Porn Comes to Church
America's dirty little secret is neither little nor secret. So these pastors are taking it on.
July 1, 2005
The number one Christian porn site on the internet. That is how youth pastors Craig Gross and Mike Foster advertise their ministry intended to help those addicted to online pornography. With humor and candor, XXXchurch.com warns about the dangers of pornography with unconventional campaigns like the Porn Mobile and the NoHoZone, advising modest dress. Both ordained ministers in Southern California, they are featured in a new documentary Missionary Positions and have appeared in GQ and on the 700 Club. We spoke with Gross in the only free time he had during a recent spate of appearances, 6:30 a.m. on a Thursday. Where did the idea for xxxchurch.com come from? We saw how many people were struggling with pornography and how uncomfortable the church was addressing it. Then Mike shared with me at lunch one day that God put it on his heart to do something to help. So, we decided to create a safe community online where people could deal with their problem. Over 30 million people have visited the site, and 150,000 have downloaded the free accountability software. Why has the church been slow to address the problem of online pornography? When 37 percent of our pastors say porn is a temptation to them, it's much harder for them to talk about it in the church. And some people are afraid to address the topic because they don't know what's going to come out. It can get really messy. You've created some provocative awareness campaigns like Pete the Porno Puppet. Why are these tactics necessary? We don't do things just for shock value. Pete the Porno Puppet has never been about the puppet. We filmed that public service ad with the help of a pornographer. It allowed us to build a relationship with him. Later he asked Mike and me to perform his ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
