLIE on Oct 21, 2008 at 02:52 PM
To Baptistlady: you need to also teach people how to live a christian life and what God expects of them. Sex is a part of life and people need to know how to handle it in their lives. When I was in school I was taught SEX in the 6th grade. Now if our schools and the media are teaching our young children about SEX then we should show them what GOD says about it and what it was truly intended for. I think more churches should do this.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 21, 2008 at 02:25 PM
this is flippin hilarious! this church is actually pretty smart..they got you attention didn't they???? lol....
Posted by: Ashley on Oct 21, 2008 at 08:26 AM
To Baptist Lady>> I'm sorry you feel that way because there is MUCH more to the Bible than the topics you mentioned.
Posted by: To BaptistLady on Oct 21, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Those things should be taught that you mention. However,are you saying that the whole Bible should not be preached, that only certain parts? What about morals? What about how to live the way we're supposed? The church is also supposed to teach the rest of the Bible. You might want to read it if you think the Salvation message is the only one in there. In the eternal sense it is the most important, but the Bible gives us so much more that we need to learn... stuff for everyday living and HOW to have a personal relationship with Christ AFTER salvation.
Posted by: Interesting on Oct 21, 2008 at 07:13 AM
To those of you who are opposed to this... WHY? You have TV, movies, schools, all teaching about it, yet you don't want the church to teach about it? That is very hypocritical. What, only teach it is ok to do it and not wait until you're married? No thank you. If you think parents are the ones who need to teach it at home and no one else, you need to rethink it. I AGREE that parents need to teach it as it is our responsibility, but the church also has a responsibility to teach what the Bible says about it. The problem today is too many parents AREN'T teaching it at home and rely on the schools to teach it. Oh, they do... how to put a condom on at age 13. Maybe if more parents taught it, and took their kids to church, the teen pregnancy rate would be down. I know not every kid is going to listen and obey, but at least make an effort.
Posted by: BaptistLady on Oct 20, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Death, Burial, Resurrection, Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Hell, Fire and Brimstone... These are the things that should be taught in a REAL CHURCH!
Posted by: Gary on Oct 20, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Are you kidding me...Sex Education!!! For those reading...this is not a Church but a country club that is trying to make everyone comfy...just check out their website. Jesus Christ does not need to be relevant to the culture, preach repentance and faith! This does not suprise me another church with no doctrinal statement, replaced a place of worship with a Cafe, the pastors favorite movie is "the Matrix" which contains blasphemy and horrible language.....get real! Of all things a Church could do to reach the community....how sad! I apologize for this sorry representation of a church.
Posted by: Sherman. on Oct 20, 2008 at 09:33 PM
How many of you missed the part of the story in which the pastor specifically state "sex within marriage." It is parents like these here posting who are trying to "teach" their own children about sex when these parents cannot even comprehend properly what they are reading. With today's plummeting test scores and parents gettin arrested for meth labs and the like, I'd prefer my kids learn sex the old fashioned way...in church just like the bible teaches.
Posted by: Scott on Oct 20, 2008 at 02:58 PM
This is almost comical to read and watch. Nothing gets the people chatting more than religion and sex. If you don't like it, don't patronize it.
Posted by: COC Member on Oct 20, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Here we go again, another church trying to attract people with their "casual lifestyle" effect. Church is about worshipping the Lord, SINGING praises unto His name and reading the Bible. It's not about the rock bands and entertainment. If you want that, go to a bar. Church shouldn't be based on emotions but the Word. This is one of the most ridiculous things I've heard and read about in a long time. People better think long and hard about attending here. To Baffled: Try the Drawdy Church of Christ. We're all about the Bible and the truth contained therein.
Posted by: Anon. on Oct 20, 2008 at 10:20 AM
you need to do a study on Halloween and why christians should not participate in this Pagen tradition. Look up why pumpkins were carved, and were bobbing for apples come from (fertility God) and Bomb fires, and trick or treating and the costumes. I challenge you to look up the origin of why this practices are done. As a christian do you honestly think that Jesus would think it would be cute for a little girl to dress up like a princess and walk around the streets with others dressed up like the devil and demons. The bible says to abstain from the appearence of evil. Last time I checked Halloween looked pretty evil to me. Just go down the Halloween isle at Wal-Mart. This is Pagen worship and as believers we need to know the truth. Luckily I have a pastor that tells me the truth now i'm telling you.
Posted by: Ashley on Oct 20, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I've never been to this church and I have NO IDEA where it even is, but this is what I have to say to those of you who are upset about the church talking about sex: GET OVER IT! Everyone else in the world is talking to your children about sex. You can't even watch a Disney movie without some sort of sexual innuendo. Nearly all of the outlets that are telling and teaching your children about sex are doing so in the WRONG context. The church is trying to foster a conversation that parents should be having (and AREN'T having!) in the sense God intended. Furthermore, um... How is talking about sex excluding the 'word of God' because I'm pretty sure sex is mentioned time after time in the Bible. Song of songs, isn't that WHOLE book about sex & love??? Wow, I'm amazed that some of you even call yourself Christian....
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 20, 2008 at 06:58 AM
"Anonymous on Oct 18, 2008 at 08:30 PM I am all for getting youth in church,but not at the risk of compromising myself." This is one sad statement. Selfish
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 19, 2008 at 10:21 PM
It sounds like to me that parents should be educating their children at home about the issue on sex just like they did in the old days. Back when I was growing up, we was afraid to even kiss a boy because we knew that we would be spanked for it, but I turned out to be a really nice girl and I want my children to do the same. I think sex should be taught at home, not in school or church. My son is 9 years old and he doesn't even know what the word sex means, and I am glad. I know he will learn it sooner or later, and I am not going to push the issue to fast.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 19, 2008 at 01:30 PM
more birth control options? thats not needed, its these young teenage girls that just dont believe in them. you can go to any local clinic and get FREE birth control and FREE condoms. Even if they are worried about their parents finding out, ITS ALL CONFIDENTIAL.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 19, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I don't go to this church, but I just gotta say that some of this is a good example of passing judgment. I grew up in the traditional church and remember sermons on sex outside of marriage. Sure, it should be taught about in the home, but people aren't doing it. They're embarrassed. A couple of years ago, I went to a church in Florida with a service geared toward younger people and was literally amazed at the 200 teens and young adults who attended without being forced by a parent. It was all about God through music, guest speakers with a message, and a sermon. For two hours, I watched something you don't see in our area very often, which was young people really into learning the word of God. They were singing their hearts out and yelling out the occasional "amen!" Sure, it was entertaining, but it was all about God. Even I was leery about walking through those doors from what I had heard, but I learned that it is not right to judge something before experiencing it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 18, 2008 at 11:06 PM
too many teenage mommies... needs more birth control options.
Posted by: Anon. on Oct 18, 2008 at 09:51 PM
To Baffled: try Teays Valley Baptist.
Posted by: ????? on Oct 18, 2008 at 08:38 PM
I do not go to this place of worship! I see nothing wrong in what this preacher said. This preacher said to enjoy sex IN marriage,outside of that it could be dangerous! Is he correct? I think so! People like different types of music, younger people (even grade school kid's/teens) seem to like rock music more. Some people go to church some do not,while their kid's/teen's are out doing drug's etc. CHRISTIAN'S and NON-CHRISTIAN PARENT'S even DRIVE and DROP OFF their kid's/teen's to House Parties & Social Parties knowing what could go on drinking,drugs,and sex,then when something happens they KNOW NOTHING! You see ot all the time! It's always been that way since I can remember! More so today! MORE kid's/teen's RULE their Parent's,Teacher's etc.,and WONDER WHY! You can let your teen's learn about SEX with the crowd at parties,or at a place of worship! A GOOD place of worship speak's open and honest,parties cover it up! Either way some teen's will still have SEX! Who can you trust?
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 18, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Istill think that sex education should remain in health class,I want to hear the word of GOD when I go to church,not the ministers view on how we should view sex,not the time or place to discuss such topics..Iam all for getting youth in church,but not at the risk of compromising myself
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 18, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Nikki, do you ever think that by making sex a forbidden word it makes it more appealing. Your kids are probably less likely to go out and have sex with anyone if they feel like it is a forbidden item than if it is a subject that is openly discussed.
Posted by: Anon on Oct 18, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Talking about sex in church really kills the mood, I would imagine.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 18, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Looks like the posters didn't read the article to well. a quote "“Sex is like fire," Gooden said. "God gave us fire to keep our homes warm and to cook our food. But, in the wrong hands, it can be dangerous. Sex is the same way. God wants us to enjoy it with passion in marriage. Outside of that, it's dangerous.” That is not saying sex is something you can do out of marriage and it is OK. He is trying to get to the people who don't like the regular old time religion. It doesn't matter were you worship, it is that you worship God. I would not be judging the way someone worships and sitting at home. or thinking "sex' is the forbidden subject. Maybe , just maybe he might get to someone that will stop some of this "casual sex" among the world today
Posted by: to the bible thumpers on Oct 18, 2008 at 12:24 PM
good gracious people. sex is human nature. you wonder why children end up pregnant at 16? because people think it's taboo to talk about. and when did the 'church' become the one to have to educate people about sex? it should start at home with responsible parents. all you traditional bible thumpers--- you wonder why 'christians' are always being put down--- it's not because you are a christian- it's because of the way you INTERPRET the bible and place taboo on everything YOU THINK in YOUR OPINION is wrong. this is just something the world will never come together with- there are TOO MANY religions and everyone else's is wrong except yours. it's a shame. a real shame. i wish they'd just abolish religion as a whole and accept a 'spiritual' way of life with God. it would make life much simpler- either you believe in God or you don't. live how you want to live and stay out of everyone else's business.
Posted by: True Believer on Oct 18, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I can see how this will attract a lot of newcomers. It could also very well attract a lot of pedophile, and folks who believe this church is all about sex. Sounds to me like a false church and a place of satan; not of the Lord Jesus at all.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 18, 2008 at 07:43 AM
amen about staying home.church is like a club house anymore.the way girls dress going to church looks like they are going bar hopping.
Posted by: wow on Oct 18, 2008 at 05:17 AM
i got that postcard in the mail and it made me want to go there even less than i did before.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 18, 2008 at 05:06 AM
I wouldn't want to attend this kind of church. When you go to church, you go to worship, praise God, and study his word. It sounds like to me that the devil has these people by their shirt tails. I feel that sex is a topic that should be taught to their children at home, not at school or church. As far as adults who are MARRIED, sex was meant for them to bond, it isn't a game. The bible talks about it is better to marry than to burn. The reason for this is if you cannot contain yourself, then you need to marry. If I attended this church, I would be ashamed!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: buck on Oct 18, 2008 at 04:23 AM
Last I checked entertainment would not get a person into the kingdom of heaven. To include the bible is for people to gain knowledge of the fact that there is salvation to be gained, not sex. All about puttin a little money in the pocket I guess. I think I would rather put investment in heaven.
Posted by: Nikki L. on Oct 18, 2008 at 12:55 AM
Am I the only one who was brought up in church where sex was the forbidden word and now these people are preaching about it? what is wrong with this picture? I have a feeling most are going to take it wrong and think they are being told its alright to go out and have sex with anyone and everyone and thats not how I want my kids growing up.
Posted by: Baffled on Oct 18, 2008 at 12:31 AM
I don't get this trend of turning houses of worship into entertainment centers.Whatever happened to going to church simply to read the Bible,worship, and give thanks to the Sovereign God of the Universe? Is it about Christ? Or us? Until I find a church that makes it solely about Him, I'll worship at home.
Posted by: robert on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:05 PM
amen brother
Posted by: preacher on Oct 17, 2008 at 10:21 PM
I wish churches would get out of the entertaining business you all sooo far off the point.
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