Church Policy Statement on Marriage / Sexuality
This is a policy statement on the beliefs of Sulphur Springs Baptist Church
regarding religious beliefs concerning marriage and human sexuality and our
policies based upon the necessary application of our faith to life and practice.
A. What SSBC holds true about Marriage
God created Mankind in His own image, and God created two distinct genders as man
and woman. (Genesis 1:26-27) The issue of biological gender is a creation issue that is
tied to the image of God in humans, and is therefore inviolate.
God ordained marriage as a monogamous union between a man and a woman for a
lifetime. (Genesis 2:18-25) Woman is a suitable helpmeet for man, and God formulated
this arrangement between a man and a woman to become a “one flesh” union to bring
forth godly offspring. (Genesis 1:28)
Jesus Himself reaffirmed this model of marriage between a man and a woman when He
stated, ““Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and
female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his
wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matt. 19:4-6)
The Apostle Paul also upholds the union of a man and a woman for the marriage model.
Paul adds that marriage between a man and a woman serves as an illustration of the
union between Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:22-32) This passage clearly
identifies the union to be limited to a man and a woman.
B. What SSBC holds true about human sexuality
God has given many gifts to humanity, including the gift of sexual expression. Because
God created humanity with reproduction through sexual union, the gift of sex is in itself
a good gift. (Genesis 1:31; James 1:17)
God’s original and only setting for the celebration and expression of sexual union is
reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. (Genesis 2:24-25)
Due to the entrance of sin into the world, God’s original design has been damaged.
(Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). The damage extends to the area of sexuality, and as a
result, humanity found ways outside God’s original parameters to express their
sexuality. Therefore, God added regulations to prohibit and condemn unlawful sexual
activity.
All forms of sexual immorality are prohibited by God. This includes fornication,
pornography, adultery, rape, incest, homosexuality, and any other expression of
sexuality outside the marriage union. (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:6-17; 18:2; 20:13;
Deut. 22:25-27; Matthew 5:27-28; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians
5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Hebrews 13:4)
Biological gender is part of God’s design (Genesis 1:26-27) and is therefore part of the
divine image and is to be maintained. A person is to identify with his or her gender at
birth; any attempt to change gender or to identify with another gender is an affront to a
holy God.
C. Implications of Biblical Truths regarding Marriage & Sexuality
As a result of the biblical truths listed in Sections A and B, and in order to maintain our
consistent Christian witness, SSBC cannot sanction, approve, or promote in any way
adultery, fornication, pornography, polygamy, or homosexual unions.
A Christian church is called to teach and practice these aforementioned truths, and
SSBC is not at liberty to depart from these truths or exchange them for other beliefs or
practices if it is to maintain the name ‘Christian.” Though we strive to live peaceably
with all people (Rom. 12:18) and to obey legitimate governmental authority (Rom. 13:1),
in instances involving matters as foundational as marriage we must obey God rather
than man if the two come in conflict (Acts 4:18-22)
Recognizing that all of us fall short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23) we must be
compassionate and caring when dealing with those persons who are engaged in sexual
immorality of any kind.
All humans, being created in the image of God and candidates for redemption, are
worthy of respect and dignity. Those persons who are in lifestyles contrary to the truths
listed above are in no way to be mistreated or ridiculed based on their individual choices
in the matter of sexuality.
The membership of SSBC will provide an environment that welcomes people who
struggle with sexual sin. We will seek to love all people in the Name of Jesus, and point
them towards the redeeming power of the Gospel to forgive and heal.
D. Church Practices derived from this Policy
Clergy
1. Ordained clergy or licensed ministers employed by SSBC shall affirm the
statement of faith on marriage and sexuality as set forth in this document.
2. Only ordained or licensed clergy approved by SSBC shall officiate at marriage
ceremonies conducted on church property. Officiants who are not members of
SSBC may officiate only after agreeing to follow the marriage beliefs and policies
as set forth in this document.
3. Clergy employed by SSBC shall not officiate at a same sex or trans-gender
ceremony regardless of location.
Applicants for Weddings
1. Applicants wishing to have a ceremony officiated by clergy of SSBC or to make
use of the facilities at SSBC shall affirm the statement of faith regarding marriage
and sexuality and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent
therewith. Applicants will sign a document indicating affirmation of the policy,
and the signed document will remain on file.
2. Applicants shall participate in premarital counseling performed by clergy or other
appropriately qualified counselors. All pastoral staff, counselors or other persons
providing premarital counseling shall affirm this statement of faith on marriage
and sexuality.
3. Applicants who are cohabiting (living together) will not be eligible for a wedding
ceremony unless and until other arrangements are made. Christ-followers have
an obligation to model godly standards before the world, and are to be free from
even the appearance of sexual immorality. (1 Thess. 5:22)
4. Divorced applicants will be considered for marriage at SSBC on a case basis
pending approval by the pastor.
5. Applicants for a wedding ceremony at SSBC will be limited to one man and one
woman. No same sex or trans-gender applicants will be permitted to have a
ceremony at SSBC.
Church Facilities Use for Weddings
SSBC reserves the right to decline the request of any person to use church facilities or
property for a ceremony where one or both of the applicants are not in agreement with
the statement of faith on marriage and sexuality.
SSBC reserves the right to decline the request of any person to use church facilities or
property to host or house any group, function, or event inconsistent with the statement
of faith on marriage and sexuality
The final and exclusive authority for an decision whether any particular use would
violate the statement on marriage and sexuality shall rest with the church body acting in
accord with the church’s governing documents.