At PERISSOS Church, we're often asked about our stance on various cultural issues. While these answers are important, I believe the question itself can miss the point. "Stance" implies that we're here to take rigid positions, but PERISSOS Church isn’t about standing still. We're a church that moves—toward Christ and toward others. Instead of static positions, we pursue gospel-centered perspectives that inspire action.When churches become defined by what they stand for or against, they risk becoming stagnant, and stagnation isn’t an option for us. Too many people need us to move toward them with the good news that Jesus loves them, died for them, and wants to walk with them. A rigid stance often doesn’t change much, but a gospel-centered mission that moves with purpose can transform a church, a city, and the world. As you read about the following topics, my hope is that you will be inspired to not only align with our perspectives but to actively live out what you believe, because it’s not just our beliefs that change the world—it’s how we live them out.
- Pastor Jake Wirth

At the heart of Christianity is the gospel—the good news of freedom and transformation through Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). It’s not just a set of rules or religious rituals. The gospel sets us free from sin (Galatians 5:1), empowers us to live purposefully (John 10:10), and invites us into a loving relationship with God (Romans 8:1-2).The gospel unites us in ways that transcend cultural, social, and political divides (Galatians 3:28). In Christ, we find a shared mission that brings people together, fostering genuine unity in the church (Philippians 2:1-2). This unity has the power to reshape our world. The gospel also changes everything in our personal lives—it transforms how we think (Romans 12:2), how we love (John 13:34-35), and how we live each day (2 Corinthians 5:17). It’s not just a belief for the future; it’s the foundation for living out our faith now. When the gospel is really the gospel in our lives, it’s influencing every aspect of our lives.

Race has long been a source of division in society, but the gospel offers a radically different perspective. In Christ, all distinctions that typically divide—race, ethnicity, social status—are no longer what define us (Colossians 3:11). Instead, we are all part of the same spiritual family. The gospel teaches us to view each other through the lens of Christ’s love, where unity and diversity coexist (Ephesians 2:14-16).God’s design celebrates our differences without letting them become barriers to unity (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). Rather than ignoring race or being "colorblind," the gospel encourages us to embrace our differences as part of God’s creative design (Psalm 139:14). It compels us to pursue reconciliation and justice, actively breaking down racial divides and creating spaces where all people are welcomed and loved in Christ (Micah 6:8, Galatians 6:2). Our identity as believers in Jesus transcends worldly distinctions and unites us in His mission to bring love and healing to the world.

At PERISSOS Church, we believe that all human life is sacred, starting from conception. Scripture tells us that God knows each of us intimately, even before we are born (Jeremiah 1:5). Additionally, science confirms human life begins at conception. Life carries immense value to God, and as believers, we are called to protect it with the same reverence (Psalm 139:13-14).This includes extending love and protection to the unborn (Proverbs 24:11). But we are also called to extend grace and compassion to those who have experienced the pain and difficulty of abortion (Romans 3:23-24). God’s heart is full of grace and mercy, offering healing and restoration to anyone who seeks it (1 John 1:9). Our response to this issue is not about choosing a political side but about aligning with God’s heart, which is a commitment to life, love, and redemption (Luke 10:25-37).

In today’s culture, sexuality is often seen as central to personal identity and fulfillment. Society teaches that sexual freedom, in all its forms, is key to living a full life. However, the Bible reminds us that sex is a gift from God, but it is not the ultimate purpose of our existence (1 Corinthians 6:13). God designed sex to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24), where it fosters intimacy, love, and commitment.True freedom is not found in indulging every desire but in living in alignment with God’s design (1 Corinthians 6:12). Regardless of sexual orientation or struggles, we are called to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), recognizing that our identity is found in Him (Colossians 3:3). For those who have strayed from God’s plan, His grace is always available (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Through Christ, we can find healing, restoration, and the freedom to live according to God’s perfect design (Titus 2:11-12).

Talking about money in the church can be uncomfortable, but generosity is a core aspect of our faith. In the Old Testament, tithing—giving 10% of one’s income—was part of the law (Leviticus 27:30). However, as New Testament believers, we are not bound by the law of tithing (Galatians 3:24-25). Instead, we are called to give out of a heart of gratitude and generosity, not obligation (2 Corinthians 9:7). When we live this way, the tithe looks less like a requirement and more like a powerful tool for moving God’s mission forward. At PERISSOS, we believe that generosity is about more than just financial giving—it’s about giving our time, energy, and resources to partner with God’s mission (Matthew 6:19-21). The early church modeled joyful and willing giving to support the work of the church (Acts 2:44-45). When we give generously, we are investing in God’s Kingdom, believing that the world will be as good as we give (Luke 6:38). As we follow Christ’s example of generosity (2 Corinthians 8:9), we partner with Him in transforming lives.

Politics is unavoidable in today’s world, but how should Christians engage with it? Jesus didn’t shy away from political issues, yet He refused to be defined by them (John 18:36). When He stood before Pilate, He acknowledged the political implications of His mission but made it clear that His Kingdom was not of this world (Mark 15:2-5). As His followers, our ultimate allegiance is to God’s Kingdom, not to any political party (Philippians 3:20).As Christians, we are called to engage in politics with grace, love, and wisdom (Colossians 4:5-6). Our participation should reflect the character of Christ (Galatians 5:22-23). While politics can be a platform to promote justice and good (Micah 6:8), we must remember that it is not the ultimate solution to the world’s problems. Only God’s Kingdom brings true transformation (Isaiah 9:7). We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, advancing His love and justice in every sphere (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Is drinking alcohol a sin? The Bible doesn’t prohibit drinking but warns against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Alcohol itself is not the issue—how we use it is. The key is living wisely, making decisions that reflect Christ’s love and purpose (1 Corinthians 10:31).Before deciding whether to drink, consider how it aligns with the life you want to live (Ephesians 5:15). Does alcohol help or hinder your relationships, health, or spiritual growth? The goal is not just to avoid bad behavior but to be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing His influence to shape our actions (Galatians 5:16-17). Whether you choose to drink or abstain, let your choices honor God and reflect His wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6).