Cultural Concern
While cultural values vary in every generation, the Bible argues
that the culture of Grace is one of integrity that is grounded on certain
eternal truths that are to be maintained in order to have an ethical
ministry.
A distinction is made in Scripture between a member and one
who serves in leadership. When a person becomes
a member professing faith in Christ, there is a process involved that allows
one to grow in a grace community so that shared values are developed over
time in loving communities.
I believe that leadership is called to a higher Scriptural
standard as Scripture addresses all matters as it relates to faith and practice
in the Christian community.
Alcohol/Recreational Drug Usage
Since a person is to be controlled by the love of God found
through the Holy Spirit, a leader in the church is not to be given to alcohol or to recreational drugs.
Homosexuality
Since a person is to be controlled by the love of God, a
leader in the church cannot be engaged in the homosexual lifestyle. Christians are not called to live according
to the impulses of the flesh; rather, we are to live by the love of the Spirit.
Men’s Role
The men are to serve the church in love by creating an
environment where all can grow and connect with each other. I do believe that all leadership roles where
authority is given over men are to be held by men. I believe the offices of elder and deacon are
meant to be filled by men who rule their homes with wisdom whose wives are
filled with the Spirit and full of good works.
Women’s Role
I believe all the gifts in the church belong to both men and
women. The gifts are to be used for the
edification of the body. I believe that
women can be pastors, teachers, evangelist, etc; however, they are not to have
authority over men where men will be made to give an account for their activity
or where they speak with authority over a man as in the main worship service.
Marriage
I hold to the complementarian theological
position which acknowledges that men and women have different roles in the
family. The husband is the head of the
home and the wife’s primary role is to bring life to the home. I
believe that a man is called to love with a sacrificial love so that his wife
feels loved and extremely valued. I
believe that a wife is called to respect her husband as the head of the family and to submit to her husband especially when the husband believes
that a decision could have an adverse affect on the life, health and wellbeing
of the home.
Spiritual Gifts
I believe that the
Spirit gives us the supernatural gift of His love that empowers our gifts and
abilities for His glory.
