A first of its kind audio-handbook for gay and lesbian couples seeking Christian principles to create a lasting marriage is being released just in time for Valentine’s Day 2010. The five-disc audio teaching series, To Have and to Hold is being published by Found Pearl Press and features a leading gay pastor, Rev. Jeff Miner of Jesus Metropolitan Community Church.
“While the nation debates the right of gays and lesbians to legally marry, these couples continue to build lives together despite the obstacles,” said Lynne Kaminski, Director of Found Pearl Press. She adds, “These sermons will make you laugh and cry. But most important, this series will help meet the practical and spiritual needs of gay and lesbian Christians across the globe.”
A 2009 survey by conservative author and pollster George Barna found that nearly 60% of gays and lesbians report having a strong personal faith. Barna writes, “A substantial majority of gays cite their faith as a central facet of their lives.” According to Kaminski, these polls confirm the need for the gay Christian resources provided by Found Pearl Press.
The full title of Found Peal Press’ newest release is, To Have and to Hold: Spiritual Insights on Marriage and Commitment for Gay and Lesbian Couples. Topics covered include:
- Finding the right person,
- Setting realistic expectations,
- Developing a sense of covenant loyalty,
- Learning to speak your spouse’s unique “love language,” and
- Turning anger into a net positive.
Included with the sermons is a detailed study guide suitable for individuals, intentional couple’s dialogue, or group discussion.
Rev. Miner says, “This is an excellent tool for sparking conversations about marriage and family life using Biblical principles.” Miner leads the 4th largest congregation in the worldwide network of the Metropolitan Community Churches. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School (J.D., 1983) and Bob Jones University (B.A., 1980), and prepared for the clergy in the Metropolitan Community Churches Clergy Training Program. Rev. Miner and his spouse of almost 20 years, David Zier, have lived in Indianapolis since 1997.
The teaching series retails for $34.99, and makes a perfect Valentine gift. Full details are on the product page, or call (317) 722-0000 x 101.
About Found Pearl Press
Found Pearl Press is devoted to providing Christian resources for the LGBT Community and beyond. In December, Found Pearl Press published Quench! refreshing devotionals by gay, trans, and affirming Christians, edited by Rev. Keith J. Phillips. Found Pearl Press has also published one of the best-selling books on homosexuality and the Bible, The Children Are Free: Re-examining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships.
Upcoming projects include a Spanish translation of The Children Are Free and an LGBT-friendly discipleship training curriculum.
Found Pearl Press, the non-profit ministry of Jesus Metropolitan Community Church, produces Christian resources for the LGBTQ community and beyond. Many people have found hope and spiritual nourishment through our products. Would you like to help spread the word? Here are a few ways you can help: