Our focus is always on helping people find God, experience freedom, discover their purpose and make a difference. However, we understand that in today's polarized world, certain issues can be deal breakers for those seeking a church home. Below are four "hot topics" we want to share our perspectives on so you'll know before you consider connecting with us as you pray for the church where God is leading you.
a final thought
Mission-Driven not issue-driven
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women in ministry
We believe that God created both men and women in his image. While there are distinct differences between the sexes, God did not initially create a hierarchy in which men were to rule over women. The existence of this hierarchy in history is a result of the fall and an expression of human sinfulness. In Christ and at Pentecost, God’s original intent for women began to be restored within the new community of believers called the Church.
In keeping with this renewing work of the Gospel, we believe that both men and women are gifted by the Holy Spirit and can be called to serve in any capacity in the church. They did in the early days of the church and today should be no different.
We do understand there are entire church systems that build their argument around a couple of verses that have nothing to do with the actual issue of women in ministry and we respect their interpretation and work hard to not allow our differences to keep us from working together.
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sexual orientation
We believe that in God’s good and perfect creation, man and woman were created with heterosexual orientations and were joined together by God in the institution of marriage for the purpose of their mutual well-being and fruitful procreation. Unfortunately, because of the fall, some individuals, whether through nature or nurture, develop a same-sex orientation which they do not choose.
We do not believe this state is sinful in and of itself, nor does it diminish the image of God within them or his love for them. However, our interpretation of Scripture prohibits same sex behavior, and this prohibition is without exception.
Therefore, a gay or lesbian believer who wants to live a faithful life under God is called to remain unmarried and celibate throughout his or her life, trusting in Jesus and his Church for their companionship and support.
We recognize that there are earnest and faithful believers who have a different biblical interpretation regarding this issue. They affirm that two believers can live faithfully under God in a committed, monogamous same-sex relationship. While this is not our conclusion, we respect other churches decisions.
For better clarification, here are two message series worth watching:
Messy Grace -
politics
As followers of Jesus, we recognize that we are citizens of two kingdoms—the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the United States. While we love our nation and thank God for his blessings through it, our ultimate well-being and fulfillment will not be found in our national way of life or in a particular political ideology. It will be found as we live out our lives in God’s Kingdom through our faith in Jesus. Therefore, helping all people to find and follow Jesus, no matter their political persuasion, is our ultimate calling.
As a result, our church will not align itself with a particular political candidate or party so that the message of Jesus will remain free from any encumbrance that would hinder another person from fully receiving it.
For better clarification, here are two message series worth watching:
This affirmation does not preclude us from two things.
First, we encourage followers of Jesus at Journey Church to use their political rights and influence to work for the common good and well-being of all citizens. We believe this can be a good and just calling of a follower of Jesus. Second, should political situations arise that are so egregious that the rights and dignity of our common good are threatened, the leaders of Journey Church will use their voice and influence to bring justice, order, and protection.
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Racism
Racism is a sin in two ways. It's a sin of perception that elevates one’s own race to a place of superiority over others. And it’s a sin of action that manifests itself when members of other races are discriminated against because of the color of their skin. Like all other sins, racism can infiltrate and affect every human institution and organization. Racism is a sin because it denies the fundamental equality that all humans possess in the eyes of God. This equality is asserted from beginning to end in Scripture—from creation where God’s image is given to all, to the foot of the cross where Christ died for all, and finally to the racially diverse multitude that will surround the throne of God at the end of time.
We recognize that the remnants of our nation’s past sins of racism are still with us today, for as Scripture says, the sins of parents will be passed down for generations, and whatever you sow you shall reap. We do not believe, however, that this makes those of us living today responsible for those wrongs.
But in Christ, we are responsible to make those wrong things right. Considering these truths, at Journey Church our desire is for people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds to feel accepted and expected.
