additional beliefs & positions
Marriage
We believe that marriage is unique among all relationships in that it is set apart by God to signify to the world the relationship between His Son and His Bride, the Church. Therefore this bond is extraordinary among all human bonds, and the breaking of it, likewise. God hates divorce (Mal 2:16). He views marriage as a permanent life-long commitment between a man and a woman. (Mk 10:6-9). When it is impossible for a married couple to stay together, the Bible is very specific about two narrow concessions for divorce.
A. Sexual Immorality: In Matthew 5:31,32;19:3-9, we read that God allows the spurned spouse to divorce and remarry when sexual immorality has occurred.
B. Abandonment: Desertion by an unbelieving spouse is also a concession for divorce and remarriage (We believe some cases of abuse fall into this category as well) (1 Cor 7:10-15).
In both of these cases, however, forgiveness and reconciliation are always encouraged in an attempt to preserve and heal the marriage and family. We recognize that each marital conflict scenario is unique and should be handled on a case-by-case basis. This includes providing the appropriate protection, care, assistance, instruction and correction for those in crisis and/or abusive situations. We believe that God’s forgiveness and healing are available to all who have repented of their participation in an unbiblical divorce (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; I Thess. 4:18; Heb. 13:4)
Sexuality
Everyone is welcome at River Valley Church. We believe that you matter to God regardless of who you are, what you’ve been through, or what you’ve done. Sadly, we recognize that this hasn’t always been the case, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. We affirm that every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity, respect, and love. We condemn any kind of hateful, derogatory language towards LGBTQ+ people, or anyone for that matter. Additionally, we want to clearly and lovingly communicate what we believe. We hold to the historic, Christian teaching on sex and marriage. We believe that God has designed sex exclusively for marriage, between a woman and a man. Everything outside of this standard falls into what the Bible calls "sin:" including lust, pornography, polygamy, polyamory, promiscuity, same-sex sexual activity, or any other sexual behavior performed before or outside marriage. We acknowledge that we’ve ALL fallen short of this standard. We’ve all sinned sexually in one way or another and that is why we all need the forgiveness, restoration, and new identity that only Jesus can give us. We hope River Valley will be a place where you can meet Jesus, who welcomes and transforms ALL who come to Him. For more info on what we believe about sexuality and gender visit www.rivervalleycc.org/full-sexuality-statement.
Life
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well being of the mother are acceptable. We believe that the only permissible time for abortion is when the life of the mother is at risk. We believe God’s forgiveness and healing are available to all who have repented of their participation in an abortion. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Lk 1:44).
men & women in family and ministry
We believe that women and men are spiritually equal in value, worth, and personhood before God as all are made in the image and likeness of God. We also believe that there are God-ordained, distinct, and spiritual functions for men and women in the home and in the church. We believe the husband bears the responsibility before God to lead the home in a sacrificial and loving way, as Christ served the church. And likewise, qualified men are to be the primary spiritual leaders in the church as pastors and elders. (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5,12). We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. Both parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-7).
In ministry, other than pastors and elders (and thus primary teachers), we believe that qualified men and women can and should serve in any other ministry role. At River Valley, you will see men and women exercising their gifts everywhere in our church, including helping lead and share in our worship services under the direction of the campus pastor. (Col 3:16; 1 Cor 11:5; 1 Cor 14:26-28; 1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). For more info on what we believe on this subject visit www.rivervalleycc.org/womeninministry.
Opposition
We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers but also toward both those who are not believers and those who oppose us. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions.
Lev. 19:18;Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom.12:9-10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18
Civil Disputes
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may be compensated for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.
1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32
additional topics
> Holy Spirit Ministry & Gifts
> Baptism