Part Three

Positions on Contested Questions

These are stated plainly because people ask, and a church that will not answer is no use to anyone.

Marriage

Marriage is the union of one man and one woman, grounded in creation and affirmed by Christ Himself.

Divorce and Remarriage

The only acceptable ground for divorce is adultery. We take people as they come and leave their history to God — we exist to help and to heal in the name of Jesus Christ.

Same-Sex Sexual Relations

Same-sex sexual relations are forbidden. Anyone may come and seek the light of Jesus Christ; serving, working, and the Supper are for those not living in open, unrepentant sin, and that standard applies to every sin alike.

Sex and Gender

We recognize people in the form in which God knit them together at birth and teach the Genesis understanding of male and female.

Cohabitation

Christ did not explicitly forbid cohabitation, and we teach only what He commanded. We counsel toward righteous living and defer to the Lord in these matters.

Abortion

We are absolutely against abortion. The unborn bear the image of God, formed by Him and given His breath.

Contraception

We honor each person’s decision of conscience on contraception, since Scripture gives no direct principle governing it. We encourage sexual relations within marriage.

IVF and Medical Intervention

IVF is a gift from God. Medical miracles are evidence of God’s mercy and love.

End of Life

The intentional destruction of life is an abomination. But relief from suffering is the promise of Christ, and no one should be forced to be artificially sustained in suffering.

Suicide

Suicide is categorically impermissible. Anyone in this church who is suffering to that degree should come to us — that is what we are here for.

Funerals

We conduct funeral services for anyone who asks, committing the body back to the earth and the spirit into the hands of Jesus Christ.

Women in Ministry

Christ kept women in His company and in His service, and He forbids them no part in the ministry of His church.