We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image and likeness. Every human life has immeasurable worth, regardless of age or condition, including pre-born babies, the elderly, and those who are physically or mentally challenged. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life from conception to natural death.

We are unapologetically pro-life; however, we also recognize that empathy should be extended toward those who experience an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. We believe it is vital to stand with those who choose life while never condemning anyone who, in our view, made the wrong decision to end a pregnancy. Like all of us, women who have ended a pregnancy or men who encouraged that choice need a place of healing where grace, compassion, forgiveness, and restoration can take place.

God created sex, gender identity, and marriage, and in the beginning, they perfectly reflected what God intended. However, the story didn't end there. As we all know, when Adam and Eve sinned, death, darkness, and deception entered the world. Their sin introduced brokenness that has been passed down through every generation. Romans 3:23 states that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's perfect standard. This brokenness affects our sense of identity and shapes our feelings, attractions, and desires.

The unfortunate truth is that we cannot reliably rely on our self-perception, desires, or attractions as a trustworthy guide for our lives. However, God did not leave us without trustworthy guidance; the Holy Scriptures contain everything we need to know about how God desires us to live.

Romans 12:2 says: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Our self-perception, gender identity, and sexual desires do not define us; the Word of God does. We must look to Christ to know His blueprint for ourselves. With this understanding, we believe the Scriptures teach the following important truths about sex, gender identity, and marriage.

7 Important Truths about Sexual Behavior:

1. We believe that, according to God’s design and intent, all humans are sexual beings.

2. We believe that the Fall of man has corrupted God’s original intent for human sexuality; therefore, all people experience brokenness in their sexuality.

3. We believe Christians are called to submit their sexuality, desires, and temptations to Christ’s Lordship and to receive his love, forgiveness, grace, and transformation. 

4. We believe that all sex outside of marriage is sin, as are entertaining lustful thoughts and the use of pornography.

5. We believe that all forms of sexual behavior that are not consistent with biblical parameters are forms of sin that are forgivable and should be renounced and repented of.

6. We believe that simply experiencing sexual temptation is not deserving of condemnation; however, acting on those desires leads to destruction in one's life.

7. We believe that sex has 3 distinct purposes: reproduction, reconnection (i.e., cultivating intimacy), and recreation.

We believe marriage is a holy sacrament established by God, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church. City Lights Church affirms that, according to God’s design and intent, sex difference (male and female) is an essential part of marriage. 

Therefore, we hold to the historical Christian view that marriage was intended to be a one-flesh union between one man and one woman in a lifelong commitment. The covenant of marriage is entered into when one man and one woman exchange vows of matrimony before God and witnesses.

Grace, Transformation, and Community

One question we often get is, am I welcome at City Lights Church if I struggle with sexual temptation? Particularly, a question we often get is, am I welcome if I struggle with same-sex attraction?

First, it is important to point out that because of the fall of man, all humans have experienced brokenness in their sexuality and need Christ’s transforming grace and truth. We believe God loves people amid their brokenness and temptations. This much is clear: we cannot and should not try to “get ourselves together” before we come to Christ—including in the area of our sexuality. We must come as we are and allow God to transform us.

Simply experiencing sexual temptation is not, in itself, a morally culpable sin (unless acted upon); however, we believe that following Christ's will for one's life will lead to laying down those desires in favor of His will. When we lay our weakness at the foot of the cross, the exchange is more of Him, more grace, and more freedom!

If you are experiencing sexual temptations, including same-sex attraction, you are welcome to pursue Christ with us at City Lights, but know that we will always encourage you to live a lifestyle of holiness, resulting first in celibacy and second in heart transformation and renewed desires.

We believe that God has wonderfully foreordained and immutably created each person as either male or female, in accordance with their biological sex. These two distinct yet complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God.

Accepting one's biological sex acknowledges the unchanging image of God within oneself. Pursuing a relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior enhances our ability to express authentic masculinity and femininity in our lives, relationships, and world, ultimately glorifying God.

We believe that God calls both men and women to lead, teach, and pastor His people. Throughout Scripture, we see women empowered by God in leadership roles—such as Deborah, who judged Israel; Priscilla, who taught alongside her husband; and Phoebe, who served as a deacon. We recognize that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts without partiality, and calling is determined by God, not gender. 

While some interpret passages such as 1 Timothy 2 restrictively, we believe they are contextual, not universal prohibitions. Our conviction is that the Church is strongest when every believer—male or female—walks fully in their God-given calling. 

Judges 4–5, Romans 16:1–7, Galatians 3:28, Acts 2:17–18.