What do we teach about LGBTQ?

At The Mission Church we affirm both the Old and New Testament teaching that—according to God’s design—sexual activity is only permissible within the bond of marriage between one man and one woman. The Bible repeatedly explains that any sexual practice that deviates from this design is the result of people dishonoring both God AND their own bodies.

Additionally, the Bible teaches that there are only two sexes (male and female) that are assigned by God at conception—according to His good purpose. God created both men and women as equal image-bearers of Himself, and yet we have been made with meaningful and complementary differences. A person’s sex/gender is to be embraced and appreciated as an immutable, and beautiful part of his or her self.

For those who struggle with these things, there is great hope!

In 1 Corinthians chapter 6, the Apostle Paul writes:

“Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 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.”

Being sanctified (in this passage), doesn't mean that believers will no longer be faced with broken sexual attractions/temptations, or confusion regarding gender identity, but rather that we are forgiven of our sins in Christ! Now—as those who have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit—we daily grow to become more like our perfect Savior, and pursue a life of maximal holiness!

At the Mission Church, we welcome the LGBTQ person that we may extend the hope of the Gospel that overcomes all of our sins, and makes us into a new creation.