The statement, Beliefs on Human Sexuality, outlines God's good design for human sexuality and addresses areas of confusion in our culture (e.g., marriage, same-sex attraction, transgenderism, and reproductive technologies). The Council of Elders drafted and adopted the statement in 2026.
We live in an age of great confusion about human sexuality. Desiring to be clear about what we believe, this statement seeks to elaborate on The North Church’s Manhood & Womanhood Affirmations & Denials in light of present cultural confusion. We believe every individual has been created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity, worth, and value. The gospel calls all people to find their ultimate meaning, identity, and purpose in Christ, rather than in their sexuality, desires, attractions, familial relationships, or self-perception. Human sexuality is not a human invention or a social construct but a gift established by God.
Therefore, God designed our bodies, relationships, families, and sexuality to reflect his goodness, wisdom, and purposes. We believe that sexuality is a gift to be received and exercised according to God’s purposes, and is always subject to God’s will and design. Thus, Christian discipleship involves bringing every aspect of life, including our sexuality, under the lordship of Jesus Christ. We also recognize that because of the fall, our sexuality, relationships, desires, and bodies have been affected by sin. We recognize that all people experience disordered desires and brokenness, which require repentance, God’s forgiveness, and his cleansing grace. For this reason, we believe the church is a place where we uphold biblical truth and Christlike love, pointing all people to the redeeming work of Christ.
1 This document adapts portions of The North Church’s Manhood & Womanhood Affirmations & Denials and Desiring God’s, “Our Beliefs About Homosexuality, Same-Sex Desires, ‘Transgenderism,’ and Complementarianism.”
2 For our purposes, sexuality refers to the whole experience of being a sexual person, including desires, attraction,identity, relationships, and behavior.
3 https://thenorthchurch.com/manhood-womanhood-affirmations-denials
Article 1
1.1
We affirm that God created and intended marriage to be the loving, lifelong union of one man and one woman, and that marriage is the only proper context for sexual intimacy. We affirm that one of the purposes of marriage is procreation, though a husband and wife may glorify God even if they are unable to have children Genesis 1:28 2:24 Matthew 19:4–6. We deny that any union between two men or two women constitutes a legitimate marriage.
We deny that any union between two men or two women constitutes a legitimate marriage.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
1.2
We believe that the creation account presents monogamy as the normative and intended pattern for marriage. Though Scripture records instances of polygamy4, it highlights the strife, jealousy, division, and suffering that often accompany it. Therefore, biblical descriptions of polygamy do not condone the practice. Rather, the Scriptures explicitly teach that marriage is a lifelong union between one husband and one wife Genesis 1:27–28 2:24 Matthew 19:4–6 Ephesians 5:31–33 1 Corinthians 7:39 Romans 7:2–3. Therefore, we believe that divorce falls short of God’s desire and design for marriage to be lifelong Matthew 19:3–9.
Additionally, polyamorous or polygamous arrangements are sinful and undermine the exclusivity of the marital covenant, which reflects the covenant relationship between Christ and his church. Therefore, God’s design for marriage excludes all sexual intimacy outside the marriage covenant, such as fornication, cohabitation, and adultery.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
4 The practice of marrying multiple spouses.
5 The practice of maintaining a romantic and/or sexual relationship with more than one partner with the consent ofall involved partners, sometimes called “ethical-non-monogamy.” Polyamory focuses on the romantic relationships,not necessarily marriage as in polygamy.
1.3
We affirm that just as marriage is a gift from God, singleness is also a gift from God to be enjoyed as an excellent path for faithful and fruitful service in the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 7:6–8 Matthew 19:10–12.
We deny that singleness should be given less respect or honor than marriage as a way of life in service to Christ. We also deny that singleness should be used as an excuse for sinful behaviors.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
Article 2
2.1
We believe that same-sex attraction is a result of the fall of humanity into a sinful condition that pervades every person Romans 5:12. Though the origins of same-sex attraction are not fully understood, whatever its roots may be, they do not excuse or sanction same-sex attraction or homosexual behavior. These are sinful expressions of our fallen humanity because they are contrary to nature Romans 1:26–27.
While these origins may explain how some people experience same-sex attraction as unwanted desires or feel that they were “born this way,” Scripture teaches that there are inherently sinful desires as well as sinful actions Romans 13:9 Ephesians 4:22 Colossians 3:5 1 John 2:16. Opposite-sex attraction reflects God’s created design for sexuality, even though particular instances of heterosexual desire can be sinfully misdirected. Same-sex attraction is an inherently sinful desire that lacks any righteous avenue for expression.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
2.2
We believe that through the redeeming work of Christ and the sanctifying power of the Spirit, God transforms his people to overcome their same-sex attraction and homosexual behavior. For some, this may include the development of rightly ordered heterosexual attraction.
For others, it may involve increasing sexual holiness and purity, while combating same-sex attraction and resisting homosexual behavior. Jesus Christ offers a healing path in which the controlling power of sin is broken Romans 6:14, and the person is freed to know and experience his or her true identity in Christ Ephesians 2:10 4:24 Colossians 3:10 and in the fellowship of his church Romans 12:5 1 Corinthians 12:12.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
2.3
When same-sex attraction arises, believers should acknowledge it honestly as an inherently sinful expression of indwelling sin, while also recognizing the moral distinction between experiencing a sinful desire and willingly embracing or acting upon that desire.
This distinction is essential for persevering in holiness, since believers should not view the continued presence of sinful desires as evidence of failure. Rather, they are called to faithfully resist those desires and make every effort to grow in godliness, trusting that God is pleased with their sincere obedience even when it is accompanied by weakness and imperfection 1 Peter 1:14–16 2 Peter 1:5–7. When believers give in to sinful desires, they should turn from that sin in repentance and trust in the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse them from all sin 1 John 1:7 Revelation 1:5 6.
Additionally, believers should renounce homosexual behavior 1 Corinthians 6:9, pursue increasing sexual holiness and purity Matthew 5:27–30 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, and cultivate healthy, non-erotic friendships with people of the same sex Proverbs 17:17 18:24. This process parallels the sanctification required in dealing with other besetting sins, both sexual and non-sexual, as believers put sinful desires and practices to death and increasingly live according to their new identity in Christ James 1:14–15 Colossians 3:5–10.
We believe that this freedom comes through faith in Jesus Christ Acts 26:18 by the power of his Spirit 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12. Yet complete freedom from every sinful desire awaits the resurrection, when all who are in Christ will receive glorified bodies free from every sinful impulse 1 Corinthians 15:51–58 1 John 3:1–3.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
6 For more on degrees of moral difference as related to same-sex attraction, see “Forty-Seventh General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America Ad Interim Committee On Human Sexuality,” Statement 6: Temptation, pg. 9.
2.4
We believe that hateful or fearful harassment of persons with same-sex attraction is sinful and should be repudiated. We believe that love for persons with same-sex attraction involves speaking the truth in love, declaring that homosexual behavior is sinful, and warning that all unrepentant sin excludes a person from inheriting the kingdom of God 1 Corinthians 6:9–11.
We believe that endorsing behavior, such as homosexuality, which the Bible condemns, endangers persons and dishonors God (e.g., attending a same-sex wedding). Furthermore, we believe it is improper and dangerous for disciples of Jesus to call themselves “gay Christians,” and that one’s identity is to be rooted in Christ and Christ alone7.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
7 This is often called the “Side B” view, which opposes same-sex marriage, but calls for celibacy, monogamous opposite sex marriages, or same-sex celibate partnerships. Many proponents of Side B adopt LGBTQ identity labels, such as gay, lesbian, queer, or trans Christian. Side B proponents also deny same-sex temptation as sinful
2.5
We believe that Christian churches should reach out in love and truth to minister to people who experience same-sex attraction or who practice homosexuality, and that those who contend biblically against their own sexual temptation should be patiently assisted in their battle, not ostracized or disdained.
We affirm that all people, regardless of their sexual attractions, should find help in the church to engage in the biblical battle against all improper sexual thoughts, desires, and behaviors.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
Article 3
3.1
We affirm that when God created human beings, he made them male and female Genesis 1:27 2:18–25 Matthew 19:4 1 Corinthians 11:8–12. This mutually exclusive biological distinction is normatively displayed at the chromosomal level.
We deny that any so-called gender identity that contradicts the biological markers of male and female assigned by God can be legitimately chosen, changed, or determined based on personal preference or subjective feeling Psalm 139:13–15.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
3.2
We affirm that because of the Fall, sin has marred the sexual experience of humankind, resulting in various disorders (such as intersex conditions and gender dysphoria), which display the brokenness of creation Genesis 3 Romans 8:20–23.
We deny that the presence of various disorders is evidence that God intended other modes of existence outside the male-female binary and that such disorders or dysphoria ever legitimize desires or behaviors contrary to this divine intention Genesis 1:26–28 Matthew 19:4–5. Therefore, we believe that we are to lovingly resist the blurring of the male-female binary and the cultural trajectory that denies God-given boundaries to our created sexual identity.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
3.3
We do not believe that any human condition resulting from the Fall removes or cancels the image of God in any individual or puts anyone beyond God’s call to salvation and saving grace. Further, we believe in the reality of God’s redemptive healing and sanctifying power to rebuild healthy congruence between birth sex and one’s perceived gender.
We do not support the attempt to resolve one’s biological sex and one’s subjective experience of sexual identity by the adoption of a psychological identity—expressed through pronouns, names, or other identity markers—that seeks to present oneself as the opposite sex or as an indeterminate identity. In addition to psychological identity and presentation, we condemn the use of chemical, surgical, or other medical interventions that seek to change or remove facets of one’s biological sex as established at conception and during gestation and subsequently manifested at birth. Such efforts fundamentally flow from the individual’s rejection of God’s gift of his or her biological sex.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
3.4
We believe tension and conflict between one’s biological sex and one’s subjective experience of sexual identity should be treated with pastoral concern and love based on the shared understanding that one’s biological sex is a given in God’s good design for each person. For those who have undergone gender-transition procedures to alter their bodies, we believe that complete forgiveness, hope, and redeeming grace are available in Jesus Christ.
We believe such individuals can faithfully live and glorify God in their God-given biological sex, whether or not past medical or surgical intervention can be fully undone, and place their hope in the resurrection, when every effect of sin and brokenness will be undone.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
Article 4
4.1
We affirm God’s good design in creating human sexuality to be enjoyed exclusively within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Sexual purity is required of all people, whether married or unmarried. Therefore, any form of sexual conduct outside of God’s design for marriage and sexuality is sinful. This includes sinful and immoral practices, including, but not limited to, things such as incest, bestiality, pedophilia, prostitution, sexual exploitation, coercion, pornography, lustful fantasy, or masturbation Romans 1:26–27 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 Ephesians 5:3–6.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
4.2
We affirm that God created human beings for embodied and personal relationships with him and with one another. Therefore, artificial intelligence, virtual entities, robotic devices, or any other non-human substitute cannot fulfill God’s design for companionship or sexual intimacy. We believe that technological simulations of friendship, romance, marriage, or sexual intimacy are illegitimate alternatives to God’s good design for human sexuality and are harmful to the soul.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
4.3
We affirm that God created children in his image and entrusts them into the care and protection of families, the church, and civil authorities. Any sexual desire directed toward children or attempt to sexualize children is contrary to God’s good design and is a grievous sin against both God and neighbor.
We reject any attempt to normalize, justify, or legitimize sexual attraction towards children (e.g., LGBTQ+ agenda directed towards children, drag queen story hour, rebranding pedophilia as “minor attracted persons”). Those experiencing disordered sexual desires are called to repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and a life of obedience. We are committed to protecting children from any form of sexualization, exploitation, or abuse.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
Article 5
5.1
We affirm that children are a gift and blessing from God, who is the author of life. Thus, marriage is naturally ordered toward fruitfulness and multiplying Genesis 1:28. Most Christian marriages ought to pursue bearing and nurturing children Malachi 2:15. However, we recognize that not all married couples will be able to have biological children. We affirm that the unborn are worthy of protection, love, and justice.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
5.2
Fertility is a gift from God to be received with gratitude and humility, not as a right to be claimed or secured by any means. We recognize that infertility is a painful consequence of a fallen world that should be met with compassion. Christian couples should seek to exercise wisdom and prayer, inviting the guidance of the church, in decisions related to fertility and childbearing. We affirm medical treatments that overcome infertility insofar as they respect the dignity of human life, and do not intentionally destroy, discard, commodify, exploit, or unnecessarily endanger human embryos (i.e., unborn babies).
We affirm that human embryos bear the image of God and possess inherent dignity and worth. We deny that human embryos may be treated as disposable biological material, intentionally destroyed, selectively reduced, experimented upon, harvested, or created for purposes inconsistent with God’s design for human life (e.g., traditional in vitro fertilization). We believe that Christians may, in good conscience, pursue embryo adoption (i.e., snowflake adoptions) as a life-affirming effort to protect vulnerable life, even while opposing reproductive practices that create or destroy embryos.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
5.3
We affirm that married couples may exercise wisdom and stewardship in family planning, insofar as those methods do not intentionally end the life of a conceived child (e.g., abortifacients). We also condemn abortion of a human embryo for any reason (e.g., incest, rape). We recognize that some pregnancies are not viable and medical intervention is required to save the mother’s life (e.g., ectopic pregnancy). We believe that children should not be commodified, and reproductive arrangements that intentionally separate procreation from the marital covenant are often dangerous and destructive (e.g., sperm donation, egg donation, surrogacy).
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
5.4
We believe that eugenics, the idea of encouraging those deemed superior to reproduce and discouraging those deemed inferior from doing so, is contrary to God’s gift of life. We believe that the intentional selection of some traits and the intentional elimination of others constitute an assault on the image of God. We believe the use of genetic screening, embryo selection, and gene editing technologies for eugenics is dangerous, ethically problematic, and undermines human dignity and God’s good design.
We affirm that God created mankind in his image as male and female with equal personhood and worth, and that he commissioned them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and to rule and subdue it together. We also affirm that differences between men and women are part of God’s good design and plan Gen. 1:26–28 31.
We deny that male and female are indistinct from or interchangeable with one another, or that the differences are inconsequential Gen. 1:26–27 2:21–24 Matt. 19:4–5.
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Wedding Coordinator
Wedding Coordinator
Administrative Assistant for Outreach
Pastor for Preaching & Vision
Steven has served The North Church since 2017. He leads the staff team, oversees the preaching, and works alongside the elders in vision and strategy. His passion is for every believer to be transformed by God’s word in the context of a Christlike community in order to shine forth as witnesses of Jesus. He longs to see unbelievers discover the saving work and eternal worth of Jesus.
Previously, Steven pastored at College Church in Wheaton, IL and helped plant a multi-ethnic church in San Diego, CA. Steven writes occasionally for Desiring God and is a graduate of Bethlehem College & Seminary (MDiv) and the University of California San Diego. He is married to Stephanie and together they have five children.
Pastor for Care
Sam (with Vicki - married in 1973) responded to the call to join the pastoral staff in 1997 as Executive Pastor. His letter of acceptance stated his aim is to foster an unbridled enthusiasm for the preeminence of Jesus. He currently serves as the Pastor for Care at The North Church. God has used this ordinary jar of clay to publish a few books, some of which have been translated into Portuguese, Korean, and Spanish. To stay active he takes sunrise bicycle rides and plays pickle ball.
He and Vicki enjoy two daughters, two son-in-laws, and six grandchildren.
Pastor for Discipleship
While in seminary at Bethlehem College and Seminary, Josh, along with his wife Baileigh, attended the North Church and ministered with youth and families. After several years of developing curriculum and teaching classes for pastors around the world with Training Leaders International, Josh applied to serve at The North Church to serve as Pastor for Discipleship and was voted into the role on May 19, 2024. In ministry, Josh loves to help others see and savor Christ from the Scriptures, grow in their ability to use their gifts and minister to others, and live in joyful community together. God has given Josh and Baileigh the wonderful gift of four children to instruct, guide, and enjoy.
Ministry Assistant for High School Discipleship
Director for Security & Safety
Pastor for Children & Families
Andrew joined the pastoral staff in January 2026. His vision is to see children and families flourish in Christ together, with the church and home working hand in hand. He longs for children to encounter the gospel in its simplest and most powerful form, to develop a love for God’s Word, and to participate in authentic worship. Andrew wants parents, especially fathers, to embrace their God-given role as primary disciple-makers, while finding encouragement, equipping, and rest from the church community.
Andrew is married to Hannah, with whom he shares the joyful privilege of parenting three children.
Director for Women’s Ministry, Deacon
Liz has served as a deacon since 2019. She finds joy in serving as The North Church Director for Women's Ministries, serving on the Biblical Counseling Team, and playing flute in the orchestra. She is thankful for how God has strengthened her own faith as she ministers to others. She and Steve have four grown children, three who are married, and love spending time with their three grandchildren.
Her prayer for The North Church is that we would “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
Deacon for Global Diaconate
Steve has served on the Global Diaconate task force since 2008 and has a passion for disaster response and serving the poor and needy around the world in the name of Jesus. He has participated in numerous ministry trips, both domestic and international, to help our global and trusted partners in response to natural and manmade disaster situations.
Steve is married to Beth, and they have been at Bethlehem and the North Church since 2001.
Deacon for Helping Hands
Joe is currently Chair of the Helping Hand Committee and has served in that capacity for over two decades. He desires to see God glorified by responding with compassion and practical help toward The North Church's members, regular attenders, and neighbors who are facing financial hardship. He has also served in Children's Ministry, ushering, and choir.
Joe and his wife, Julie, are parents to 3 adult daughters.
Deacon for Meals
As a deacon for meals, Beka seeks to serve the church practically as she sees modeled in Acts chapter 6. God has called the pastors and elders to shepherd and teach, and by God’s grace he has called Beka to help provide food for those in need. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 says we are to comfort others with the comfort we have received from God ourselves. Many meals have been a comfort to Beka and her family as they have walked through difficult season. It is a gift for Beka to be able to comfort others in this way now.
Beka is married to Luke, and they have two sons. They have been attending The North Church since 2014 & 2012 respectively.
Treasurer
David has served as Treasurer since 2022. David sits on the Financial & Property Administrators team, where his primary responsibilities are to monitor and approve outgoing financial transactions and providing financial updates to the church during Quarterly Strategy Meetings. One of his main goals is to provide clarity through context (what he calls ‘giving the why behind the what’) and he seeks to make the complex simple. Financial matters have long been opportunities for division within churches, and David desires for members at The North Church to have ever-increasing trust in the Elders because information is communicated in a clear, transparent, and trustworthy manner.
David works for a major medical device manufacturing company. He holds a leadership position in Program Management. David is married to his wife Lauren. They have 3 children - Hannah, Grace, and Caleb. David and Lauren have attended The North Church or affiliates for 20+ years. David also teaches 5th grade Sunday School and is involved in men’s ministry.
Deacon for Meals
Julie has served as a meal ministry deacon for the last several years. Her role is to assist in providing meals to those in need of care through meals.
“Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another”. John 13:34
Julie is married to Bob and together they have been worshipping at the North Church since 2008.
Elder
Tim and his wife Anita have been members of Bethlehem Baptist/The North Church since 1986. Tim has served the church in multiple roles over those years, including serving many years as an elder and teaching adult Sunday School classes. Dr. Tomlinson had a long career in Christian higher education. He served first as a professor and later as an administrator at three different institutions over the course of the last 40 years. In his most recent position, he served as the founding president of Bethlehem College and Seminary—a position he held for 12 years before retiring in 2021. He currently serves the school in the role of President Emeritus. Throughout the years, it has been Tim’s privilege and joy to be engaged in many and various ministries, both local and global, that have given him the opportunity to see God’s amazing work in an up close and personal way. His life continues to be dedicated to making much of God and pointing others to the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ.
Elder, Vice Chairman
Steve has served as an elder since 2008 and has been involved in the Biblical Counseling ministry for much of that time. He loves seeing how God uses imperfect sinners and his Word to help other sinners make progress in their walk of faith. It is a joy to have a front row seat when people grow in their faith.
Steve has written one article at Desiring God.
Steve has been fortunate to be married to Liz since 1992 and they have four children (and one grandson!). He loves exploring God’s beautiful creation with his family by hiking, skiing, traveling and using his telescope.
Elder
Jim has been joyfully serving at The North Church in informal roles such as Sunday school teacher, small group leader, and ESL tutor since 2005. The church called him to serve as an elder beginning in 2021. Jim desires to foster the work of disciples making disciples throughout the church.Jim is married to Sarah and they are blessed to have four delightful children. Jim’s work focuses on leadership training both in the U.S. and internationally.
Elder
Vince has been at Bethlehem Baptist Church, now The North Church, since 1997. He served as an elder and the Outreach Pastor for 13 years. Before that he served with Cru for 23 years and recently completed the Master of Counseling degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. Vince and Kathy have enjoyed serving together in various ways. They helped teach a parenting class for many years. They recently led Discover The North Church, and currently serve on the biblical counseling team.
Vince has a passion for helping The North Church experience fullness of joy in God’s presence and pleasures forevermore at his right hand (Psalm 16:11).
Vince has been married to Kathy for 39 years. They have raised three children at Bethlehem and have two grandchildren. Since Vince retired from The North Church in 2023, they both work part-time at Joe’s Sporting Goods and love to spend time with family and friends.
Elder
Brian has been a member since 2017 and has served as an elder since 2021. It is his joy to serve through directing the worship choir and teaching Joint Heirs. His desire is to see each member growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18) through intentional discipleship, including expressing their musical skills for the glory of God and for the blessing and edification of the body.
Brian is a professor of church history at Bethlehem College and Seminary and is an author. His primary historical interests are the Protestant Reformation, Puritanism, and the early Particular Baptists. He is a published choral composer and enjoys writing his own texts as well as composing new tunes for and arranging older hymn texts.
Brian is married to Johanna, and they have five children. He enjoys reading, listening to and playing classical music, and spending time with his family exploring the Minnesota outdoors.
Elder
Joshua has been at The North Church since 2021 and is active in various ministries of the church. As an elder, Joshua desires to teach and shepherd God’s people with God’s word so that God is glorified in all things through Jesus Christ, particularly in and through the local church. He loves to see people turn from their sins to trust in, love, and serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
Joshua is also a New Testament professor at our church’s school, Bethlehem College and Seminary, where he writes for the upbuilding of the church and trains future pastors to minister God’s word faithfully to God’s people. Joshua and his wife, Amelia, are blessed with four children. He loves drinking coffee, hiking in mountains, reading books, rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals, and spending time with his family.
Elder
Tim has been at Bethlehem, now The North Church, for more than 35 years. He has served as an elder for more than 25 years. During those decades he has consistently taught young people, either on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings, and has often let the Elder Council. Tim sees a joyful connection between treasuring of the gospel and serving as a teacher and as an elder. He often describes one of the primary roles of teachers and elders as working with students and members of our body for their joy. (2 Cor. 1:24).
Tim is married to Molly. They raised their 5 children at Bethlehem. They have been at The North Church since it began in 2002.
Elder
Kurt has been at Bethlehem Baptist Church, now The North Church for more than 25 years. He has served as an elder for more than 15 years. He has had the pleasure of teaching and serving in a number of ways and in various areas over these years, including serving as a teacher and small group leader in the high school class for 10 of those years. It has been his joy to serve the church and he deeply believes that God is most glorified by us when we are most satisfied in him. His desire is that people would “taste and see that the Lord is good” and that he is our best refuge (Psalm 34:8).
Kurt has been married to Heather for more than three decades. They have raised two children at Bethlehem. Kurt is a physician. He serves as a medical leader in a local health system and maintains a part-time practice in internal medicine and pediatrics.
Elder
Bryan and his wife, Sarah, were members of Bethlehem’s North Campus in 2007–2008, and again since 2020. They have served on the Prayer Lab adult Sunday school team since 2022, and Bryan has been an elder at The North Church since 2024. Bryan’s life goal is to pursue joy in God’s glory through his word and Spirit, and to help others do so. He ensures quality control at Desiring God in the areas of resource production, communications, the office of John Piper, HR, events, and their board. Bryan and Sarah have five children and live in Little Canada. They enjoy reading, listening to (and making) music, watching football, eating popcorn, laughing, and walking together.
Elder, Chairman
Ryan has served as an elder at The North Church since 2022 and has been engaged in the church in various ways and roles since 2010. Ryan’s desire as an elder is to spend and be spent (2 Corinthians 12:15) shepherding people and structuring systems to allow for the people of God at The North Church to flourish as is fitting to their design as a masterpiece of the Creator (Ephesians 2:10). His hope is that by one degree at a time each of us would be molded into the image of our dear Savior, Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), and in all things our dependence on God would deepen, our joy in him would abound, and his glory would be increasingly displayed through us.
Ryan and his wife Julia have three sons, arrows they aim towards Jesus. Together as a family they actively look for God at work around them and delight in being outside in his creation. During the day, Ryan serves Desiring God by leading their operations and product strategy.
Elder
Nick was raised in a Catholic home and was very involved in the Catholic church through high school. During his sophomore year of college, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord stirred in Nick a desire to study God’s word. That year, God drew Nick to himself and transformed his heart (John 6:44), and Nick trusted in Christ alone for salvation through faith (Romans 5:1–2).
Nick & Heidi have attended The North Church since moving to Minnesota in 2018. They have served in the Grade 5 and Middle School ministries. Nick & Heidi are also active in small group ministry. Nick is passionate about teaching and defending the word of God and seeing the truth of God’s word applied to leadership and church governance, enabling the church for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Nick & Heidi are covenant members and are grateful for the impact of the church on their lives and the lives of their four children: Samuel, Benjamin, Joshua, and Eliana. With the power of the Holy Spirit, they aim to raise their family in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:4, Acts 9:31).
Administrative Assistant for Women
Nursery Coordinator
Administrative Assistant for Worship, Coordinator for Choirs, and Reception
Assistant Coordinator for Nurseries
Administrative Assistant for Children & Families
Coordinator for Facilities
Administrative Assistant for Counseling and Discipleship
Administrative Assistant for Youth & Families
Coordinator for Children & Family Ministry
Administrative Assistant for Vision & Preaching
Coordinator for Facility Infrastructure
Coordinator for Connection Meals
Assistant Coordinator for Nurseries
Coordinator for ESL Outreach
Ministry Assistant for Global Outreach & Discipleship
Receptionist, Administrative Assistant for Operations & Care
Pastoral Assistant for Steven Lee
Financial Secretary
Sarah has served as a Deacon for the church since 2019. Her role as the Financial Secretary is to wholeheartedly glorify Jesus Christ, by maintaining accurate giving and revenue receipt records, and communicating appropriately with constituents. She feels a strong call and great excitement to serve in this role with The North Church.
Sarah has taught students majoring in Accounting and Finance at the University of St Thomas in St Paul for 10 years and has a degree in Business Administration. Sarah is married to Jason and they have two daughters. They have been at The North Church since 2011.
Ministry Assistant for Crisis Care
Director for Human Resources, Deacon for Helping Hands
Joby has been on staff since 1992. She has also served as a Deacon for a couple of decades. Her role in Human Resources calls for diaconal qualifications and she also serves the church through our Helping Hand, Global Outreach and Funeral ministries. Joby feels a strong call to serve The North Church family in the Lord's strength for his glory (1 Peter 4:11).
Joby is married to Jon and together they have been at The North Church since it began as a campus in 2002
Director of Campus Outreach Minneapolis
Reid has served as the Minneapolis Regional Director for Campus Outreach since 2019. His role is to lead a staff team that ministers to college students at The University of Northwestern St. Paul, Bethel University, The University of Minnesota and St. Thomas University. Reid saw the impact of evangelism and discipleship during his own time in college, and has a passion for students to know and treasure Jesus. Evangelism and Discipleship are needed, and college is the perfect time when students start thinking through and asking formative questions about what they believe and why they believe it. Reid loves seeing the power of God at work in student's lives in the Twin Cities and getting a front-row seat to see hearts move from death to life.Reid is married to Nikki and together they have 3 children. They have been at the North Church since 2008.
Director for Media Ministries
Campus Outreach North Area Director
Lucas has served on staff with Campus Outreach since 2014. Campus Outreach is The North Church's college ministry. He started off as the Campus Director at Bethel University and now is the North Area Director overseeing our staff and student ministry at Bethel University and University of Northwestern. Lucas loves discipleship, entrusting the gospel to the next generation so that they would be able to teach it others also (2 Timothy 2:2).Lucas is married to Ariana. They have two sons and one daughter. They have been at The North Church since 2009.
Pastor for Global Outreach
Nick joined the pastoral staff in June 2022 to help facilitate global outreach efforts at The North Church. Prior to that, Nick completed his MDiv at Bethlehem College & Seminary and served part-time in global outreach for Bethlehem Baptist Church. Nick is eager to serve The North Church as we seek to steward our people and resources to make mature disciples of Christ by planting and strengthening local churches among the nations.
Nick is married to Becky, with whom he shares the joyful privilege of parenting five children.
Pastor for Community Outreach & Connection
Jason has devoted much of his Christian life and pastoral ministry to seeing the gospel spread among the downtrodden. He served, since 2010, as a Treasuring Christ Together pastor in the impoverished neighborhoods of North Little Rock, AR. Jason arrived at The North Church in March of 2024, to oversee the welcome team, Discover The North Church Class, and local outreach. His aim is to stoke affections for God with the same Spirit-filled welcome that God Himself has extended to us, through Jesus Christ, so that God’s passion for His glory mobilizes The North Church into the surrounding communities. Jason longs to see this take shape through organized initiatives and organic, daily interactions (Romans 15:7-12).
Jason and Nicole (married in 1995) have three adult daughters and one granddaughter. They enjoy jogging or working out, a good cup of coffee, and genuine relationships that are centered on God in honest conversations.
Pastor for Youth & Families
Jon has served students and their families for almost three decades. He is passionate about teaching God's intended message from Scripture, building a ministry shaped by God's word, and partnering with parents and the church body to help students find their joy in Jesus. His desire is that God would raise up many in the next generation who could be, "called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified!" (Isaiah 61:3)
Jon is married to Mandy. They have attended The North Church since 2005 with their two daughters, one married, two sons, and one grandaughter.
Pastor for Counseling
Brian has served in pastoral ministry since 2008 and here at The North Church since the summer of 2018. He is passionate about helping people face life’s challenges by building a relationship with them, opening up the Scripture, and pointing them to the hope and help found in Jesus. In addition to providing counsel, Brian enjoys leading our lay counseling team, overseeing crisis care, and equipping the church through teaching. His prayer is that the church would continue to develop a culture where we pursue meaningful relationships, share our struggles with one another, and speak the truth in love so that together we can become more like Christ. Brian is married to Kacie and they have been blessed with three wonderful sons and one daughter-in-law.
Pastor for Worship
Dan's passion for God and love for the local church motivates him to press on in shepherding at The North Church in worship and music. For more than two decades, in obedience to Jesus' command found in John 21:17, Dan has expressed his pastoral calling to "feed the sheep" by planning and leading corporate worship services Sundays, Wednesdays and on special occasions. Aiming to maintain the priority of singing God-centered, Christ-exalting and biblically-coherent songs, Dan serves alongside dozens of volunteer leaders who conduct, sing and play instruments for the glory of God and in advancing the gospel-savoring gladness of the people.
Dan and Liz have been married for more than 4 decades. The Holsts have 4 children, 3 of whom are married, and 6 grandchildren. They have been a part of The North Church since its inception in 2002.
Pastor for Middle School & Families
Ben has served in Junior High or Middle School ministry since 2013. He loves leading young people to see Jesus in God’s word, partnering with parents for the evangelism and discipleship of their youth, and fulfilling his call as an elder. The North Church is truly home.
Ben is married to Amy, who also serves in a support role with our IT staff, keeping our database clean. They have four sons and one daughter.
Pastor for Operations
Jon worked as a software developer and project leader for 25 years, and served as a Bethlehem non-staff elder leading the North Campus building project before coming on staff as Pastor for Operations in 2006. His role involves coordinating many behind the scenes ministries (building & property, IT, media, HR, finance, etc.) to keep them aligned with and supporting The North Church’s ministry goals, joyfully serving in the strength God supplies so that He gets the glory. Jon enjoys helping to keep the congregation informed about various financial needs and “quantifying our ministry vision” through an annual budget presentation. Jon and Pam have been married for more than four decades, and live in New Brighton. They raised their two children at Bethlehem, both now married, and have six grandchildren. They have been a part of The North Church since 2002.