HowSexyAmI.com proclaims a billboard on eastbound lane of the Santan Freeway. It shows a photo of two pairs of feet (presumably a mans and a womans) poking out from under the covers at the back of a bed. The feet are playfully twisted. Eye-catching indeed. The billboard sends drivers to the Web site to see whats going on. Were Bringing Sexy Back declares the site of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Chandler, which plans a six-week sermon series by its senior pastor, Linn Winters, starting Aug. 12. It is further promoted by a couple videos on the Web site (www.howsexyami.com). One features 14 changing black-and-white panels of somber men and women and this narrative: How do I decide what sexy is? …. Is it how much attention you get? Is it how you feel about yourself? When I feel sexy, does that mean Ill experience great sex? Who decides? Is it People Magazine? Is it Paris Hilton? Is it Dr. Phil? Or is it possible that the one who invented sex would have something to say about sex? . And he did Would I be interested? Would I listen? Would I go? … Series begins Aug. 12. Were bringing sexy back?The other video is a quick litany of statements by some of the same people. Among the comments or questions are: What is sexy?, I wished I felt sexy? Im bored, and I feel guilty.Winters, who launched the church 12 years ago in an apartment clubhouse, states, Were not afraid to talk about it. In fact, we believe sex is all too often ignored or just plain not handled well in the church. . We will work through the important topics to find out what is really means to be sexy.He asserts that God is pro-sex and has much to say about it. Our culture has attempted to redefine it and, in doing so, has made it something that is disappointing and leaves us empty, he said. .It is clear we are struggling in this area. Marriages are consistently ripped apart by marital unfaithfulness and effects of pornography. We believe that there is something better, and we, as a church, are trying to help people get to that.Winters will get occasional support in the sermons from Shaunti Feldhahn, author of For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men, and she co-authored: For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to t he Inner Lives of Women. Also speaking will be Michael Leahy, who will tell how pornography torpedoed his marriage. Topics for the six weeks are: Aug. 12: Greatest sex ever; Aug. 19: What you dont know WILL hurt you; Aug. 26: What every woman ought to know; Sept. 2, What happens in Vegas wont stay in Vegas; Sept. 9, Just this once; and Sept. 9, Porn: Whats the big deal? Sunday services are 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Cornerstone Christian Fellowship is at 1595 S. Alma School Road, Chandler.Congratulations to a church willing to forthrightly take on human sexuality from the pulpit. Certainly in that church that draws more than 4,000 on Sunday, it may be easier to hear things about intimacy. There may not be as much squirming as one might have in a small setting. The effort certainly answers repeated calls for The Church to step up and teach about healthy sex instead of ignoring it or applying blistering guilt.
 Chandler church to say lots about sexJuly 20th, 2007, 2:38 pm · 139 Comments · posted by lawngriffiths139 CommentsLeave a Reply |
There are many reasons why being a member of Cornerstone and calling it “home” are so important to me … but one of them is the leadership that fearlessly walks the path God lights for them … and joyously invites everyone else to share in the incredible message. The message on the billboard might be large … but so is our God !
What a wonderful church to be a part of. Glad everyone is noticing.
Can I get a woot woot! Go Cornerstone! I love how this church continues to keep my attention and teach me so many things in such amazing ways. I think this topic is a wonderful thing to explore. I’m confident that this will be a wonderful series!
I am so glad to say that I am apart of Cornerstone, and I’m excited about new topic. Way to go Pastor Linn!
Definitely a topic and information from which everyone can benefit!
I think only positive things can come of this sermon series, and its a great risk for a church
to take. I commend this leadership and hope
others will follow.
we need more churches like cornerstone there is too much going on in this world and if the church can.t talk about it who will.go cornerstone.
This subject in churches across the nation has been either taboo or ignored and it is about time a church steps up to the plate to discuss this issue. That is what I love about cornerstone they are not afraid to discuss the issues that affect us in our day to day lives in a form that makes sense and is easy to understand.
I think this series will radically change people’s lives in a positive way! Thanks for stepping outside the box Cornerstone!
It’s about time! This will be a positive series for us and generations to come!
I think it is great that Cornerstone is doing this series. I lived in Granger, Indiana when Granger Community Church did the series that was the inspiration for this series and it was great. It is refreshing to see a church take a modern approach to modern problems the the people in this community face.
Being new to Cornerstone, this has been an eye opener in a positive way. I feel that it is about time the this issue is addressed. My family feels comfortable at Cornerstone. We feel like we have found a home at last.
This church is not about “tickling the ears” worship. Every time I visit there I am convicted and encouraged! I’m so happy to see a church speak truth! Way to go Cornerstone.
This is fabulous. Having a teenage daughter in this day is VERY scary. We will certainly be sitting with her in this church to here what Pastor Linn has to teach! We have faith that he will show the young as well as the older the right path.
Sounds like a very uncomfortable topic, but home is where important issues are discussed. Since attending Cornerstone for the last 2 yrs. our 4 daughters have felt like we are very much in God’s home every Sun. and during the weekday activities. Praise God for leadership in this area where marriages and families are crumbling around us and I pray that many, many families will be strengthened through God’s teaching in this series!
This is awesome! I am looking forward to this series and I know it will be so helpful and informative.
I’m extremely proud to be a part of the Cornerstone family. This church is awesome - just like our GOD is awesome. God has placed this on the hearts of our leaders due to the overwhelming need of education. This is something so important to be discussed in the right way and most of all IN THE RIGHT PLACE. I encourage everyone to come check it out and hear for themselves what will be taught. We know that our gracious God is leading the way and will bless our time together.
All too often this important subject is tip toed around in church yet sprawled out
publicly by the wrong people/groups. If we want to raise moral, pure, Godly children in a most unGodly world, we need to broach this subject in a safe, secure and Godly setting…not have our children hear about it from friends or even worse, television media! Granted this subject is probably not going to be
preached in t Sunday school classes but we as parents/role models need to know how to face these huge issues and questions when faced with them…whether they are questions from our children, neighbors, or those who oppose our Christian views. Hopefully this segment will touch on many heated topics and draw the line as far as where we as Christians should stand. The whole world can have their opinions and not be afraid to express them…shouldn’t we as Christians have the same right? WAY TO GO CORNERSTONE! LET’S NO LONGER BE THE SILENT MAJORITYAND GET OUR MESSAGE OF OUR ALL LOVING, ALL FORGIVING AND ALL ETERNAL GOD OUT THERE!
I am so excited about this series, the thoughts it will provoke and the emotions it will evoke. I am sure there will be many that will have a lot to say, both positive and negative and I am certain that Pastor Linn and the staff of Cornerstone will be ready with honest and sensitive answers.
This is great! In the world that we live in EVERYONE needs to come and listen. I trust that God is doing something amazing and I am blessed to be part of it!
Way to go Cornerstone! God is moving in many awesome ways at our church!!!!
If only there had been a place that would bring up the subjects that this series will touch when I was a teenager. Maybe I wouldn’t have made the choices I made, and maybe I wouldn’t feel the pain I feel when I think about those choices. Thankfully I have a God who has forgiven me, and has made me a new creation. And maybe this series will help a few teens today make better choices than I did.
I’m extremely impressed by Cornerstone. Way to step up and say it like it is! I will attend the services!!!
It’s about time! I know of too many couples who are struggling with the topics that are to be preached on in the coming weeks. Let’s hope and pray these messages make a positive difference in our community.
It’s about time that our spiritual leaders address a topic that has been avoided and brushed under the rug for years! In our society, we can’t afford NOT to tackle this head on. Kudos Cornerstone and Pastor Linn! God is working through you and the church in so many ways. We are excited to be a part of what He is doing in Chandler!
I am so proud of Cornerstone and how they have shown the courage to take on this topic and address a subject that is to readily pushed aside for fear of challenging and trying to change what is wrong in our society. Way to go Cornerstone!
As a single Mom this is great. I will need all the help in dealing with this issue when son gets to that point. This is real issue in the media, magazines, and schools. Great that Cornerstone is stepping up to deal with it.
We shouldn’t be ashamed to talk about something that God was not ashamed to create. Part of why our family calls Cornerstone home is because they keep their finger on the pulse of the needs of its members. Thanks for being a source of strength and guidance on an important topic that is destroying too many lives. You’ve heeded the call and stepped up to the plate so that others may hear the Truth.
I think this is a great topic to discuss and what a better place to do it than in church! Cornerstone is my home church and I’m so thankful to be a part of it!!
I’m proud to call myself a member of Cornerstone. Our family has been attending there for over 2 yrs. and love it. We have great trust in Pastor Linn. He has taught us so much on our relatively new path with Jesus. We stand behind him 100%!!!
WOW to see such an intriguing billboard on the 202. After visiting the website, I have decided to attend Cornerstone to see what the fuss is all about.
This series hasn’t even started yet and the impact this is having has already started!Watch what God does with this. People will talk, and that is the point. People will come out to see what the heck is going on, and that is the point! Lives will be transformed by Jesus’ healing and forgiveness. God is with us at Cornerstone.
This should be interesting, in the least.
I think this topic is well overdue within the church and a great message for all to hear. Kudos to Cornerstone!
I think this series should be great. Who better to learn from than our creator.
I think this is a topic everyone needs to hear about. Way to go Cornerstone!!
Very well written article. The topics sound great and I will definately be inviting other young people to the services. Even the way couples date and court is all screwed up!
My marriage was ultimately destroyed because of infidelity. Linn Winters is the greatest leader I have come to know in my lifetime. All of our biblical heroes had to take great risks. Pastor Linn is no different. I have so much respect for him because he is willing to put himself and the church he built on the line to try so unselfishly to save so many families. God bless Pastor Linn and Cornerstone!
It is SO important for this topic to be addressed. I’ll definitely go check out the series at Cornerstone to see what it’s all about!
Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life” its time churches get out of the “flesh” and into the real, life changing Truth that is Jesus Christ.
To Dee and The rest of you. Churches need to stop placating to the world and rememember what they are here for and that is Jesus Christ. I am sure that a church of this size and the money that it generates is capable of spreading the gospel to untold numbers of people. I think it’s just sad that Gods time and Gods money be wasted on anything other than just that.
This is a wonderful church, Pastor Linn Winters is a great communicator of Gods word, easy to understand, insightful and never leaves you guessing. I have been to many churches and usually left empty and questioning my faith. I have been with Cornerstone for 2 years and have found a church I will always call home.
Anyone questioning the message that will be communicated or feeling that this is a waste of money should come see for themselves, I know for experience, you won’t walk away feeling empty and its all about Jesus.
Our GOD is an awsome GOD. Cornerstone teaches right from the Word of GOD. The Word tells us what our responsibilities are as parents, children and anyone in authority. That has been distorted and abused plus made a mockery of. I am so thankful that Linn Winters listens to the need of this world and is obedient to our LORD and Savior in this matter.
Thank you, Linn
I think it great what Cornerstone is bringing out. Its a different approach to spread the truth about all the messages God intended to be heard. Thank you Cornerstone!
God can do amazing things through the truth of his WORD! I’m excited to see how the truth will affect the relationships of the people of Chandler, Arizona.
This is exactly what drew us to Cornerstone. Talking about the hard topics and making sense of them! We are looking forward to this series ~ thanks Pastor Linn!
I’m proud to say attend Cornerstone and really enjoy hearing Pastor Linn feel so passionate about how he delivers the message straight from bible scripture. This is one series we all could learn from and glad Cornerstone decided to take the stand.
Way to go, Cornerstone!! I think this is long overdue!
this church has touched me in soooo many ways…being a single mom…you tend to feel lost and lonely sometimes and with this church …you know your not alone… I have a soulful love for God now and never have i EVER felt this way before…Thank you Cornerstone and all the Pastors of this church for helping me feel NORMAL…
Finally someone is not afraid to discuss the one issue that can be the hardest struggle. No matter what age you are this topic is important the more who hear it the better. Gather up your friends and family and bring them to Cornerstone!
I am so glad that Pastor Linn is willing to talk about something that is a HUGE part of our lives…especially these days! Way to go and I am very excited about hearing all the sermons.
Thanks God, for Cornerstone! Finally a church with the courage to teach the hard lessons, to risk it all, knowing that God is bigger than any topic. Cornerstone opened my eyes to a God who is full of love and grace, deserving of my attention. I will never be the same again, and that’s a good thing!
Everyone has said it before, but way to go Cornerstone! Stand proud on the words that God has placed on your heart!!
This is so perfectly timed. Our society is all mixed up and getting worse. I look forward to attending this series. I want to hear what God has in store for me.
Thank the lord for Cornerstone!!
i’ve been a member for almost 3 years now and Pator Lynn’s strength,boldness,and no fear approach to things the public needs to hear are just part of the many reasons i call cornerstone home!!
anyone who has a negative attitude towards this is possibly in denial of needing to hear a church talk about it.
a big thumbs up to Pastor Lynn and all the members of my church family!!
I look forward to another reality series and will atttend these as I do every Sunday with an open mind and heart. Pastor Linn and Cornerstone are not afraid to take on tabu topics and I applaud everyone for this.
As a gay woman I have always lived the “don’t ask, don’t tell” life style of hiding. My partner and I do not feel this way when we attend services because pastore Linn and Cornerstone are so welcoming to all. The pastor, the people, the words spoken make this the best church I have ever been too.
thank you.
R&D
I am very curious about this topic, and am really looking forward to this info helping my life grow. Thank you for taking th opportunity and for taking a chance like this to get me in the doors of a church.
To LG: If you hear the Gospel and only that every day for the rest of your life, That is all you need. You are missing nothing!
Jamie, it is entirely possible that you dont struggle in this area, but speaking as one of the group that does, I need someone to speak truth in this area. If all we need is Christ, why did God leave us the Bible? If all we need to hear is the Gospel, why is the Bible more than that? In it, God had a lot to say about how we should live to experience the best possible lives. I want that for my life and for my childrens lives. I thank God that the Church is finally willing to discuss the hard topics.
I too attend Cornerstone and am so proud to be a part of a church not afraid to address such a powerfull subject. My husband and I have been attending for the last three years and we are always amazed at the subjects that we as a church body are willing to discuss what God has to say. So many people don’t understand why we woud want to tackle such a private matter in church but when it comes down to it, we believe that God is the original designer of everything we see and everything we are. If you needed to learn how to use something effectively and to the fullest potential why wouldn’t you go to the original inventor to hear it from the source.
Thank you Cornerstone for stepping out on faith and helping the people of East Valley and hopefully beyond to hear how God can bless our relationships with our spouses through following his words.
I am so grateful to be able to call Conerstone home and I can think of no better leadership to tackle this subject than ours!!! Lord, I know you will be with us every step of the way!
In reading all the comments above, it appears that most are written by Cornerstone members. I wonder how many of those members know that the senior pastor buys all of his sermons series. Check out all of the sermon series for the last few years at Cornerstone. Then go to Ed Young’s site (among others) where they sell their old sermon series. You may even notice the props and graphics are the same. Not to say Linn doesn’t deliver the message well, but there is nothing original behind what he preaches.