Our Social Positions

Abortion

We teach that human life is sacred and begins at conception making abortion a form of murder; however restoration and healing is God’s desire for all who have had an abortion (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-16).

Marriage

We teach that marriage is a sacred and permanent commitment between a man and a woman that should be consummated legally as well as spiritually before God. This commitment reflects the mystery of the new testament covenant which exists between a believer and Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:32). The marriage covenant also provides for the lifelong parental commitment which children must be born into (Malachi 2:15-16).

We believe that the term ‘marriage’ has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.

We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God.

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity.

Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the church.

Gen. 2:24; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-32; 1 Cor. 5:1-2; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23; Mark 10:6-9

* from American Family Association

Separation

There may be marital conditions where temporary separation is called for, particularly when living together would endanger a child or spouse. Counsel should always be sought whenever these conditions threaten. Scripture mandates that the separation should result in eventual reconciliation and prohibits remarriage (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).

Divorce

Committing oneself in marriage to one other person guarantees the uncovering of flaws and sin in each partner. Marriage does not permit the luxury of an easy escape when encountering these difficulties. Marriage is a commitment to see all difficulties through with the hope of healing, sanctification and growing in the image of Christ. Divorce does not reflect the mystery of Christ’s commitment to the believer.

We teach that divorce, according to the Scriptures, reflects the breaking of Christ’s marriage to His bride and should not be undertaken by a believer. Scripture does allow for the believer to grant an unbelieving spouse release from the marriage covenant if the unbelieving spouse initiates the divorce. We believe Scripture does allow for the believer to initiate divorcing a spouse who has been unfaithful; although, in the case of adultery, Scripture tells us that this is not compulsory. We advise, in this case also, to allow the unfaithful spouse to initiate divorce. Therefore we teach that divorce according to the Scriptures is not to be considered except under the following conditions:

A marriage where the partners are “unequally yoked” (one being a believer and the other not) and the unbeliever desires to leave the marriage and initiate the divorce. Scripture however teaches that if the nonbeliever desires to stay married, the believer is not to seek a divorce (1 Corinthians 7:13-15).
Marital unfaithfulness, where one partner has joined in an adulterous relationship with another partner. Divorce is not mandatory or obligatory in this situation (Matthew 19:3-9).

Remarriage

Remarriage should not be considered unless the previous marriage has been terminated by the conditions stated above. Remarriage should be considered only after ample time has passed that would allow for evaluation and closure of the previous marriage, and a clear sense of being called back into a marriage relationship. Where there are children involved in remarriage, we would warn of the potential for turmoil that can result from the inability of the children to accept the new marriage.

(*We recognize that the circumstances surrounding each situation warrant individual attention and that resulting decisions and actions should never violate Scripture or conscience.)

Counseling

Any counseling given or sanctioned by the eldership at Grace Fellowship is to the best of our ability, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, based on the Holy Bible. We do not provide psychological or psychiatric counseling. In any counseling situation involving the opposite sex or a minor, we require a third party be aware of and in proximity to the meeting.

Marriage, Family & Parenting Resources

Grace Fellowship is very concerned about the health and healing of marriages and families. We highly encourage those in the fellowship to be marriage and family/parenting resources to one another in the areas of confession, support, wisdom, prayer and accountability. The eldership is also equipped and available for assistance in this area.

Homosexuality

We teach that homosexual behavior is sinful and should be repented of. “Hate the sin, love the sinner” would be appropriate as would be the case with all sins and sinners. Should you struggle with this sin, we will come alongside you, encourage you if you fail, and point you to God’s grace to help you succeed.

We do not believe those trapped in the sin of homosexuality should be treated as a minority group with special rights. We also believe that genetic factors do not alter the truths of the Bible concerning homosexuality or God’s condemnation of this sin (Exodus 18:22; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).