Through marriage, God created a place for sexual intimacy to be enjoyed through a man and a woman coming together as one. Although culture and customs have evolved in their definition of marriage, God alone, through Scripture, has the ultimate authority regarding marriage relationships.
Valorous Church welcomes ALL people but does not affirm all lifestyles. Put clearly, we do not affirm a homosexual lifestyle nor do we affirm lifestyles that involve sexual intimacy within premarital relationships, or polyamorous relationships, as well as bisexuality, adultery, bestiality, incest, or pornography. Because of this, we do not knowingly have actively homosexual people or anyone participating in sexual intimacy outside of marriage in positions of leadership, either paid or unpaid within our church.
Sadly some also use Christianity to alienate and even condemn those who identify as gay or otherwise and dismiss their desire to pursue happiness. God created humanity with free will. He has called us as Christians to love all people including those who believe differently to us. Jesus came to save, not condemn.
So if you are gay or participating in any type of premarital sexual intimacy, are you welcome at Valorous Church? Absolutely. You are welcome to attend, worship with us, and participate as a congregation member with the assurance that you are personally included and accepted. Can you take an active leadership role within our church? No. We understand that this stance won’t make everyone happy, which is why we like to be upfront about what we believe. Our goal is to avoid hurt and to demonstrate love. We are a welcoming church but we are not a church that affirms lifestyles of sexual immorality according to biblical standards.
For Christians, these issues are a matter of faith and biblical teaching, something that should never be mocked or downplayed by those with opposing views. We believe God’s word is clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. The writings of the apostle Paul in Scripture on the subject of homosexuality and sexual immorality are clear.
Furthermore, there’s a difference between temptation (attraction) and unrepentant sin (action). Jesus was tempted in all ways as we were, yet He never sinned. We, too, don’t have to give in to sexual temptation or be held captive by sexual immorality but can walk in His forgiveness, grace, and power on a daily basis—sanctification.
In regards to sexual identity, we believe that since the human body is a creation of God where sexual identity is biologically determined, disagreement with one’s biological sex or gender identity only leads to emotional chaos and spiritual confusion, and is regarded as sinful in its intent.
Though sexual intimacy outside of marriage (one man and one woman) is sinful, the Gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, and receive love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
At Valorous Church, we’ll be a safe place for any person struggling with sexual temptations of all kinds. For those struggling with temptation, repenting of sin, and desiring to walk in who God called them to be, we will provide grace, love, care, and direction to encourage each of us to walk in God’s upward, inward, outward love.
For helpful information on understanding homosexuality and other sexual identity labels from a Christian perspective, check out this resource..