Posted by Lisa Strawbridge - email
MAUMEE, OH (WTOL) - Cedar Creek Church in Perrysburg is launching an attention-grabbing abstinence campaign that has leaders at a nearby school questioning the approach.
A billboard rolls by Anthony Wayne High School advertising the website MyGodMadeSex.com. It's a site run by Cedar Creek, and Head Pastor Lee Powell says "It's an attention grabber, and so far, that's working for us."
Though Powell is quick to explain the message behind the ad. "It's about a series that we have where we're teaching abstinence -- no sexual relationship outside of the married relationship. That's what the Bible teaches. But if students have made a mistake, there's forgiveness."
The church is not only using the billboard, it's also taken out ads on cable and has a Facebook page.
Anthony Wayne High School Principal Jeri Hoellerick says their school already has an abstinence-only approach to sex ed and says the Cedar Creek campaign sends a mixed message. "The first thing you think of is not abstinence."
The church believes their message is being heard. "They're hearing about sex from everywhere," said Steven Whitlow with Cedar Creek. "Turn on MTV. Turn on the radio. Watch a movie, go on Facebook. Wherever it may be in the locker room with their friends. They're talking about sex, and they need to hear what we think is the appropriate and correct message."
