Statement of Faith Position on Marriage & Sexuality
In a cultural climate where biblical values are increasingly challenged, it is vital for churches and ministries to proactively address issues surrounding marriage and sexuality. To protect against potential legal claims and discrimination, ministries must clearly articulate their positions in a well-defined Statement of Faith. This document serves as a critical defense, ensuring that the ministry's beliefs on these matters are upheld and legally protected.
A strong Statement of Faith, included in a ministry’s bylaws, is the first line of defense against claims from students, employees, church members, and the broader community. By clearly stating positions on marriage and sexuality, ministries can better safeguard themselves from those seeking to challenge or undermine these biblical teachings.
For a practical reference, see Exhibit 1 for a sample Statement of Faith provision on human sexuality and marriage, as recommended by the NCLL.
EXHIBIT 1
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Section on Marriage and Sexuality
We believe that the term marriage has only one legitimate meaning, and that is marriage sanctioned by God, which joins one man and one woman in a single, covenantal union as delineated by Scripture. Marriage ceremonies performed in any facility owned, leased, or rented by this church will be only those ceremonies sanctioned by God, joining one man with one woman as their genders were determined at birth. Whenever there is a conflict between the church’s position and any new legal standard for marriage, the church’s statement of faith, doctrines, and biblical positions will govern. (Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:22–23; Mark 10:6–9; 1 Cor. 7:1–9)
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage as defined above. We believe that any other type of sexual activity, identity, or expression that lies outside of this definition of marriage, including those that are becoming more accepted in the culture and the courts, are contradictory to God’s natural design and purpose for sexual activity. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5; Lev. 18:1–30; Rom. 1: 26–29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9–10; 1 Thess. 4:1–8; Heb. 13:4)
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God, and the rejection of one’s biological gender is a rejection of the image of God within that person. (Genesis 1:26-27)
For more information about Biblical Marriage & Sexuality, please download this booklet.
