Gender | StJohns

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Quick Glance: What does the draft framework say about gender?

Gender identity and expression are complex and deeply personal. We welcome and affirm all people, including transgender and non-binary people, as image-bearers of God. Gender is not a barrier to worship, membership, service, or leadership. We focus on character, discipleship, and the fruit of the Spirit, rather than conformity to specific gender norms.

Gender: Full Statement (draft)

We acknowledge that questions of gender and identity are deeply personal and complex, touching on how each person experiences being made in God’s image. Every human being is equally valuable and deeply loved by God, created to reflect God’s image and invited into relationship with Him.
As a church, we seek to be a family where everyone can find a home. Our welcome is without condition and grounded in the conviction that all people, whatever their experience or expression of gender, carry God’s dignity, gifting, and calling. We celebrate the diversity within God’s creation and affirm that gender identity or expression is not a barrier to belonging, participation, or leadership within St John’s.
We believe that following Jesus involves bringing every part of our lives before Him in trust and surrender. The fruit of the Spirit is the truest sign of a person’s discipleship and growth in Christ. Therefore, leadership and participation in the life of the church are discerned through character and faithfulness rather than conformity to particular gender norms or expectations.

Biblical and Theological Themes

Areas Where Christians Differ

Christians interpret Genesis 1–2 and gender differently. Some emphasise male/female as fixed categories; others emphasise the breadth and poetry of the text. St John’s chooses to focus on dignity, discipleship, and pastoral care, recognising that people are still discerning these questions, and we are not seeking to shut down that conversation.

How St John’s Elders Are Reading Scripture in This Season

We read Scripture with a high view, through the lens of Jesus’ character. We do not claim to have all the answers, but we seek to be faithful to God’s call to love, honour, and welcome.

Imago Dei - Human Dignity and Worth

Genesis 1:26–27 affirms that all people are made in God’s image. This shapes our conviction that dignity is inherent, not based on conformity to cultural gender norms.

Jesus’ Welcome of Those on the Margins

Jesus consistently made space for those overlooked, misunderstood, or judged by religious expectations (Luke 7; John 4; Matthew 9). Our posture begins with openness, hospitality, and shared belonging, rather than suspicion.

The Fruit of the Spirit as a Measure of Discipleship

Galatians 5:22–23 offers a Christ-centred way to discern spiritual growth. This shifts emphasis from external categories toward lived character.

Historical and Pastoral Context

Christian traditions have historically held strong binary assumptions about gender. In recent decades, many churches have been re-examining this through Scripture, pastoral experience, and theology.

People are speaking more openly about gender identity and expression. Many within our communities are navigating these questions personally.

People in our church family are asking questions about gender, identity, belonging, and discipleship. To offer wise and compassionate leadership, we need a clear, biblical, and pastoral framework.

What We Mean (Plain Language)

“Our welcome is without condition”

Means:

you do not have to meet a specific gender expectation to belong here
you don’t need to hide or suppress who you are
your gender identity is not a barrier to worship, service, membership or leadership

“Gender identity or expression is not a barrier”

Means:

you can serve, lead, and participate fully regardless of how you describe or express your gender.
your gender identity or expression is not what is considered when discerning whether an individual is called into leadership

“Character and faithfulness are the criteria for leadership”

We look for the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) when discerning whether someone is called to be a leader, not their gender identity.

“Following Jesus involves trust and surrender”

Everyone, whatever their gender journey, is invited to bring their whole self, every part of their lives, to God and prayerfully discern what God is asking of them.

What this does Not mean

It does not mean that gender is irrelevant.
It does not mean that we don't take people’s lived experiences and stories seriously.
It does not mean that “anything goes.”
It does not mean that we don’t hold everyone, regardless of gender, to the same standards of discipleship, integrity, and relational health.
It does not mean that we claim certainty on every theological question.
It does not mean that we prioritise gender discussions above mission.
It means that the church approaches gender identity through discipleship, compassion and community.

Week 6 discussion

Pastoral Approach

A person exploring or expressing gender identity can expect:

To be treated with dignity and respect
To be listened to without judgement
To have space to explore discipleship and identity with support
To be invited into the community and serve alongside others
To be walked with in any complexity, not categorised or managed

Leaders support individuals through:

Prayerful discernment
Patient listening
Signposting to support where needed
Prioritising safety, trust, and spiritual growth

Implications for Church Life

Belonging: Everyone, regardless of gender identity or expression, is welcome as a full member of the church family.
Participation and Leadership: Roles within St John’s are open to all who demonstrate Christlike character and gifting.
Language and Pastoral Practice: We encourage sensitivity and hospitality in how we speak to and about one another.
Wider Church Relationships: We remain committed to unity with the broader body of Christ while faithfully discerning our calling.

How This Reflects St John’s Vision & Values

Everyone gets to play: No one is excluded from ministry or leadership because of gender identity.
A Culture of Honour: We honour each person as God sees them, beloved, gifted, and dignified. We recognise that an individual's name and pronouns can be an important part of their identity, and as part of our culture of honour, we ask individuals to consider honouring their choices.
Pursuing God’s Will Together: We discern not as individuals charged with deciding for others, but as a community seeking the Spirit’s guidance collectively.
Jesus: We read the Bible with Jesus at the centre, His welcome, His justice, His compassion, His truth.