Dear Parents, Students, and Faculty,

As we embark on another exciting school year, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead. Cornerstone Baptist School continues to thrive as a beacon of Christ-centered education, thanks to our dedicated community's unwavering support and commitment.

This year, we stand at the threshold of significant milestones. Our pursuit of excellence through the Cognia accreditation process reflects our collective aspiration to foster an environment that not only meets but exceeds global standards of educational quality and integrity. This endeavor underscores our commitment to providing an educational experience that nurtures academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development.

Our theme for the 2024-2025 school year, "Rooted in Faith, Growing in Excellence," captures the essence of our mission. We are dedicated to creating a learning environment where every student can plant and nurture the seeds of faith, knowledge, and wisdom. Together, we will cultivate these seeds, witnessing their growth into strong pillars of our community and beyond.

I encourage each of you to engage fully in the life of our school. Your participation and input are invaluable as we continue to shape an educational experience that honors our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership. Here's to a year filled with learning, growth, and God's abundant blessings.

Warmest regards,

Timothy Carter
Administrator
Cornerstone Baptist School

Established in 2021 initially as a preschool, Cornerstone Baptist School has rapidly grown and evolved to encompass a broader educational scope that now includes Pre-K through 8th grade. Located in Sedalia, MO, our school is dedicated to providing a nurturing, Christ-centered educational environment. In a few short years, we've expanded our reach and deepened our commitment to blending faith with rigorous academic standards, preparing students to lead and shine in a complex world.

In our pursuit of excellence, Cornerstone Baptist School is actively engaging in the accreditation process through Cognia, a testament to our commitment to high educational standards and continuous improvement. This effort reflects our dedication not only to meet but exceed global benchmarks in education.

At the heart of Cornerstone Baptist School is our mission to provide a Christ-centered, engaging learning environment that promotes both academic and spiritual growth. Our vision is steadfast: to lay a solid biblical foundation leading to lives that glorify God, equipping every child to grow in wisdom, both academically and spiritually. We see our students as tomorrow's leaders—prepared to impact the world for Christ, rooted in faith, and excelling across their pursuits.

Statements of Faith

At Cornerstone Baptist School, we are deeply committed to providing a Christ-centered education that aligns with our core beliefs and values. Our educational philosophy and practices are rooted in the following key statements of faith:

1. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (BFM2000)
  - The BFM2000 is a comprehensive statement of faith that outlines our belief in the authority of Scripture, the nature of God, the work of Christ, salvation, the Church, Christian living, and more. It serves as a doctrinal guide for our teachings and practices.

2. The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
- We affirm the Chicago Statement, which emphasizes the inerrancy of Scripture, asserting that the Bible is without error in all its teachings. This belief underpins our commitment to teaching and living according to the truth of God's Word.

3. The Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
- The Danvers Statement articulates our belief in the complementary roles of men and women as designed by God. It addresses issues related to gender roles in the family and church, advocating for a biblical perspective on manhood and womanhood.

4. The Nashville Statement on Human Sexuality
- The Nashville Statement affirms our belief in the biblical understanding of human sexuality. It covers issues of sexual identity, marriage, and sexual ethics, upholding the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman.

These foundational documents collectively guide our doctrinal positions and educational practices and can be found in the appendices of this handbook. They ensure that our teachings are firmly rooted in biblical truth and that our community reflects the values and principles of our faith.

For more detailed information on our Statements of Faith or any specific doctrinal positions, please feel free to contact our school office. We welcome discussions and are happy to provide further clarification on our beliefs.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, our educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that true education is centered on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles outlined in Scripture. We are committed to fostering an environment where students can grow academically, spiritually, and morally. Guided by 2 Timothy 3:16, which affirms that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," we integrate rigorous academics with a Christ-centered worldview. We encourage students to develop critical thinking skills and a love for learning, as stated in Proverbs 2:6: "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." 

Our approach emphasizes the pursuit of excellence in all endeavors, striving to do everything "as working for the Lord, not for human masters" (Colossians 3:23). We apply biblical principles to all areas of life, believing that faith and learning are inseparable. We emphasize character development and community service, reflecting Ephesians 4:32 to "be kind and compassionate to one another." By nurturing both the mind and the spirit, we aim to prepare students to be compassionate, responsible, and wise individuals who honor God in all aspects of their lives.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, we strive to provide a Christ-centered, academically excellent education to all students. Our admissions policy is designed to ensure a smooth and transparent process for all families seeking enrollment.

1. Re-Enrollment for Current Students

As we approach the new 2024-2025 school year, we are dedicated to continually enhancing the quality of our educational programs and facilities. These adjustments in tuition rates will enable us to sustain our mission of providing the best possible educational environment for your children.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact our admissions office at 660-310-9871.

Cornerstone Baptist School is committed to academic excellence within a Christ-centered environment. Our expanded academic policies guide our rigorous curriculum, evaluation methods, and student responsibilities, reflecting our dedication to nurturing not only intellectual growth but also spiritual maturity and moral integrity.

The expanded academic policies of Cornerstone Baptist School articulate our holistic approach to education, emphasizing academic rigor, integrity, spiritual growth, and the development of the whole child. Through adherence to these policies, we aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for success in life and service to God’s kingdom.

Attendance Policy

At Cornerstone Baptist School, we believe in nurturing both the academic and spiritual development of our students through consistent participation in class and school activities. Our detailed attendance policy underscores the significance of regular attendance and outlines the procedures and consequences associated with unexcused absences.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, we understand that students may occasionally miss school due to illness, family obligations, or other reasons. To ensure that students have a fair opportunity to complete their missed assignments, we have established the following guidelines for make-up work:

By following these guidelines, we aim to provide students with the support they need to stay on track academically, even when they are unable to attend school. If you have any questions or need further clarification about our homework make-up policy, please contact the school office.

The structured penalties for unexcused absences underscore the importance of consistent engagement with the educational content and the school community. This policy aligns with our Christian ethos, emphasizing responsibility, commitment, and the value of education as reflected in Proverbs 12:1 - “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”

The detailed Attendance Policy of Cornerstone Baptist School is designed to promote a culture of responsibility and engagement, essential for the academic success and personal growth of our students. We believe that understanding and adhering to this policy will help students develop the discipline and commitment necessary for lifelong success and spiritual growth.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, we aim to create a safe and efficient environment for our students during lunchtime. As such, we have established the following lunch policies:

By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to ensure that lunchtime is a safe and enjoyable experience for all students. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding our lunch policies, please contact the school office. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth and orderly lunchtime environment.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, our commitment to providing a rich, Christ-centered education is reflected in our comprehensive academic calendar. Missouri state laws offer flexibility for private schools like ours, not specifying a required length for the school year or days. This autonomy enables us to design an academic calendar that best meets the educational needs of our students while aligning with our mission to foster academic excellence and spiritual growth.

While Missouri state law does not mandate a specific number of instructional days for private schools, Cornerstone Baptist School is dedicated to exceeding typical educational standards. Our goal is to ensure that every student receives a full and enriching educational experience, equipping them with knowledge and faith for the future. Our structured calendar reflects our commitment to this goal, providing a robust schedule of academic instruction, spiritual development activities, and opportunities for community engagement.

August 2024

19: Open House
26: First Day of School/Beginning of 1st Quarter

September 2024
2: No School (Labor Day)
27: Pasta With A Purpose Fundraiser - Early Out
30: Teacher Professional Development Day/No School

October 2024

10: End of 1st Quarter
11: No School (Teacher Work Day)
16-17: Parent-Teacher Conferences
17: Early Dismissal
18: No School (Teacher Work Day)

November 2024
1: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
5: No School (Election Day)
27-29: Thanksgiving Break/No School

December 2024
20: End of 2nd Quarter/End of 1st Semester
23-31: Christmas Break/No School

January 2025
1-6: Christmas Break/No School
6: Teacher Work Day
7: School Resumes/Beginning of 3rd Quarter/2nd Semester
17: Teacher Professional Development Day/No School
20: MLK Day/No School

February 2025
14: Teacher Professional Development Day/No School
17: Presidents Day/No School

March 2025
6: End of 3rd Quarter
7: Teacher Work Day/No School
12-13: Parent-Teacher Conferences
13: Early Dismissal
14: Teacher Work Day/No School
17-21: Spring Break/No School

April 2025
2: 2025/2026 School Enrollment Opens
17-21: Easter Break/No School

May 2025
22: Last Day of School/Early Dismissal, End of 4th Quarter/2nd Semester
23: Teacher Work Day

In aligning our academic calendar with Missouri's legal framework, Cornerstone Baptist School ensures that our operations not only meet but exceed the standards set forth for private education. Our calendar is crafted to provide a complete and comprehensive educational experience, recognizing the importance of both academic learning and spiritual growth. Through this careful planning, we fulfill our mission to lay a solid biblical foundation for our students, preparing them for a life that glorifies God and equips them to be leaders in their communities and beyond.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, the health and safety of our students and staff are paramount. Grounded in our commitment to a Christ-centered education, we view the stewardship of health and safety as a reflection of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - “...Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God... So glorify God in your body.” In this spirit, we have established comprehensive health and safety requirements to protect our school community.

The health and safety of our school community are integral to fulfilling our mission of providing a Christ-centered educational experience. By adhering to these health and safety requirements, we uphold our responsibility to care for the well-being of each student, staff member, and visitor, glorifying God through our stewardship of health and safety.

We are thrilled to have you as part of our school community, where our mission is to provide a Christ-centered, engaging learning environment that fosters academic and spiritual growth. In alignment with our core values and the Cognia standards of excellence, we have established guidelines to ensure a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment for all.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, we believe that our appearance can reflect our respect for ourselves, others, and our school environment. The following Dress Code Policy is designed to maintain a focus on education while respecting our diverse community. This policy applies during school hours, on school grounds, and at all school-sponsored events, unless otherwise specified.

It is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian to ensure compliance with the Dress Code Policy. Teachers and school administration have the authority to enforce this policy and make final determinations regarding appropriateness.

We appreciate the cooperation of all students, parents, and guardians in adhering to the Dress Code Policy, ensuring that Cornerstone Baptist School remains a place focused on learning and personal growth.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment where every student is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to excel both academically and spiritually. Our Code of Conduct is rooted in Christian values, promoting a culture of integrity, kindness, and mutual respect. This code serves as a guide for expected behavior, emphasizing our collective responsibility to create a positive and nurturing school climate.

Respect: Valuing each individual by listening attentively in class, speaking kindly to peers and teachers, and acknowledging everyone’s right to their opinions during discussions.

Integrity: Demonstrating honesty by doing one’s own homework, acknowledging if you haven’t completed an assignment instead of making excuses, and citing sources in research projects.

Responsibility: Taking charge of one’s actions by arriving on time for school, being prepared with all necessary materials, and completing assignments by their due dates.

Compassion: Showing kindness through helping a classmate understand a difficult concept, reaching out to new students to make them feel welcome, or comforting someone who is upset.

Service: Contributing positively by participating in school service projects, like assisting in clean-up after lunch, prepping special class rooms, etc.

Honesty: Submitting work that is genuinely one’s own; for example, solving math problems without copying from classmates or sources without permission.

Originality: Creating and turning in original work for every assignment, whether it's a science project or an English essay, and properly citing all references.

Fairness: Competing in school competitions, like spelling bees or science fairs, with integrity, relying solely on one’s own knowledge and abilities without trying to sabotage others.

Behavioral Expectations: Reflecting the school’s ethos by showing respect during chapel, participating in service opportuinities, and maintaining a positive attitude during school outings.

Bullying and Harassment: Ensuring a safe environment by refraining from spreading rumors, engaging in name-calling, or excluding others from group activities.

Substance Abuse: Committing to a healthy lifestyle by avoiding any use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs at school events or on school property.

Online Behavior: Practicing kindness and respect online by congratulating peers on their achievements on social media rather than posting negative comments.

Privacy and Security: Protecting personal and others' information by not sharing passwords or posting pictures of classmates without their consent.

Educational Use: Utilizing school-provided tablets or computers primarily for educational activities, like researching for a history project, not for playing non-educational games during class.

School Property: Showing care by cleaning up after lunch, not writing on desks, and handling school laptops or lab equipment responsibly.

Personal Property: Demonstrating respect for others' belongings by asking before borrowing a pencil or a book and returning it in good condition.

Reporting Misconduct: Encouraging a culture of integrity by reporting seen or heard instances of cheating during tests to a teacher.

Investigation Process: Ensuring fairness by participating honestly in discussions if involved in or witnessing a disciplinary incident.

Disciplinary Actions: Understanding the consequences of actions, ranging from receiving a warning for minor infractions like dress code violations to more severe measures such as suspension for repeated offenses.

Conflict Resolution: Seeking peaceful solutions by talking through disagreements with a teacher's guidance instead of resorting to arguments or fights.

Our Code of Conduct is a living document, integral to our school’s mission of fostering a Christ-centered educational community. By adhering to these guidelines, we uphold our commitment to excellence, integrity, and mutual respect. Together, we create a school environment where every student is empowered to grow, learn, and thrive.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, we view discipline not merely as punishment but as an essential part of spiritual and personal growth. Our discipline policy is designed to reflect our Christian ethos, promoting understanding, reconciliation, and the development of godly character in our students. The process is guided by biblical principles, aiming to correct behavior while upholding the dignity and worth of every individual.

Written Notice and Parental Involvement

Biblical Reference: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasizes the importance of parents in the moral and spiritual education of their children. Engaging parents in the discipline process is crucial.

Application: A written notice to parents invites them to partner with the school in addressing the behavior, discussing corrective measures, and reinforcing biblical principles at home.

Biblical Reference: Luke 19:8-9 illustrates the importance of making amends as evidence of true repentance. Restitution is a tangible way to restore what was lost or damaged.

Application: Where applicable, students are encouraged to make restitution or engage in restorative actions that benefit the affected party, promoting healing and reconciliation.

Detention or Suspension

Biblical Reference: Proverbs 29:15 - “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Temporary removal from the community can be a tool for reflection and growth.

Application: Detention or suspension serves as a more severe reminder of the consequences of actions, providing time for reflection, prayer, and a plan for improvement.

Expulsion (In Extreme Cases)

Biblical Reference: 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 discusses removing a persistently unrepentant individual from the community to protect its integrity and to encourage repentance.

Application: As a last resort, expulsion may be necessary for serious or repeated violations. This step is taken with heavy hearts and after all other avenues for correction and reconciliation have been exhausted.

Restoration and Reconciliation

Biblical Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 speaks to the ministry of reconciliation that we are all called to. The goal of discipline is always to restore relationships and realign behaviors with biblical principles.

Application: Following disciplinary actions, students will be guided through a process of reconciliation with those affected by their actions and with the school community.

Our Discipline Policy reflects our dedication to guiding students through their mistakes in a manner that encourages repentance, healing, and growth. We rely on the wisdom of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit to work within the hearts of our students, guiding them back to the path of righteousness and peace.

Effective communication between parents and teachers is crucial for fostering a supportive and collaborative educational environment. At Cornerstone Baptist School, we have established the following protocols to ensure clear and respectful communication between parents and teachers:

To discuss any questions or issues, parents are encouraged to contact the school office at 660-310-9871 to schedule an appointment with their child’s teacher. This ensures that teachers can dedicate focused time to address your concerns thoroughly. Appointments can be scheduled by:

Calling the School Office: Contact the school office during regular hours (7:30am to 3:30pm M-F) at 660-310-9871. Office staff will assist you in scheduling a convenient time to meet with the teacher.

Visiting the School Office: You can also visit the school office in person to arrange an appointment.

Parents are encouraged to utilize the FACTS Family Portal for communication with teachers. The portal provides a secure and organized platform for sending messages and tracking responses. To reach out through the Family Portal:

Log In to the FACTS Family Portal: Access the portal using your credentials.

Navigate to the Messaging Section: Select the appropriate teacher and compose your message.

Check for Responses: Teachers will respond to your queries through the portal, ensuring a documented and accessible communication history.

Additionally, the FACTS Family Portal provides parents with easy access to their child's:

Grade Information: View grades and academic performance in real-time.

Attendance Reports: Check attendance records to stay updated on your child’s school attendance.

Discipline Reports: Access any discipline reports to be informed about your child's behavior and school conduct.

These features enable parents to stay informed about their child's academic and behavioral progress without needing to contact the school or teachers directly.

For the privacy and professionalism of both parents and teachers, the following guidelines have been set:

No Direct Text Messages or Phone Calls: Teachers have been instructed not to respond to direct text messages or phone calls from parents. This policy ensures that all communications are documented and conducted through official channels.

No Discussions During Drop-off or Pick-up: To maintain an orderly and safe environment, teachers will not be available for discussions during the drop-off or pick-up line before and after school. Please use the established communication methods for any discussions or concerns.

Response Time: Teachers will strive to respond to messages within 24-48 hours during school days. For urgent matters, please contact the school office directly.

In addition to the above protocols, Cornerstone Baptist School schedules regular parent-teacher conferences throughout the school year. These conferences are an excellent opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, address concerns, and collaborate on strategies to support their education.

If you have concerns that require immediate attention or if you feel an issue has not been adequately addressed, please contact the school administration. Our goal is to ensure that all concerns are resolved promptly and effectively.

Contacting Administration: Reach out to the school administration via the school office or through the FACTS Family Portal for administrative matters.

By following these communication protocols, we aim to create a respectful and efficient environment for addressing your child’s educational needs. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to working together to support your child’s success at Cornerstone Baptist School.

Technology Use Policy

In the evolving digital age, Cornerstone Baptist School recognizes the importance of integrating technology into our educational framework. Our Technology Use Policy aims to guide students and staff in the responsible, ethical, and effective use of electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, tablets, and other digital tools. This policy is rooted in biblical principles, reflecting our commitment to fostering a Christ-centered digital environment.

To maintain a focused and safe learning environment at Cornerstone Baptist School, we have established strict guidelines regarding the use of cell phones and smart watches on campus.

By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to create a learning environment that is secure, respectful, and conducive to academic success. We appreciate the cooperation of students and parents in upholding this policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office for further information.

Our Technology Use Policy is designed to ensure that the digital tools and platforms we engage with are used in a manner that is safe, respectful, and reflective of our Christian ethos. By adhering to these guidelines, we prepare our students not only for academic success but also for responsible citizenship in the digital world.

To ensure the safety and smooth operation of student arrival and dismissal, Cornerstone Baptist School has established the following procedures for parents:

School Doors Open: The school doors will open at 7:45 a.m. Please do not drop off your child before this time as supervision will not be available.

Arrival Time (7:45-8:00 a.m.): Upon arrival, students should proceed directly to the gym and sit at their assigned class tables. Running or horsing around is not permitted to maintain a safe environment.

Supervision: From 7:45 to 8:00 a.m., at least two staff members will be on duty to greet students and supervise them in the gym. This ensures that all children are safe and accounted for until the school day officially begins.

Morning Assembly: At 8:00 a.m., students will participate in a short Morning Assembly which includes the Pledge of Allegiance, the Bible Pledge, morning announcements, and a whole school prayer. After the assembly, students will be dismissed to their classrooms in an orderly manner by their teachers.

Dismissal

End of School Day: The school day ends at 3:00 p.m.

Preparation for Dismissal (2:55 p.m.): Teachers will bring students to the gym at 2:55 p.m. where they will sit at their assigned tables and wait to be dismissed. This helps ensure that all students are accounted for and dismissed safely.

Supervision During Dismissal: Two to three staff members will supervise students in the gym. Other teachers will be stationed at the doors to watch for parents or guardians arriving for pick-up.

Check-Out Procedure: When you arrive to pick up your child, please check out with the teachers at the door. The teachers will communicate via walkie-talkie or “runner teacher” to call your child from the gym. Your child will then be sent out to meet you. Students will not be allowed to wait in the lobby for their safety.

Important Notes for Parents

Punctuality: Please adhere to the designated drop-off and pick-up times to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

3:15 Deadline: Parents must pick up their students no later than 3:15 PM each school day.

No Discussions During Drop-Off/Pick-Up: To maintain efficiency and safety, teachers will not be available for discussions during the drop-off or pick-up times. Please schedule an appointment or use the FACTS Family Portal for any necessary communication.

Safety First: These procedures are designed to ensure the safety and security of all students. Your cooperation is essential and greatly appreciated.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure that all students arrive and depart from school safely and efficiently. If you have any questions or need further clarification on the pick-up and drop-off procedures, please contact the school office. Thank you for your cooperation and support in making this process as seamless as possible.

At Cornerstone Baptist School, we cherish the partnership with parents in the educational and spiritual development of their children. Our Parental Involvement policy is designed to foster open communication, mutual support, and active engagement in our Christ-centered educational community. We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children, as supported by Scripture, and that their involvement is pivotal to student success.

Parental involvement is integral to the mission of Cornerstone Baptist School, enhancing the educational experience and reinforcing the Christian values we hold dear. We are grateful for the commitment and support of our parent community and look forward to a fruitful partnership in guiding our students towards academic excellence and spiritual maturity. By working together, we can achieve a harmonious and supportive environment that encourages our children to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and all people (Luke 2:52).

Appendix 1: Missouri Statutes Summary for Private Schools

This summary provides an overview of Missouri statutes applicable to private school operations, emphasizing areas that directly impact our school community. It is intended for informational purposes, reflecting our commitment to compliance and transparency.

Teacher Certification

Teacher certification is not mandated by Missouri state statute for private school educators. However, Cornerstone Baptist School values professional development and may seek certified teachers to maintain high educational standards.

Length of School Year and Days

State law does not specify a required length for the school year or school days for private schools, providing flexibility to set the academic calendar according to the school's educational goals.

Curriculum

Private schools must provide instruction in the U.S. and Missouri constitutions, American history, and institutions. This instruction must begin by at least the seventh grade and continue in high school, ensuring that students meet graduation requirements established by the school.

Recordkeeping and Reports

Immunization Records: Private schools are required to maintain records showing the immunization status of enrolled students, reporting to state health authorities as necessary.

Child Abuse Reporting: Schools must comply with mandatory reporting laws regarding suspected child abuse or neglect.

Health and Safety Requirements

Immunization: Students must comply with state immunization requirements unless exempt for medical or religious reasons.

Asbestos Reporting: Schools must assess the presence of friable asbestos and report findings, ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.

Special Education

While not bound by the same requirements as public schools, private schools may offer special education services and accommodations, collaborating with local education agencies as appropriate.

Technology and Internet Use

The use of technology in educational settings, including internet access, is increasingly common. Private schools are encouraged to implement policies that ensure the safe and effective use of these resources.

Transportation and Food Services

Transportation to and from school by the private institution is not mandated. Policies related to food services, including accommodations for students with allergies, are developed at the discretion of the school.

Cornerstone Baptist School operates within the framework of Missouri statutes relevant to private education, ensuring a safe, compliant, and enriching learning environment for our students. This summary reflects our dedication to upholding legal standards while pursuing our mission of providing Christ-centered education

Cornerstone Baptist School is engaged in the accreditation process through Cognia, a global nonprofit organization that supports educational institutions in enhancing student achievement and educational quality. This appendix outlines the Cognia accreditation process and the standards that guide our school’s continuous improvement efforts.

The accreditation process through Cognia is a rigorous, multi-year pathway focused on evaluating and enhancing the school’s educational practices, policies, and outcomes. The process is divided into distinct phases:

Readiness: Preparation and self-assessment to ensure alignment with Cognia standards and readiness for external evaluation.

Self-Assessment and Evaluation: Comprehensive review of the school's policies, practices, and student performance data against Cognia standards.

External Review: A team of Cognia-trained educators conducts an on-site evaluation to assess the school’s adherence to standards and identify areas for improvement.

Continuous Improvement Plan: Based on the external review findings, the school develops and implements a plan for continuous improvement, addressing identified needs.

Monitoring and Re-Evaluation: Ongoing monitoring of the improvement plan and periodic re-evaluation to maintain accreditation status and foster ongoing enhancement of educational quality.

Cognia standards are research-based criteria designed to evaluate schools on three critical domains: Leadership Capacity, Learning Capacity, and Resource Capacity. These standards ensure that accredited institutions maintain high levels of educational quality and effectiveness:

Leadership Capacity: Focuses on the school’s leadership and governance structures, strategic planning processes, and the school’s ability to drive continuous improvement.

Learning Capacity: Evaluates the curriculum, instructional design, assessment practices, and student engagement strategies to ensure effective learning environments.

Resource Capacity: Assesses the allocation and use of resources (financial, human, material) to support and enhance student learning experiences.

Through adherence to Cognia standards and engagement in the accreditation process, Cornerstone Baptist School demonstrates its commitment to excellence in education. This process aligns with our mission to foster academic achievement, spiritual growth, and the development of Christian character in our students.

The Cognia accreditation process and adherence to its performance standards are integral to our continuous improvement efforts at Cornerstone Baptist School. By aligning our practices with these benchmarks, we affirm our dedication to providing an outstanding educational experience grounded in Christian values, ensuring our students are prepared for success in all areas of life.

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God’s creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.

Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.

B. Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.

C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.

D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its two scriptural offices are that of pastor/elder/overseer and deacon. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor/elder/overseer is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.

The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper.

The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.

The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord’s Day should be commensurate with the Christian’s conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God’s will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people.

In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.

Christ’s people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ’s people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.

All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.

It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.

Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.

The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God’s image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.

Article I. WE AFFIRM that the Holy Scriptures are to be received as the authoritative Word of God. WE DENY that the Scriptures receive their authority from the Church, tradition, or any other human source.

Article II. WE AFFIRM that the Scriptures are the supreme written norm by which God binds the conscience, and that the authority of the Church is subordinate to that of Scripture. WE DENY that Church creeds, councils, or declarations have authority greater than or equal to the authority of the Bible.

Article III. WE AFFIRM that the written Word in its entirety is revelation given by God. WE DENY that the Bible is merely a witness to revelation, or only becomes revelation in encounter, or depends on the responses of men for its validity.

Article IV. WE AFFIRM that God who made mankind in His image has used language as a means of revelation. WE DENY that human language is so limited by our creatureliness that it is rendered inadequate as a vehicle for divine revelation. We further deny that the corruption of human culture and language through sin has thwarted God’s work of inspiration.

Article V. WE AFFIRM that God’s revelation within the Holy Scriptures was progressive. WE DENY that later revelation, which may fulfill earlier revelation, ever corrects or contradicts it. We further deny that any normative revelation has been given since the completion of the New Testament writings.

Article VI. WE AFFIRM that the whole of Scripture and all its parts, down to the very words of the original, were given by divine inspiration. WE DENY that the inspiration of Scripture can rightly be affirmed of the whole without the parts, or of some parts but not the whole.

Article VII. WE AFFIRM that inspiration was the work in which God by His Spirit, through human writers, gave us His Word. The origin of Scripture is divine. The mode of divine inspiration remains largely a mystery to us. WE DENY that inspiration can be reduced to human insight, or to heightened states of consciousness of any kind.

Article VIII. WE AFFIRM that God in His work of inspiration utilized the distinctive personalities and literary styles of the writers whom He had chosen and prepared. WE DENY that God, in causing these writers to use the very words that He chose, overrode their personalities.

Article IX. WE AFFIRM that inspiration, though not conferring omniscience, guaranteed true and trustworthy utterance on all matters of which the Biblical authors were moved to speak and write. WE DENY that the finitude or fallenness of these writers, by necessity or otherwise, introduced distortion or falsehood into God’s Word.

Article X. WE AFFIRM that inspiration, strictly speaking, applies only to the autographic text of Scripture, which in the providence of God can be ascertained from available manuscripts with great accuracy. We further affirm that copies and translations of Scripture are the Word of God to the extent that they faithfully represent the original. WE DENY that any essential element of the Christian faith is affected by the absence of the autographs. We further deny that this absence renders the assertion of Biblical inerrancy invalid or irrelevant.

Article XI. WE AFFIRM that Scripture, having been given by divine inspiration, is infallible, so that, far from misleading us, it is true and reliable in all the matters it addresses. WE DENY that it is possible for the Bible to be at the same time infallible and errant in its assertions. Infallibility and inerrancy may be distinguished, but not separated.

Article XII. WE AFFIRM that Scripture in its entirety is inerrant, being free from all falsehood, fraud, or deceit. WE DENY that Biblical infallibility and inerrancy are limited to spiritual, religious, or redemptive themes, exclusive of assertions in the fields of history and science. We further deny that scientific hypotheses about earth history may properly be used to overturn the teaching of Scripture on creation and the flood.

Article XIII. WE AFFIRM the propriety of using inerrancy as a theological term with reference to the complete truthfulness of Scripture. WE DENY that it is proper to evaluate Scripture according to standards of truth and error that are alien to its usage or purpose. We further deny that inerrancy is negated by Biblical phenomena such as a lack of modern technical precision, irregularities of grammar or spelling, observational descriptions of nature, the reporting of falsehoods, the use of hyperbole and round numbers, the topical arrangement of material, variant selections of material in parallel accounts, or the use of free citations.

Article XIV. WE AFFIRM the unity and internal consistency of Scripture. WE DENY that alleged errors and discrepancies that have not yet been resolved vitiate the truth claims of the Bible.

Article XV. WE AFFIRM that the doctrine of inerrancy is grounded in the teaching of the Bible about inspiration. WE DENY that Jesus’ teaching about Scripture may be dismissed by appeals to accommodation or to any natural limitation of His humanity.

Article XVI. WE AFFIRM that the doctrine of inerrancy has been integral to the Church’s faith throughout its history. WE DENY that inerrancy is a doctrine invented by scholastic Protestantism, or is a reactionary position postulated in response to negative higher criticism.

Article XVII. WE AFFIRM that the Holy Spirit bears witness to the Scriptures, assuring believers of the truthfulness of God’s written Word. WE DENY that this witness of the Holy Spirit operates in isolation from or against Scripture.

Article XVIII. WE AFFIRM that the text of Scripture is to be interpreted by grammatico-historical exegesis, taking account of its literary forms and devices, and that Scripture is to interpret Scripture. WE DENY the legitimacy of any treatment of the text or quest for sources lying behind it that leads to relativizing, dehistoricizing, or discounting its teaching, or rejecting its claims to authorship.

Article XIX. WE AFFIRM that a confession of the full authority, infallibility, and inerrancy of Scripture is vital to a sound understanding of the whole of the Christian faith. We further affirm that such confession should lead to increasing conformity to the image of Christ. WE DENY that such confession is necessary for salvation. However, we further deny that inerrancy can be rejected without grave consequences, both to the individual and to the Church.

The Danvers Statement summarizes the need for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) and serves as an overview of our core beliefs. This statement was prepared by several evangelical leaders at a CBMW meeting in Danvers, Massachusetts, in December of 1987. It was first published in final form by the CBMW in Wheaton, Illinois in November of 1988.

We have been moved in our purpose by the following contemporary developments which we observe with deep concern:

Recognizing our own abiding sinfulness and fallibility, and acknowledging the genuine evangelical standing of many who do not agree with all of our convictions, nevertheless, moved by the preceding observations and by the hope that the noble Biblical vision of sexual complementarity may yet win the mind and heart of Christ’s church, we engage to pursue the following purposes:

—to bring healing to persons and relationships injured by an inadequate grasp of God’s will concerning manhood and womanhood,

—to help both men and women realize their full ministry potential through a true understanding and practice of their God-given roles,

—and to promote the spread of the gospel among all peoples by fostering a Biblical wholeness in relationships that will attract a fractured world.

Based on our understanding of Biblical teachings, we affirm the following:

Preamble Evangelical Christians at the dawn of the twenty-first century find themselves living in a period of historic transition. As Western culture has become increasingly post-Christian, it has embarked upon a massive revision of what it means to be a human being. By and large the spirit of our age no longer discerns or delights in the beauty of God’s design for human life. Many deny that God created human beings for his glory, and that his good purposes for us include our personal and physical design as male and female. It is common to think that human identity as male and female is not part of God’s beautiful plan, but is, rather, an expression of an individual’s autonomous preferences. The pathway to full and lasting joy through God’s good design for his creatures is thus replaced by the path of shortsighted alternatives that, sooner or later, ruin human life and dishonor God. 

This secular spirit of our age presents a great challenge to the Christian church. Will the church of the Lord Jesus Christ lose her biblical conviction, clarity, and courage, and blend into the spirit of the age? Or will she hold fast to the word of life, draw courage from Jesus, and unashamedly proclaim his way as the way of life? Will she maintain her clear, counter-cultural witness to a world that seems bent on ruin? 

We are persuaded that faithfulness in our generation means declaring once again the true story of the world and of our place in it—particularly as male and female. Christian Scripture teaches that there is but one God who alone is Creator and Lord of all. To him alone, every person owes gladhearted thanksgiving, heart-felt praise, and total allegiance. This is the path not only of glorifying God, but of knowing ourselves. To forget our Creator is to forget who we are, for he made us for himself. And we cannot know ourselves truly without truly knowing him who made us. We did not make ourselves. We are not our own. Our true identity, as male and female persons, is given by God. It is not only foolish, but hopeless, to try to make ourselves what God did not create us to be. 

We believe that God’s design for his creation and his way of salvation serve to bring him the greatest glory and bring us the greatest good. God’s good plan provides us with the greatest freedom. Jesus said he came that we might have life and have it in overflowing measure. He is for us and not against us. Therefore, in the hope of serving Christ’s church and witnessing publicly to the good purposes of God for human sexuality revealed in Christian Scripture, we offer the following affirmations and denials. 

Article 1 WE AFFIRM that God has designed marriage to be a covenantal, sexual, procreative, lifelong union of one man and one woman, as husband and wife, and is meant to signify the covenant love between Christ and his bride the church. WE DENY that God has designed marriage to be a homosexual, polygamous, or polyamorous relationship. We also deny that marriage is a mere human contract rather than a covenant made before God. 

Article 2 WE AFFIRM that God’s revealed will for all people is chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage. WE DENY that any affections, desires, or commitments ever justify sexual intercourse before or outside marriage; nor do they justify any form of sexual immorality. 

Article 3 WE AFFIRM that God created Adam and Eve, the first human beings, in his own image, equal before God as persons, and distinct as male and female. WE DENY that the divinely ordained differences between male and female render them unequal in dignity or worth. Article 4 WE AFFIRM that divinely ordained differences between male and female reflect God’s original creation design and are meant for human good and human flourishing. WE DENY that such differences are a result of the Fall or are a tragedy to be overcome. 

Article 5 WE AFFIRM that the differences between male and female reproductive structures are integral to God’s design for self-conception as male or female. WE DENY that physical anomalies or psychological conditions nullify the God-appointed link between biological sex and self-conception as male or female. 

Article 6 WE AFFIRM that those born with a physical disorder of sex development are created in the image of God and have dignity and worth equal to all other image-bearers. They are acknowledged by our Lord Jesus in his words about “eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb.” With all others they are welcome as faithful followers of Jesus Christ and should embrace their biological sex insofar as it may be known. WE DENY that ambiguities related to a person’s biological sex render one incapable of living a fruitful life in joyful obedience to Christ. 

Article 7 WE AFFIRM that self-conception as male or female should be defined by God’s holy purposes in creation and redemption as revealed in Scripture. WE DENY that adopting a homosexual or transgender self-conception is consistent with God’s holy purposes in creation and redemption. 

Article 8 WE AFFIRM that people who experience sexual attraction for the same sex may live a rich and fruitful life pleasing to God through faith in Jesus Christ, as they, like all Christians, walk in purity of life. WE DENY that sexual attraction for the same sex is part of the natural goodness of God’s original creation, or that it puts a person outside the hope of the gospel. 

Article 9 WE AFFIRM that sin distorts sexual desires by directing them away from the marriage covenant and toward sexual immorality— a distortion that includes both heterosexual and homosexual immorality. WE DENY that an enduring pattern of desire for sexual immorality justifies sexually immoral behavior.

Article 10 WE AFFIRM that it is sinful to approve of homosexual immorality or transgenderism and that such approval constitutes an essential departure from Christian faithfulness and witness. WE DENY that the approval of homosexual immorality or transgenderism is a matter of moral indifference about which otherwise faithful Christians should agree to disagree. 

Article 11 WE AFFIRM our duty to speak the truth in love at all times, including when we speak to or about one another as male or female. WE DENY any obligation to speak in such ways that dishonor God’s design of his imagebearers as male and female. 

Article 12 WE AFFIRM that the grace of God in Christ gives both merciful pardon and transforming power, and that this pardon and power enable a follower of Jesus to put to death sinful desires and to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. WE DENY that the grace of God in Christ is insufficient to forgive all sexual sins and to give power for holiness to every believer who feels drawn into sexual sin. 

Article 13 WE AFFIRM that the grace of God in Christ enables sinners to forsake transgender selfconceptions and by divine forbearance to accept the God-ordained link between one’s biological sex and one’s self-conception as male or female. WE DENY that the grace of God in Christ sanctions self-conceptions that are at odds with God’s revealed will. Article 14 WE AFFIRM that Christ Jesus has come into the world to save sinners and that through Christ’s death and resurrection forgiveness of sins and eternal life are available to every person who repents of sin and trusts in Christ alone as Savior, Lord, and supreme treasure. WE DENY that the Lord’s arm is too short to save or that any sinner is beyond his reach.