The positions on the following link are the official positions taken by the Synod of The Christian Reform Church. Local Classis (our version of regions or districts) has the final word on certain theological matters and is not always bound to adhere to Synod decisions and may take a separate stance on issues. Faith in Christ Fellowship Church is a member of the Northern Michigan Classis and with the exception of ordination of women agrees with the positions stated by Synod and Northern Michigan Classis.
Of the many positions taken by the Christian Reform Church over the years the two positions that seem to cause the most confusion or concern and may need clarification are:
Homosexuals in office With the appointment of a homosexual Bishop to the Episcopal Church in New Hampshire, and the approval of an openly lesbian pastor in the Methodist church and several denominations now allowing, whether officially or unofficially, the ordination of openly homosexual clergy, there has been considerable confusion as to the stance taken by our denomination.
Please let me state very clearly, Faith in Christ Fellowship Church nor the Christian Reformed Church of North America condone homosexuality in any way and does not recognize nor approve the installation of those practicing homosexuality to any office within the Christian Reform Church.
The point of dispute within the position seems to be the term "homosexual." If one has a same sex attraction the term homosexual seems to be arbitrarily applied. It is noted in the position however that any person actively involved in a homosexual relationship is clearly outside the ordinance of God and His word. While I believe fully that we must accept repentant or non praqcticing homosexuals into our congregation we can no more accept a practicing homosexual in to the congregation than we could a practicing thief, liar or murder etc. Without disputing about words, it is dangerous to define a person by their sexual orientation, especially when dealing with those who may have homosexual tendencies but are not practicing the lifestyle, and are living a life dedicated to the adherence to God’s word. It would seem me it would be the same as calling a person who is tempted to have an extra-marital affair an adulator or one who is tempted to steal a thief. Just as God loves us though we are sinners so must we love the sinner yet hate the sin.
In conclusion, sex outside the confines of marriage, defined as a union between 1 man and 1 woman, is always an abomination to the Lord and therefore anyone involved in such activities, regardless of orientation, cannot serve within the offices of the church.
Women in office The other area of great concern within the Church is the admission of women to all ecclesiastical offices. At it's 2007 meeting, Synod ratified the ordination of women to all offices and in September 2007, Classis Northern Michigan seated their first female pastor. At it's March 3rd 2009 meeting Classin Northern Michigan voted to remove the word male from church order clearing the way for women to be seated to all ecclesiastical offices in CNM and to be seated at classis. Synod decision 2007
That said, the local church still has the final say on whether or not they will seat female Pastors or Elders. To be clear; Faith in Christ Fellowship does not support the ordaination women as Senior Pastor or Elder.
While we recognize this is a emotional issue for many in the Church today and there are good and Godly men and women on both sides of this issue, Romans 14:22 reminds us that "The faith you have, have as your own conviction before God, Happy is he who does not condemn himself by what he approves."
While we must recognize that there are and have been many wonderfully gifted and talented women throughout the history of the church who have dedicated their lives to furthering the cause for Christ, and failure to recognize the contributions these women have made would be ill-considered and foolish, we must all however, men and women alike, take responsibility to use the gifts God has given as intended by Him and His word. We must responsibly and prayerfully answer the call which God has made on our lives, yet realize that we are to do so in harmony with scripture. We must always lean on the Lords word, will and design, and not on our own understanding, for His ways truly are higher than ours. For more information and clear insight on this issue I would suggest reading Wayne Grudem's book Evangelical Feminism & Biblical Truth