Testify's Guiding Biblical Principles for
Navigating Cultural Issues
The elders of Testify Church are, first and foremost, deeply committed to glorifying God even as we attempt to navigate today’s cultural issues. We believe that Testify Church must unite around our mission, values, and core beliefs. We also believe it is vital that we be responsible and conscientious citizens in the country and community that God has given us as our mission field.
As we navigate difficult social, moral, and political issues, we must hold together the following principles in tension, considering these commitments.
Those who follow Christ should submit all aspects of their worldview to the authority of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We must firmly plant ourselves in the truth and implications of God’s Word (Psalm 1), regardless of the consequences.
Christ followers ought to obey God rather than people (Acts 5:29). We must always prioritize our loyalty to Christ whenever we have to choose between honoring God and the government.
The Bible teaches that all those in governmental authority have been given that authority by God (Romans 13:1-7) thus, submission to their authority is the natural first response of the believer.
Jesus calls us to prioritize unity in the body (John 17:21) while allowing for diversity in areas of conviction, preference, and some aspects of social/political issues. (i.e. 1 Corinthians 8).
Our citizenship is foremost in heaven (Phil. 3:20), but also in the United States. Therefore, it is appropriate for us to exercise our rights as American citizens to their full extent (Acts 22:25-28), but always under the constraints of being first a follower of Jesus (Matthew 6:33).
- As Americans, it is appropriate for believers to utilize all available legal recourse to ensure that what they believe to be correct public policy is enacted.
- As Christians, it is vital that we strongly oppose (to the point of disobedience) any civil law or order which violates the teaching of Scripture. Examples of policies that rise to the level of requiring opposition or civil disobedience include:
- Orders that require believers to comply with or support (whether overtly or by non-action) an unbiblical action or belief
- Direct threats to religious freedom or expression of religious beliefs
- If the order will produce an outcome for a portion of society that the Bible would define as injustice
- For further thought, see our statements on Biblical Marriage and Abortion.
It is our desire that those who call Testify Church home would be able to dialogue from a place of agreement with THESE PRINCIPLES, as our biblical starting place for all contentious issues. We recognize that not all believers will agree on the implications and application of these principles relative to actual social, moral, or political issues. However, without clarity about our foundational assumptions, there is little hope for healthy, gracious, patient dialogue while maintaining biblical unity within the Church family.
Final Thoughts Regarding Cultural Issues
Our Elders and deacons will use these principles to handle complex issues and guide the church family to do the same. These principles will inform and shape our specific teaching, actions, and policies.