We hold Scripture as infallible and our highest authority (2 Tim. 3:14-17), over against human reasoning based on naturalism where apparent conflicts occur (1 Cor. 1:25). We are primarily devoted to the teachings of the OT and NT texts, but we are highly interested in the methodical practices created by human reason, as well as real life experiences. Essentially, we consistently seek the Scriptures to inform us first and foremost, while also being informed and directed by empirical, data-driven understanding, secondarily.
We hold that God eternally exists in 3 indivisible persons, each fully representative in one another as Father, Son, and Spirit (Acts 8:58, Phil. 2:6, Jn. 14:7, Col. 1:19, Heb. 1:3). This one, true, supreme God created all things in the manner He saw fit and is distinct and unique from Creation. Furthermore, He is at work in redeeming Creation which will culminate in His complete rule over all Creation (Gen. 12:1-3; Ps. 2, Isa. 9:6-7, Rom. 8:19-25, Rev. 7:9-17; 21)
We hold that God is love. Subsequently we believe love is best expressed in the work of Christ, exemplified and demonstrated on the cross (Rom. 5:8, 1 Jn. 4:7-10). This demonstration marks the entry and continuation of our own relationship with God, while at the same time informing us about how we seek to reach out to the LGBTQ community.
We hold that a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), does not empty an individual of past experiences or completely eradicate sin (Rom. 7, Gal. 5:16-26, 1 Tim. 1:15). Instead, they are those who are restored in relationship with the living God, inhabited by the Holy Spirit, dying to their sin nature and overcoming it by God’s grace (Rom. 8:1-4, Gal. 5:16-26, 1 Pet. 1:2,). They still remain people with a particular family, social background, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, and sexuality.
We hold that humanity was created by God to be male or female, and that sexual expression was meant for the purpose of a lifelong monogamous relationship between one male and one female (Gen. 1:27, 2:18, Mk. 10:6-12, Matt. 19:4-6, Rom. 1:24-27). We also believe that for some, this will mean a lifetime of singleness and for others this may mean a biblical marriage (Matt. 19:10-12).
We believe, in the essence of all that it means to be human, sin has affected all aspects of each person (Gen. 3; 6:5, Jer. 17:9, Ps. 14:1-3; 51:5, Rom. 1:18-32; 3:23; 5:12-14; 7:7-25). Thus, human sexuality, gender identity, and one’s person in general is thus affected. We do not hold that homosexual behavior is a greater sin than heterosexual sin, each having a myriad of potential consequences in this life and the next without God’s grace.
We hold that all people are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27; 5:1-2; 9:6) and carry innate and inherent value that must be recognized, respected, and given dignity.
Balanced Beliefs – Scripture and Reason
We do not deny that there are people who have experiences of same sex attraction, nor do we deny that people have psychological views of their gender that bring them distress when considering their biological sex. We seek to understand, so we can support and encourage LGBTQ+ image bearers towards submission to God and Scripture.
We hold that gender is a complex social and biological construct. In light of this, we advocate for empathy and compassion from the Church but a stance where gender identity and biological sex aim towards alignment.
We also acknowledge that intersex peoples exist and can have full citizenship in the Kingdom (Matt. 19:12, Acts 8:36-39). We are humbled by this complex journey and its implications for self-directed sexual and gender identity.
We also acknowledge the difficult history of the relationships between the LGBTQ community and Christians. We acknowledge that Christians have caused immense pain for this community. This divide and much of the pain the church has caused and still causes today, are important reasons for why we desire to exist.
We also reject bullying and acts of hate against LGBTQ persons, including those originating from persons of faith.
Guiding Values
Pursuing the heart of God
Local church empowerment
Humility and personal need for grace
Compassion for people
Integrity and authenticity
Supporting LGBTQ background Christians who walk by the Spirit and lay down all that is of the sin nature (including sexual immoral practices (even same sex marriages).
