Sexuality: Our Convictions and Approach

Our Biblical Conviction

We believe that Scripture teaches a historically Christian view of marriage and sexuality. We affirm that:

• Marriage is a covenantal, lifelong union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:31–32).
• Sexual intimacy is a good and sacred gift from God, designed to be expressed within the covenant of marriage.
• All sexual relationships outside of this covenant—whether heterosexual or homosexual— fall outside of God’s design for human flourishing (Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20).
• These beliefs are not rooted in cultural norms or personal preferences, but in the consistent witness of Scripture, which speaks of both the dignity of every human person and the beauty of God’s design for our bodies and relationships.

The Bigger Story: Marriage as a Signpost

Marriage is not ultimate—it is a signpost pointing beyond itself to a greater reality. From Genesis to Revelation, human marriage serves as a living parable of the covenantal love between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31–32). It echoes the deeper mystery of God’s redemptive purpose: the ultimate union of heaven and earth, when Christ returns to set the whole creation right and to dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:1–4).

Jesus teaches that marriage is not eternal: “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30). Human marriage points to the day when God’s people will be united forever to Christ, their true Bridegroom (Revelation 19:6–9).

By rooting our understanding of marriage and sexuality within this overarching biblical narrative, we see that God’s boundaries are not arbitrary limitations, but invitations into a story greater than ourselves. They are meant to reflect the self-giving, covenantal love of Jesus and His Bride, the Church.

Singleness: A Calling of Equal Value and Eternal Significance

In the same redemptive story, singleness is not a lesser calling, but a sacred vocation of equal value to marriage. Scripture honours both callings as gifts from God (1 Corinthians 7:7). While marriage points to the union of Christ and the Church, celibate singleness bears witness to the sufficiency of Christ and the eternal nature of our union with Him.

Paul affirms singleness as a way of life that allows for undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32–35). Jesus Himself—unmarried and celibate—lived the most fully human and holy life. His life shows us that wholeness is not found in romance or sexual fulfillment, but in communion with God and service to His kingdom.

Celibate singleness is not merely the absence of marriage but a positive and prophetic expression of the future hope when marriage will no longer be needed, because we will be fully united with Christ (Matthew 22:30). In this way, singleness—like marriage—proclaims the Bigger Story of redemption.

As a church, we affirm, support, and honour single believers as full participants in the life and mission of the church. They are not waiting to become whole—they already are, in Christ (Colossians 2:10)

The Influence of Culture

The predominant view of mainstream culture today emphasizes that in order to be happy, you have to find yourself and express yourself. Philosophers and sociologists call this “expressive individualism.”

In this view, sexuality becomes a tool for finding and fulfilling oneself. Along these lines, mainstream culture has turned sexual identity and expression into an ultimate thing—an idol—as if our sexuality is the most important thing about us. This cultural philosophy profoundly influences most of us, whether gay or straight, religious or non-religious. It is this sense of ultimacy that culture assigns to sexuality is what makes it such a tricky and emotionally charged subject to talk about.

Churches have often conformed to this cultural pattern in their own ways. Some churches, with a heart to be progressive, lower the sexual ethic that Jesus set for His people. Other churches, while resisting cultural permissiveness, have instead mirrored the culture’s obsession with sexuality by assigning ultimacy to people’s sexual orientation—often singling out same-sex attracted individuals for judgment or shame. Tragically, this has sometimes driven people away from church, away from Jesus, and at times even into despair and suicide.

Identity, however, is not found in our sexual feelings or experiences. Our truest identity is found in Christ. Jesus was the most fully human person who ever lived, and yet He was celibate, childless, and unmarried. As Hebrews reminds us, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Accordingly, Jesus says that what actually brings us life is not self-expression and self-fulfillment, but rather self-denial and Christ-fulfillment (Matthew 16:24-25; Romans 12:2)

Sexual Sin and Brokenness in Our Culture

We live in a cultural moment marked by profound confusion and brokenness around sex and sexuality. From casual hookup culture to online pornography, from exploitation to objectification, the world often treats sex as a consumer good rather than a sacred gift. This distortion is not new, but its reach has been amplified in the digital age.

Sexual brokenness is not a niche issue—it is a pervasive human struggle. Many in the church, including leaders, wrestle silently with sexual temptation, addiction, and the harmful effects of pornography. Jesus taught that sexual sin is not just about physical actions, but about the posture of the heart: “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). He calls us not only to behaviour change, but to inner transformation.

Pornography is not harmless. Though often viewed as private or victimless, it deeply distorts the image of God in others and ourselves. It fosters lust, fuels addiction, dehumanizes both viewer and subject, and is linked to human trafficking and abuse (Proverbs 6:27–29; Ephesians 5:3–11).

The church must speak clearly: pornography use and sexual addiction are not just moral failings; they are forms of sin and bondage that Jesus came to break. Yet the church must also speak tenderly: freedom is possible through repentance, accountability, and the grace and love of Jesus (Galatians 5:1).

Attraction vs. Action

We acknowledge the complexity many experience around sexuality and desire. We affirm that experiencing same-sex or opposite-sex attraction is not inherently sinful. Scripture distinguishes between temptation and sin (James 1:14–15). The Bible condemns not the experience of involuntary desire, but of the willful, sinful actions that can flow from it.

Romans 7 speaks honestly about the inner struggle between desire and obedience—and the ultimate deliverance found in Christ (Romans 7:18–25). As noted above, Jesus Himself was tempted in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). In Him, we have both an example and a Saviour who strengthens us to walk in obedience.

All Christians are called to submit their desires to Christ and pursue holiness. Obedience may take the form of faithful marriage for some, or celibate singleness for others. As a church, we want to walk alongside those who follow Jesus in these ways with deep love and support.

A Word on Gender Identity

We recognize that questions surrounding gender identity are deeply personal, often marked by profound experiences of pain, longing, and complexity. For many, gender dysphoria—the distress arising from a disconnect between one’s biological sex and one’s sense of gender—can be a source of ongoing emotional, spiritual, relational and physical struggle.

As a church, we want to be a place where people feel safe to wrestle with these questions without fear of shame or rejection. We are committed to walking with compassion, humility, and integrity alongside anyone navigating these realities. Our desire is to meet people where they are, to listen well, and to walk patiently in relationship, even when the journey is long or marked by questions that don’t have easy answers.

We affirm the inherent dignity of every person, including those who experience gender dysphoria. Each person is made in the image of God, deeply loved by Him, and deserving of respect, care, and belonging in the life of the church (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13–16).

At the same time, we hold to the historic Christian conviction that God created humanity with a sexed embodiment—male and female—as a purposeful part of His design (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4). We believe this design reflects God’s wisdom and is foundational to human identity and flourishing. While we recognize that in a broken world the experience of gender can be complicated and marked by suffering, we also believe that our physical bodies are not incidental to who we are, but gifts to be received with reverence and care.

We also acknowledge that expressions of masculinity and femininity have varied widely across cultures and eras. While Scripture affirms the goodness of our sexed bodies, it does not prescribe rigid cultural norms for gender expression. Following Christ often transcends cultural expectations and calls us to a deeper identity rooted in Him.

Gender dysphoria is not a sin, nor is it a moral failure. It is a form of suffering that deserves empathy, not condemnation. Jesus Himself was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3), and He draws near to those who suffer. As His church, we are called to reflect that same posture—entering into the stories of others with gentleness and love, even as we bear witness to biblical truth.

Discipleship in this area—like all areas—can be complex. It often involves ongoing conversations, personal reflection, and a supportive community committed to walking together in Christ.

A Word About Divorce and Remarriage

Again, we affirm that God’s design for marriage is a lifelong covenant of love, faithfulness, and mutual self-giving (Malachi 2:16; Matthew 19:6; Ephesians 5:31–32). From the beginning, marriage was intended to reflect God’s unbreakable covenant with His people (Genesis 2:24). Jesus teaches, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6).

Yet in a broken and fallen world, sin and its consequences sometimes fracture the marriage covenant. While divorce is never God’s ideal, Scripture recognizes that it may be permissible in certain circumstances. Jesus allows for divorce in cases of marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:8–9), and Paul permits it when an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15). In such heartbreaking situations, divorce may be a regrettable but necessary reality.

When it comes to remarriage, Scripture likewise addresses this with both truth and grace. Jesus warns against casual divorce and remarriage that disregards God’s covenant design (Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11–12), calling His people to honour the sanctity of marriage. Yet in cases where divorce has occurred on biblically legitimate grounds (such as adultery or abandonment), many faithful interpreters understand that remarriage may be permitted (Matthew 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15, 39). Paul also teaches that “a woman is bound as long as her husband lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39).

In all cases, remarriage—like marriage itself—should be approached with prayer, wise counsel, and a heart submitted to God’s design. The church is called to walk with individuals and couples navigating these complex situations with both biblical conviction and compassionate pastoral care.

Those who have experienced divorce and/or remarriage are not second-class citizens in the body of Christ. Jesus consistently welcomed and restored those whose lives bore the marks of sin and brokenness (John 4:16–18; Luke 7:36–50). In Christ, there is grace, healing, and hope for all. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Belonging, Discipleship, and Leadership

Belonging in the church is not based on perfection, but on a shared commitment to follow Jesus Christ. As a community of Jesus’ embrace, we welcome all people—regardless of their past, present struggles, or differing convictions—to belong, engage, grow, and serve as we journey together in faith.

We recognize that human sexuality touches on deeply personal and sometimes painful aspects of our identity and experience. Many among us wrestle with questions of sexual desire, orientation, gender, identity, and relationships. Some may hold to affirming/progressive viewpoints that differ from the church’s historic teaching; others may experience ongoing tension between their sexual desires and their desire to follow Christ. Still others may bear the weight of shame, failure, or confusion. To each, we want to offer the compassion, patience, and hope of the gospel, recognizing that sanctification is a lifelong process marked by both struggle and grace (Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 12:9).

As noted above, our church holds to the historic Christian understanding of marriage as a covenant union between one man and one woman, and of sexual intimacy as reserved for that covenant. We believe that this teaching reflects God’s design for human flourishing and is rooted in the Scriptures (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20).

At the same time, we acknowledge that the family of God is made up of people in different places of understanding, experience, and conviction. Those who hold affirming/progressive views are welcome to fully participate in the life of the church, provided they engage with humility, mutual respect, and a willingness to honor the church’s doctrinal position while remaining in fellowship (Romans 14:1–5; Ephesians 4:2–3).

In terms of leadership and ministry, those who embrace and strive to live in accordance with the church’s teaching on sexuality and gender—including LGBTQ believers who live faithfully within this historically Christian vision—may serve in many roles, including leadership roles, as spiritual maturity and gifting permit (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9).

As a church family, we are all pilgrims in process, being conformed to the image of Christ. We seek to walk alongside one another with grace, patience, and truth as we grow in love and holiness together.

Our Hope in Christ

Our ultimate fulfillment is not in marriage, romance, or sexual expression, but in Christ (John 10:10). Whether married or remarried, single, celibate, divorced, or navigating gender identity, our ultimate identity is found in union with Jesus.

The Church is a spiritual family—a place of belonging, love, and hope. “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).