people into our gathering . Such Christian hospitality is neither an excusing of individual disobedience nor a refusal to participate redemptively in discerning the roots of brokenness . Restoring humans to the likeness of Jesus requires confession , forgiveness , formative practices , sanctification , and godly counsel — but most of all , it includes the welcome of love which invites the broken person into the circle of grace known as the church . If we fail to honestly confront sin and brokenness , we have not loved . If we fail to love , we cannot participate in God ’ s healing of brokenness .
The faithful outworking of these statements in congregations and institutions ( such as the school ) is complex and must be navigated with care , humility , courage , and discernment .
Gender and Identity In the story of God , the formation of humankind culminated in the creation of male and female as an enduring divine design . Biologically , the vast majority of people are born distinctly male or female . God gives our bodies to us for spiritual and relational purposes , as well as physical ones .
There are instances , though infrequent , in which people are born with ambiguous genital formation or genetic conditions that impact the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics . In these instances , wise biblical counsel and medical science can help inform the prayerful discernment about how to help families understand the implications and how to best support those with these medical / genetic conditions .
In addition to these important biological realities , we note the increasing complexity associated with gender identification . Although gendered roles , behaviors , and temperaments are the product of numerous influences ( including biology , social norms and cultural construction ), we believe that a person ’ s birth sex is primary , formative , and God-given . We acknowledge that , as we serve God ’ s mission through the ministries of the church , we will encounter those , who for various reasons , are struggling to embrace their createdness . In such circumstances , we are to engage with such persons graciously as we attempt to lead them into the fullness of life in Christ , to equip them to live as faithful stewards of the physical body they have been given and call them into lifelong holiness . ( Matthew 19:4 ; 11-12 )
Application of Cornerstone ’ s Lifestyle Guidelines The school ’ s teachings , policies , and practices align with the Lifestyle Guidelines and are evident throughout the school ’ s curriculum and all programs .
The school expects all employees to live by the school ’ s Lifestyle Guidelines . We ask for an understanding of the need for lifestyle standards , a good spirit in keeping them , and cooperative efforts in improving them . We ask all school employees to consider the larger picture that what we do and the manner in which we do it reflects on CCS and affects the life of our entire community . We encourage prayerful discernment in all decision-making , as our desire is to glorify God in all our efforts .