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Even those who are trying to lead and mentor Christian youth can be ensnared by the lure of pornography. Porn is ubiquitous and soul-destroying. Together as a community, we can overcome this terrible temptation and walk in the freedom of Christ.

One in five youth pastors consumes porn.

That was one of the disturbing findings from a 2015 Barna survey that included 338 youth pastors in the United States.

The numbers were a little lower for other church pastors, with roughly one in seven admitting to ongoing porn use.

And while it would perhaps be unfair to extrapolate that data to all pastors in Australia and elsewhere, it does highlight the extent to which internet porn consumption has entrenched itself into our society.

Porn is everywhere and its effects are far-reaching.

Shackled

Of those youth pastors who consumed porn, 75% said they believed it negatively affected their ministry.

The Christian young people I’ve spoken with who struggled with this issue also say it hindered their spiritual growth and Christian witness.

It’s hard to share of the freedom in Christ when you’re not experiencing it in your own life.

“I was at this time leading Bible studies, seeing up to 30-40 youth attending, yet come home and watch porn, and that hypocrisy tore me apart,” shares Harry, a young Christian man who I interviewed for my book Lost Boys. Harry fought pornography alone for years after being exposed at the age of 7.

“I got to the point where I thought it was better to be a sinner than a hypocrite and I walked away from the faith after I finished Year 12.”

Healing

Thanks to a community of Christians journeying with him, Harry was eventually able to stand firm in his faith, find freedom from porn and is now a powerful messenger of the Gospel of hope to others.

That’s why I’m passionate about addressing this major issue that continues to hinder too many Christians.

It’s time to bring into light that which is hidden in darkness, to start the difficult conversations and walk in the full freedom purchased by Christ.

YFC is nearing completion of a curriculum for schools and youth groups wanting to open discussion and help their young people think critically about the effect the porn normal culture is having on themselves and others. Click here to learn more.

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Originally published at Youth for Christ. Photo by William Fortunato.