Real Identity, Deep Desire: A Biblical Vision of Sexuality

As our society continues to turn away from traditional sexual norms, more and more of our teenagers are facing difficult questions about their identity and relationships. Join us November 15 for an evening of Bible teaching and discussion, to help teens develop a biblical vision for sexuality. 

An Evening for Teenagers and those who Disciple Them

While the evening is especially for teens, it is open to all who are interested. In particular, we expect that parents, teachers, and others who disciple teenagers may benefit from the evening's teaching and fellowship. 

Our Speakers

Jonty Rhodes is the founding pastor of Christ Church Central (IPC) in Leeds, England. Jonty is married to Georgina, and they have five children. He trained for ministry at Oak Hill Theological College in London, and has served as associate minister at St. Alkmund’s Church in Duffield and minister at Christ Church Derby. Jonty is also the author of several books, including Covenants Made Simple (2014), Man of Sorrows, King of Glory: What the Humiliation and Exaltation of Jesus Mean for Us (2021), and Reformed Worship (2023). As a church-planting pastor in a highly secular region, with many students from the nearby university, Jonty has firsthand experience with the challenges of articulating a biblical vision for sexuality in the modern world. 

Calvin Goligher is the pastor of First OPC Sunnyvale. He also teaches classical languages and Bible at Live Oak Academy. He is married to Joanne, and they have six children. He trained for ministry at Geneva Reformed Seminary, and has also studied at the Ancient Language Institute and Davenant Hall. He entered high school just as same-sex marriage was legalized in Canada, and entered seminary just as it was legalized in the United States, so finding and sharing a biblical vision for sexuality has always been a pressing issue in his life and ministry. 

Schedule

6:00pm Sexuality and Creation (Calvin Goligher)

6:50pm Sexuality and the Gospel (Jonty Rhodes)

7:40pm Ice Cream Social

8:20pm Panel Discussion (Calvin and Jonty will be joined by Esther Holst from Live Oak Academy)

Location & Parking

First OPC Sunnyvale is at 1210 Brookfield Avenue in Sunnyvale. Street parking is available in the neighborhood around the church, although you may need to walk a block or two. The building is wheelchair accessible.

The Silicon Valley Bible Conference

On Saturday and Sunday November 16-17, Pastor Rhodes will be at First OPC Sunnyvale for the Silicon Valley Bible Conference. He will be speaking on "The Covenant King: How the Whole Bible Tells Us About Christ." You are welcome to join us!

FAQ

May I still attend the event if I have not reserved a ticket?
Reservations help us plan the event and be prepared for those who come, so we appreciate the advance notice! However, everyone is welcome, with or without tickets. A ticket will not be required for entry.

Can teenagers attend on their own, or must a parent or other adult accompany them?
We welcome parents to attend with their teens to be better informed and equipped to address the cultural messages bombarding our children. We also welcome youth groups from churches or schools who are accompanied by a youth leader. Finally, we welcome teens who wish to attend on their own, with parent approval. We hope that the event will spur helpful discussions within families and among youth.

What ages are included in "teenager"? Am I allowed to bring my younger children to the event? 
While the speakers will not be including explicit or disturbing discussion in their presentations, we will be speaking forthrightly about the biblical basis for personal identity and God's design for sexual expression. The teenage audience we anticipate will be most interested in and impacted by this event are High School age students. However, by the Middle School years, most children are being exposed to cultural messages about identity and sexuality. Therefore, seventh and eighth grade students are welcome, and children as young as sixth grade may also benefit from the event, depending upon their level of maturity and exposure to cultural messaging.