June: This Is Where We Stand

Grace Chapel’s Biblical Stance on LGBTQ+ Matters 

Welcome. Wrong. Way. Word. Workmanship.

At Grace Chapel, we believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God, and therefore it is our standard for truth, doctrine, and daily living.

As a church, we desire to be both full of grace and full of truth (John 1:14). We want to clearly communicate our love for all people while also remaining faithful to what God has said in His Word.

1. Welcome — All People Are Welcome to Come and Hear the Gospel

At Grace Chapel, all people are welcome—including those who have participated in or identified with the LGBTQ+ community.

Jesus welcomed sinners and called them to repentance and transformation. We desire to do the same.

Romans 15:7
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

Mark 2:17
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

1 Timothy 1:15
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

Our welcome does not imply agreement or affirmation of every belief, behavior, or lifestyle. Rather, it reflects Christ’s invitation for all people to come, hear the truth, and be transformed by His grace.

Grace Chapel is not a place for perfect people—it is a place for people who need Jesus.

2. Wrong — We Believe Sin Must Be Clearly Named

Because we stand on Scripture, we must lovingly but clearly state that behaviors outside of God’s design for sexuality are sin.

This includes homosexual practice, lesbian practice, bisexual sexual behavior, transgender expression and actions that reject God’s created design, and all sexual activity outside of biblical marriage between one man and one woman.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10
“Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral... nor men who practice homosexuality... will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Romans 1:26–27
“Their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women…”

Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image… male and female he created them.”

Matthew 19:4–6
“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female…”

At Grace Chapel, we believe temptation, struggle, and unwanted feelings are not themselves sin.

James 1:14–15 teaches that temptation becomes sin when it is embraced and acted upon.

Everyone battles sinful desires of various kinds. The issue is not whether temptation exists—the issue is whether we surrender to Christ in obedience.

We reject the idea that sinful behaviors should be celebrated, normalized, or affirmed. Sin must be called what God calls it: wrong.

3. Way — We Desire to Help People Find Freedom

Grace Chapel is committed not only to identifying sin, but to helping people find the way out.

God never calls people to repentance without also providing grace, power, and hope for transformation.

1 Corinthians 10:13
“God is faithful… with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape.”

John 8:31–32
“If you abide in my word… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

2 Corinthians 5:17
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

1 Corinthians 6:11
“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified…”

We believe no person is beyond the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Our desire is to disciple people toward biblical holiness—not shame them, reject them, or isolate them. Grace Chapel seeks to provide loving relationships, biblical teaching, prayer, accountability, and spiritual guidance so people can walk in freedom and obedience.

4. Word — The Bible Is Our Final Authority

Our convictions do not come from culture, politics, or personal preference. They come from the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16–17
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active…”

We recognize that many voices today challenge biblical truth, but Grace Chapel remains committed to standing firmly on Scripture.

We cannot redefine what God has already defined.

Love requires truth. Truth without love can wound. Love without truth can mislead. By God’s grace, we seek both.

5. Workmanship — Your Identity Is Found in Christ

One of the most important truths we proclaim is that sinful desires and behaviors do not define a person’s identity.

At Grace Chapel, we reject identity labels rooted in sinful behavior. We believe our true identity is found in Christ alone.

Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”

The word workmanship reminds us that God is the Creator and Redeemer of our lives. He defines who we are.

A person is not ultimately “gay,” “lesbian,” “bisexual,” “transgender,” or “queer” as their defining identity.

For those who trust Christ, the defining identity is:

• Child of God (John 1:12)
• New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Redeemed (Ephesians 1:7)
• Holy and Beloved (Colossians 3:12)
• God’s Workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

Our deepest identity must never be found in our temptations or struggles, but in the One who made us and saves us.

Our Commitment at Grace Chapel

We will welcome every person with love.
We will clearly call sin wrong.
We will point people to the way of freedom through Jesus Christ.
We will stand firmly on the Word of God.
We will remind every person they are God’s workmanship, created for His glory.

Grace Chapel exists to help people come to the truth, grow in discipleship, and learn to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

We love people deeply.
We refuse to compromise biblical truth.
And we believe the gospel still changes lives.