A Statement on Biblical Manhood, Womanhood, and gender Identity

Mountain View Community Church (MVCC) affirms that God created humanity in His image, male and female, with equal worth, dignity, and purpose (Gen. 1:26–27). We believe God intentionally designed two distinct and complementary sexes—male and female—as part of His good creation. These differences are not merely biological but are woven into the fabric of who we are.

In a culture increasingly confused about gender and identity, we hold fast to the Biblical vision for manhood, womanhood, and the integrity of our created bodies. At the same time, we affirm that every person is made in the image of God and is therefore deserving of dignity, compassion, and truth.

This paper outlines our theological convictions on manhood and womanhood and responds to the growing questions around transgenderism and gender identity. It seeks to uphold God’s design while offering a pastoral and redemptive response to those affected by gender confusion or sexual brokenness.

Our beliefs on gender are grounded in Scripture, which teaches:

1. Humanity Created in God’s Image – God made Adam and Eve in His image, equal in value yet distinct in their manhood and womanhood (Gen. 1:26–27; Gen. 2:18–23).

2. Design and Distinction – The distinctions between male and female are not social constructs but are God-ordained realities in creation (Gen. 2:18, 21–24; 1 Cor. 11:7–9; 1 Tim. 2:12–14).

3. Male Headship and Female Partnership – Adam was given a leadership role in marriage and the covenant community before the Fall. Eve, the mother of all living, was given by God as a complementary helper to Adam(Gen. 2:20–24; 3:20).

4. Effects of the Fall – Sin distorted the relationships between men and women and introduced confusion and disorder into gender, roles, and sexual identity (Gen. 3:1–16).

5. Redemption – The Gospel of Jesus Christ restores and redeems God’s design. In Christ, men and women are equal recipients of grace, called to live out their God-given roles in the home and church (Gal. 3:28; Eph. 5:22–33; 1 Pet. 3:1–7).

6. Gender Identity – God assigns gender through biological sex. While some may experience real psychological distress or confusion, gender is not determined by subjective perception (Eph. 4:17–18; Rom. 8:23).

7. Image of God – All people regardless of gender are image-bearers of God and should be treated with compassion, and respect. The church must minister to them in truth with grace, calling all people to the hope and renewal found in Christ (1 Tim. 1:15–16; 2 Cor. 5:18–20).

What We Believe

1. We believe that men and women are created equal in value, dignity, and worth, and are distinct in their design. We do not believe that these distinctions imply inequality or superiority.

2. We believe that God assigns gender based on biological sex. We do not believe that gender is self-determined by feelings or identity claims.

3. We believe that God created male and female to reflect His image and to fulfill complementary roles in the family and church. We do not believe that male headship or female submission justifies abuse, domination, or passivity.

4. We believe that a wife is called to submit to her own husband as to the Lord, in the context of loving, Christlike leadership. We do not believe that women are called to submit to men in general, nor does biblical submission permit sin or coercion.

5. We believe that the Fall introduced confusion and distortion into gender identity, roles and sexuality. We do not believe that an individual's sinful desires or confusion should redefine God’s design.

6. We believe that redemption through Christ calls us to align our understanding and practice of manhood and womanhood with God's design. We do not believe that cultural norms should shape our theology on manhood and womanhood.

7. We believe that transgender persons are made in God’s image and are deeply loved by God. We do not believe that affirming/recognizing gender reassignment or cross-sex treatments is consistent with biblical truth.

8. We believe that the church is called to welcome, disciple, and minister to all who struggle with gender identity. We do not believe that truth and compassion are mutually exclusive.

Practical Application: How This Works at MVCC

1. Discipleship of Men and Women – We seek to equip men and women to embrace and live out their biblical roles. This includes cultivating male servant-leadership and female partnership in ministry and the home.

2. Marriage and Family – We teach and uphold biblical marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman. Husbands are called to love unconditionally; wives are called to submit willingly, both are called to reflect Christ and the church.

3. Leadership in the Church – Men and women serve in many areas of ministry. Eldership and pastoral leadership are reserved for qualified men. Men and Women may lead and teach in various settings under elder oversight.

4. Pastoral Care for Gender Confusion – Those experiencing gender dysphoria are met with compassion and biblical truth. We aim to offer gospel-centered counseling and discipleship rooted in identity in Christ.

5. Cultural Engagement – We do not support government or cultural movements that redefine gender or promote gender reassignment or recognition. We seek to speak the truth in love and uphold God’s design in public and private life.

6. Biblical Oversight – All ministries at MVCC operate under the biblical authority of the Elder Board to ensure theological alignment and care for the flock.

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MVCC affirms that God’s design for manhood, womanhood, and gender is good, beautiful, and for human flourishing. We uphold the dignity of all people and extend grace and truth to those who are confused, hurting, or broken. In all things, we remain committed to our mission: to grow a community of Christ-followers who live and love like Jesus.