Mavuno Church kicks off “the sex conversation”

At first glance, would you think the image above was a church poster? For most Kenyans the answer would be a resounding NO.

Well, it is. Nairobi-based Mavuno Church is discussing matters sex in the month of September and they decided to distribute this poster to raise awareness about their upcoming sermon series.

The topics of the month-long theme are: same sex attraction, masturbation, pornography, sex outside marriage and sexual healing.

The church, which has recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary, explained that the aim of the sermon series is to give answers to questions about sexual issues.

“How does one successfully navigate a world where many questions remain unanswered about sex and sexuality? All through the month of September, join us as we answer the tough questions no one asks about this,” read the post on their official Facebook page.

As expected, the poster has gotten some sharp reactions from some sections of the public.

“You are a church, why do you need to sell sermons with bad words? Yes, there is a need to discuss these things, but not in that manner. Even if it is looking for publicity, this is too much,” says Irungu Wa Mwangi.

This is not the first time the church has stirred controversy in the way they publicise their sermons.

In 2014, the church stoked controversy when they released a poster for their youth church where they were publicising a series dubbed “Blurred Lines”.

Kenyans took issue with the image that depicted a teenage girl in ‘skimpy’ hot pants and the selection of the name “Blurred Lines”. The series title was picked from a secular song, by Robin Thicke that many have condemned as misogynistic.

The image caused an uproar on social media and Kenyans on Twitter promptly made memes calling the church’s worship sessions ‘twerkusifu’.

Pancras Mutuma critised the church on social media, saying that they were conniving to gain publicity.

Unapologetic, Mavuno’s lead pastor Muriithi Wanjau said that the church was responding to what they have seen in their context.