Purpose
The purpose of this statement is to clearly convey the beliefs of the elders, staff, and members of Twin City Bible Church regarding marriage and human sexuality, as defined in the Holy Bible.
Definition of Marriage
We believe God created the institution of marriage, and therefore He is the only One who has the right to define it. That one definition is found only in the Bible. We believe the Bible clearly teaches that marriage joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive one-flesh union and covenant relationship that is intended by God to last a lifetime. Marriage is God’s pattern, revealing the unique relationship between Jesus Christ and His church (Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Ephesians 5:31-32).
We believe the husband and the wife have equal dignity before God. Scripture also teaches that both husband and wife have distinct roles and responsibilities. The husband has the responsibilities to love, lead, provide for, and protect his wife. The wife has the responsibilities to graciously submit to her husband and his leadership and to be a suitable helper (Genesis 2:18; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7).
Human Sexuality
We believe sexual intimacy is a gift from God and is to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has prohibited any intimate sexual activity outside of a marriage between a man and a woman (1 Corinthians 6:18).
We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexuality, pedophilia, bestiality, or pornography, is a perversion of God’s intention and is therefore sin and offensive to God (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). In addition, we believe any disagreement with, denial of, or attempt to alter one’s gender, or one’s God-intended heterosexual orientation, is likewise sin 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 (1 John 1:9).
We believe that every person is made in the image of God and must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes are not in accord with Scripture (Genesis 1:26-27; 1 John 4:7-8).
TCBC Marriage Policy
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all Twin City elders, deacons, members, staff, employees, and ministry volunteers should abide by and agree to the Twin City Bible Church Statement on Marriage and Sexuality.
TCBC affirms that all weddings associated with this church, and any other related activities, celebrations, or ceremonies that occur on the TCBC campus, shall be for weddings which meet the biblical standards articulated in this document. Additionally, all pastors and church staff shall only participate in weddings that meet the biblical standards articulated in this document. Those who desire to conduct a marriage ceremony at Twin City Bible Church or for Twin City Bible Church members are subject to the review and approval of the elders at Twin City Bible Church.