Final Authority for Matters of Belief and Conduct for the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ
The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. The North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ is autonomous in its governance. It is an independent church, free from any regulation or control by a higher church body, regional office or collection of other churches, including other Churches of Christ. For purposes of the faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline at the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ, our elders are the final decision makers on the interpretation of the Bible’s meaning and application, including, without limitation, as such meaning and application related to all matters of spiritual belief, doctrine, faith, conduct, program activities and facility use for the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ. (See Acts 20:28; Acts 14:23; I Peter 5:2)
Marriage Policy
Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man and a woman, the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ will only recognize marriages between a biologically born man and a biologically born woman. (Genesis 2:18-25.) Further, the ministers and staff of the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ shall only officiate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman, each being in their gender as created by God. Finally, the weddings performed on facilities and property of the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ shall only be between one man and one woman, each being in their gender as created by God.
Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
“God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). We believe that the term “marriage” has only one true, biblical meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman, each being in their gender as created by God, in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Genesis 2:18-25.) We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4.) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including, without limitation, adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, and incest) is sinful and offensive to God. (Matthew 15:18-20; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Statement on the Sanctity of Human Life
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of immeasurable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other state or condition of human existence. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139.)
Agreement by Staff and Members
We believe that in order to preserve the function, integrity and beliefs of the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ’s members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ in any capacity, as well as all members, agree to and abide by this Statement of Belief, including without limitation, the statements on marriage, gender, and sexuality. (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22.) All staff and members of the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ, by engaging in such work, agree with this Statement of Beliefs. The North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ believes that God offers redemption through hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), believing what was heard (Hebrews 11:6), repenting of past sins (Luke 13:3), confessing Christ before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized for the remission of sins (1 Peter 3:21). Also, we believe that restoration is possible for all Christians who are willing to repent, confess their sin, and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:18-24.)
These Policies and Oversight statements are not, and should not be construed as, an exhaustive treatment of all matters of spiritual belief, doctrine, faith, conduct, program activities and/or manners in which facilities are to be used for the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ.