statement on marriage, gender and sexuality
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These
two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen 1:26-27.)
Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who
are married to each other. 1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4.)
We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior,
bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God.
(Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10)
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking
His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 6:9-11)
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman
in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen 2:18-25.)
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage
between a man and a woman.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the Ministry as the local Body of Christ,
and to provide a biblical role model to the Ministry members and the community, it is imperative that all
persons employed by the Ministry in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this
Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality. (Matt 5:16; Phil 2:14-16; 1Thessa. 5:22)
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity.
Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not
in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the Ministry.