Gender and Sexuality

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female at conception, and this is established biologically on the chromosomal level. These two distinct, complementary God-ordained genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen 1:26-28). First Baptist Church of Newton affirms that one’s gender is a gift from God and is immutable from conception. Therefore, those who participate in our church programs, services, activities, and events that are gender specific, such as ladies’ groups, or men’s groups, including gender specific children and adolescent programs, are to participate on the basis of their biological and chromosomal gender assigned by God’s wisdom at conception. This includes the use of restrooms and any other gender designated areas. We further ask individuals to not promote, advocate or advance positions contrary to, or undermining of, this gender policy.
As our culture struggles to come to grips with morphing definitions of sexuality and gender identity, we want to respond to any confusion on this issue definitively and in a manner consistent with our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to us “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
We welcome any who desire to learn more about the life changing gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ regardless of their current struggles and/or opinions. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake sin, seeking his mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; I Cor. 6:9-11).

Marriage

We believe that God created marriage to be exclusively the union of one man and one woman and that intimate sexual activity is to occur exclusively within that union (Gen 2:18-25; Matt. 19:4; 1 Cor. 7:2-3). Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself (Gen 2:18-25; Matt 19:4-5), First Baptist Church of Newton will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. The Pastor and staff of First Baptist Church, therefore, shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman. Furthermore, the facilities and property of First Baptist Church shall only host weddings between one man and one woman.

Sanctity of Life

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image (Gen. 1:26-28). Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life (Ps. 139). We believe that every person needs compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31; 1 Peter 3:15). This is true of those who differ in their convictions as well as for those who hold to these same convictions. It is our belief and practice that the best praxis for First Baptist Church of Newton is to adhere to the timeless and transformative standard of the Bible in all matters of lifestyle and faith.