Human Sexuality                                    

Because we are all wounded and broken people in need of the healing power of God’s grace in Christ Jesus,
and being aware of the confusion of voices pertaining to human sexuality, the following statement defines our common understanding for sexual behavior:

Because we affirm the Bible as our rule for faith and practice and embrace its ethic of compassion, love and ministry to all persons and the availability of God's grace through repentance and Christ's transforming power; (Luke 5: 30-32;   John 8: 1-11;   1 Cor. 6: 11)

We affirm that God’s gracious creation intent for human sexual conduct as defined in scripture is faithful, lifelong heterosexual union for married persons and committed celibate behavior for unmarried persons. All other sexual practices are clearly identified as sinful and destructive of individuals, of community, of the fellowship of believers, and the missional purposes of the church, and like all sin, calls for repentance, submission to the transforming power of God, and restoration to the community of faith. (Gen. 1:27, 2:24; 1 Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 13:4); (Lev. 18:22, 20:13; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-10)

This moral standard gives absolutely no permission for violence against any person who engages in sexual practices contrary to scripture, nor does this standard give permission for demeaning any person’s value in God’s sight. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save it.” (Romans 3:23; John 3:17)

Therefore, we encourage grace-motivated ministries that respond to human need and offer Christ’s transforming love and healing to all wounded and broken people, including those who habitually engage in various sexual sins, heterosexual and homosexual alike.

Acknowledging the high calling of the church we oppose the ordination, or recognition of the preexisting license or ordination, of any person practicing, affirming, endorsing and/or celebrating adultery, fornication, gay/lesbian/bisexual behavior, or any other practices that are contrary to God’s creation intent as defined above.

See Gods Plan