About
Clergy
United
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
As your friends and neighbors living in Monroe County, Illinois, we appeal for your attention on an important matter that has introduced no small amount of controversy to the public schools we share. Our group of concerned local pastors met recently with a three-fold purpose:
1
To reassure Christians in our churches and communities they are neither alone nor dismissed in a culture where authorities make policy decisions contrary to nature as revealed by God through the Bible and his creation.
2
To encourage those who are distressed by feelings of gender dysphoria or who identify as transgender that there is an answer other than to live in conflict between mind and body.
3
To invite our elected, appointed, and other public education administrators to a respectful dialogue regarding our moral convictions, faith commitments, and reasoned beliefs on such matters to work toward acceptable solutions for the common good.
Our Statement
God created humans, united in body and spirit, to bear his image and likeness in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. But because of the rebellion of our first parents Adam and Eve, all of us are now corrupted by sin, suffering, and death. We do not deny that some people suffer a disconnect between their sexed body as created and what gender they feel to be. Such individuals, some of whom we have the privilege to counsel, need love and care that addresses the underlying emotional or physical causes to help them find embodied peace.
“Gender identity” theory that legitimizes separating biological sex and psychological gender is contrary to God’s good design. Scripture teaches this truth and it is self-evident in nature. Enabling a distressed person with such a misaligned identity increases human suffering for individuals, families, and communities. Our society, in sharp contrast to most cultures now and throughout history, tells people with gender dysphoria to alter the body to accommodate the mind. The tragic results are predictable: emotional, spiritual, and bodily trauma.
As Christians, we have the responsibility and privilege of being ambassadors to everyone of the good news that no suffering we experience must last forever. God kept His promise to save those who believe in him. The Son of God took on a human body to put our sin-infected flesh to death on the cross. Then He rose again from the grave to save us, body and soul, for eternal life. By His resurrection, He gives us reasonable faith in His promise, and faithful assurance that He will resurrect us in redeemed bodies that will suffer no more when He returns in glory. We all suffer in this life. Some suffer in the realm of sexual identity. But through Christ, we have a sure hope of redemption and restoration in the life to come.
We the undersigned pastors in Monroe County may differ in various points of Christian teaching, but we offer this shared statement on gender and sexuality as well as some FAQs, Affirmations-Denials, and Scripture references. Our sincere desire is these will help all people to hear and heed the wisdom of God rather than the destructive sentiments of our culture. May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding be upon us as we dialogue with each other, pray for one another, protect our beloved children, and build our community for the common good.
Ps. Matt Heck
LifechurchX
Ps. Justin Demers
Restoration Chapel
Ps. Brian Sandifer
Concord Presbyterian Church
Ps. Jonathan Peters
FBC Columbia
Ps. Matt Caraway
Truth Church Waterloo
Ps. Jamey Bridges
Life Community Church Columbia
Ps. Jim Harget
Second Chance Ministries
Rev. Stephen Krenz
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Ps. Jon Palmer
The Way Church
Rev. Steven Barrett
Bethany Church
Rev. Dr. Tony Troup
Retired LCMS Pastor (Waterloo)
Ps. Will Hesterberg
Retired Pastor, Presbyterian Church in America (Waterloo)
Ps. Larry Croy
New Testament Baptist Church
Rev. Daniel A. Ostlund
Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Wartburg
Ps. Josh Boyer
Ps. Geoff Ingrum
Heritage of Grace Church
Frequently Asked
Questions
Christians confess the truth of God’s creative and sustaining work, Christ’s redemption and forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit’s continued work in our lives as we live according to God’s will specifically regarding questions of gender and sexuality.
1.
What do you base all of this on and why?
Answer
God’s design for humanity is revealed to us through His order of creation as well as through God’s revealed Word. The Holy Scripture reveals God’s will and way to salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ (2 Timothy 3:16; John 5:39; Hebrews 1:1-4; Luke 24:27). God’s Word endures forever.
2.
How many sexes did God make at creation?
Answer
God made two sexes at creation; “in the image of God, he created them, male and female, he created them” (Genesis 1-3). We see the same binary reality in other areas of life. There are creatures that don’t exhibit the same sexual binary, but the existence of those creatures doesn’t prove that humanity is the same. Even when creatures operate outside of a normal sexual binary there is an acknowledgment of a biological reality rather than a perceived incongruence between the behavior and the sex (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:18, 21-23; 5:2; Matthew 19:4-5; Mark 10:6-7).
3.
Are we able to make a distinction between biological sex and perceived gender in search of our identity?
Answer
No. God established male and female in creation (Genesis 1:26-31; 9:6; Psalm 8:3-8; James 3:9). “Gender identity” is a man-made concept that creates a new category of personhood based on emotional perception, separate from biological sex. “Gender identity” confuses the physical distinctions of man and woman, acts against God’s ordering of creation, and ends up making the body less than the mind, all of which are harmful to us as God’s creation and the purpose for which God made us (Genesis 1:31; Psalm 100:3; Romans 1:21-27). People are often led by their feelings. Feelings are not bad, but if they rule over us, we find much suffering.
4.
What is a Man and what is a Woman?
Answer
According to the general revelation of nature, a man is an adult human male and a woman is an adult human female. Men and women have distinctive physiological characteristics all the way down to the chromosomal level that make it possible to differentiate between a human male and a human female. According to Scriptural revelation, the Bible defines a man as the one male creature in all creation that is made in God’s image and likeness. God is the Creator who gave man a living, reasonable, and immortal soul, created in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with God’s law written on his heart, and with God’s dominion over the creatures subject to his stewardship (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalms 8:3-9; 100:3; Ephesians 4:23-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). The Bible declares that woman is also made in God’s image and likeness, of equal dignity and worth, and created to correspond to man as a strong ally (Genesis 2:18-23). Males and females glorify their Creator by joyfully and obediently living according to their assigned creational roles. Together man and woman constitute humanity (Genesis 1:26-27).
5.
Why do we see so much confusion around this topic?
Answer
God made all things good. However, Adam and Eve rebelled against God bringing sin into the world (Genesis 3:1-7; John 8:44; 1 John 2:22). Sin, confusion, suffering, disorder, and death are the results of that sin (Genesis 3:16; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:14-25; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 2:3; 2 Timothy 3:6; 1 John 2:16). We are all infected by sin from conception and will die apart from faith in Christ and His saving work for us through His death and resurrection (Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15).
6.
What harm could come from “transgender” ideology?
Answer
Transgenderism implies that one’s spirit overrules one’s biological sex and makes it possible to go from being a man in body and mind to being a woman in body and mind. This is the destruction of the body which God has created and the further confusion of the mind which is already in distress. Humanity is not essentially “spirit.” Humanity is “body” and “spirit” (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 7:34; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). To reject one or the other rejects God’s good gifts and prevents us from caring for one another faithfully. This causes further confusion about God’s gifts of marriage and human sexuality as well. Even those who identify as transgender and choose to live a celibate life often still suffer in their personal relationships and social interactions. This harm from transgender ideology, which sometimes also includes artificial hormonal prescriptions and surgical procedures, can have irreversible effects that are especially tragic in children.
7.
Aren’t some people born sexually indeterminate?
Answer
Yes. Those circumstances are, by definition, biological anomalies and are not related to transgenderism. Anomalies never negate objective categories of personhood. We may not use the existence of anomalies to change or redefine the creational order that God has established as good (Genesis 1:26-27).
8.
Does God permit us to change our sex because of our “gender identity”?
Answer
No. It is impossible to change one’s sex (Deuteronomy 23:1; Psalm 51:3-6). There is only an ability to give the appearance of change. To reject how God created us as male or female, due to fallen, unchosen thoughts and self-perceptions would be an act of rebellion and a distortion of God’s creative handiwork in specifically forming us for his own glory (Genesis 2:7, 22; Psalm 100:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:5).
What people are currently calling “gender-affirming surgeries” would historically have been known as “transsexual surgeries.” Our culture is in a state of confusion where “gender,” which is typically spoken of as a feeling of femininity or masculinity not tied to biological realities, is being cited as a reason to destroy the biological realities of the body. Allowing feelings and emotional states to dominate how we operate in life is dangerous.
Further, when Christ returns in glory on the last day ushering in the new creation, bodily mutilations, or confusion regarding sexual orientation or identity, will be restored in our new and imperishable resurrected bodies. Therefore, we should not attempt to make our sex reflect our current feelings of “gender identity” since God promises to grant us eternal peace in glorified male and female bodies in the final resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:36-56; Philippians 3:20-21; Revelation 21:1-8).
9.
Do Christians hate people who identify as transgender?
Answer
No. We reject the teachings of Transgenderism. Transgenderism teaches that feelings and desires rule over physical reality so that biological sex is the servant to “gender identity.” Thus the body is manipulated to accommodate the mind. We care for and love all people including those who are distressed by a feeling that they are in the wrong biological body. To talk about someone experiencing “gender dysphoria” is a more faithful way to discuss the topic rather than labeling someone as a different type of human that “doesn’t fit” anywhere. Christians demonstrate love by listening and sharing the truth in love rather than encouraging the rejection of the body (1 Samuel 12:1-13; Luke 15:1-2; Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 3:8; Jude 22).
10.
How should Christians handle gender identity issues when they come up?
Answer
With patience, truth, and love. Christians listen to and communicate through faith in Christ. When talking to individuals who say they are part of the transgender community, Christians share the truth in love (Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 6:13; 8:29; 12:1-2; 14:17-19; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20; 7:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Peter 1:17-18; 2:5-12; 3:1-2). Be honest, caring, and faithful to God’s revelation in creation and Scripture. Determining how to handle specific situations is a matter of godly wisdom informed by Scripture and according to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
11.
What must I know about human sexuality and my identity in Christ?
Answer
We must know how dangerous and terrible our ungodly desires and sexual sins are (Exodus 20:14, 17; 2 Samuel 11:2-4; Galatians 5:16; 1 John 2:16). We must also know that Christ comes to forgive our sins and set us free from a life bound to desires and practices that are contrary to His will (2 Sam 12:13; Psalm 51; 1 Corinthians 6:14-20; Colossians 2:13-15). Finally, He calls us to lead a life of thankfulness and purity as we are united with Christ.
12.
Why is it comforting to have an identity founded in Jesus Christ?
Answer
All other identities in this life will fail us in some way and will end at some point. Our identity in Christ will not. Those who have been brought to faith in the death and resurrection of Christ by the work of the Spirit of God are being remade into the image of Christ (Romans 12:2) to have a true identity—in body and soul—throughout the whole course of this life, and to enjoy God and glorify him forever being in a right relationship with our Creator (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 146; Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10). He redeemed our lives with the precious blood of his Son, and has delivered us from the lie Satan spoke in the Garden that we know better than God (Genesis 3:4-5; John 8:34-36; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:2; 3:1-11).
He also watches over us in such a way that he might free us from all sexual impurity since He lives in us; in fact, all things must work together to remake us into the image of his Son (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:15-20; 2 Corinthians 3:18). This new identity in Christ, delivered by His saving Word according to the Holy Spirit, also assures us of God’s steadfast love, and makes us willing and ready to enjoy true freedom as a new creation (Psalm 103:8-10; John 8:32; 16:25-27; Galatians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
This document states nothing new but comes from the streams of confessional, evangelical, and reformational statements that have already been created by other church bodies. Although we serve different churches from various traditions within the historic orthodox Christian faith, regarding the convictions expressed herein we express our unity of mind and purpose.
Affirmations + Denials
The following affirmations and denials are directly sourced from a coalition for Biblical sexuality called the Nashville Statement, originally published in 2017 by the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Article numbers in parentheses are from that statement. We hold these statements as clear and helpful expressions on matters of gender and sexuality.
Article 1 (3)
We Affirm that God created Adam and Eve, the first human beings, in his own image, equal before God as persons, and distinct as male and female.
We Deny that the divinely ordained differences between male and female render them unequal in dignity or worth.
Article 2 (4)
We Affirm that divinely ordained differences between male and female reflect God’s original creation design and are meant for human good and human flourishing.
We Deny that such differences are a result of the Fall or are a tragedy to be overcome.
Article 3 (5)
We Affirm that the differences between male and female reproductive structures are integral to God’s design for self-conception as male or female.
We Deny that physical anomalies or psychological conditions nullify the God-appointed link between biological sex and self-conception as male or female.
Article 4 (6)
We Affirm that those born with a physical disorder of sex development are created by God and have dignity and worth equal to all others who have been created by God. They are acknowledged by our Lord Jesus in his words about “eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb.” Christ died and rose again from the dead for their salvation as with all others and they are welcome as faithful followers of Jesus Christ living in their biological sex insofar as it may be known.
We Deny that ambiguities related to a person’s biological sex render one incapable of living a fruitful life in joyful obedience to Christ.
Article 5 (7)
We Affirm that self-conception as male or female should be defined by God’s holy purposes in creation and redemption as revealed in Scripture.
We Deny that adopting a self-conception aligned with the teachings of “transgenderism” is consistent with God’s holy purposes in creation and redemption.
Article 6 (10)
We Affirm that it is sinful to approve of homosexual immorality or transgenderism and that such approval constitutes an essential departure from Christian faithfulness and witness.
We Deny that the approval of homosexual immorality or transgenderism is a matter of moral indifference about which faithful Christians should agree to disagree.
Article 7 (11)
We Affirm our duty to speak the truth in love at all times, including when we speak to or about one another as male or female.
We Deny any obligation to speak in such ways that dishonor God’s design of his image-bearers as male and female.
Article 8 (12)
We Affirm that the grace of God in Christ gives both merciful pardon and transforming power, and that this pardon and power enable a follower of Jesus to put to death sinful desires and to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
We Deny that the grace of God in Christ is insufficient to forgive all sexual sins and to give power for holiness to every believer who feels drawn into sexual sin.
Article 9 (13)
We Affirm that the grace of God in Christ enables sinners to forsake transgender self-conceptions and by divine forbearance to accept the God-ordained link between one’s biological sex and one’s self-conception as male or female.
We Deny that the grace of God in Christ sanctions self-conceptions that are at odds with God’s revealed will.
Article 10 (14)
We Affirm that Christ Jesus has come into the world to save sinners and that through Christ’s death and resurrection forgiveness of sins and eternal life are available to every person who repents of sin and trusts in Christ alone as Savior, Lord, and supreme treasure.
We Deny that the Lord’s arm is too short to save or that any sinner is beyond his reach.
Scripture References*
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-24; Exodus 20:14, 17; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:18, 21; 22:5; Judges 19:22; 2 Samuel 11:1-12:15; Job 31:1; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 5:1-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-27; Isaiah 59:1; Malachi 2:14; Matthew 5:27-30; 19:4-6, 8-9, 12; Acts 15:20, 29; Romans 1:26-27, 32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20; 7:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 4:15, 20-24; 5:31-32; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thess 4:3-8; 1 Timothy 1:9-10, 15; 2 Timothy 2:22; Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 13:4; James 1:14-15; 1 Peter 2:11; Jude 7
*Scripture texts are not a part of the original Nashville Statement but were added subsequently by the drafters of that document as references for the broader subject of biblical sexuality.
