sexual ethics

We believe that sex and sexuality is given by God as a sign of his passionate commitment to his people. Sex binds couples together, and therefore belongs within marriage. Marriage is given by God as a sign of his covenant commitment to his people and is the God-given context for raising children. The Bible teaches that marriage is a God-ordained covenant between one man and one woman in an exclusive and enduring relationship. However, we recognise we live in a world marred by human sin. This reveals itself in a myriad of ways, and does so significantly through issues of sexuality and gender. We are committed to offering a welcome to anyone with same-sex attraction or gender identity struggles, acknowledging that we all live with disordered desires – desires that are not true to who we were meant to be as people made in God’s image.

We believe that hope is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ, by the power of his Spirit and under the authority of his word. We believe the Bible’s call to self-denial, rather than self-expression, applies to sexual ethics, as does the invitation to find true fulfilment and satisfaction in Christ. The Bible teaches that sex, whether heterosexual or homosexual, outside of marriage between one man and one woman is incompatible with a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Where a member is engaging in extramarital sex without repentance, we will pursue restoration through church discipline. We are a church comprised of sinners being restored in the image of Jesus Christ, so we are a welcoming community, living out our discipleship together in daily repentance and faith.