Positional Statement: Alcohol
Paul encourages the Ephesians, “do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” The principal Paul lifts up is that people of faith should not be under the control of anything but God’s Spirit. So, while Scripture allows for alcohol use in moderation, it should be noted that misuse and abuse of alcohol is destructive to individuals, families, and communities.
We also recognize that there are people in our sphere of influence who are recovering from alcohol addiction and need the support of Godly friends. Therefore discernment, empathy, and kindness are important elements of a believer’s choices regarding the places and environments of alcohol consumption.
The Christian congregation is a “safe place” for people to find freedom from addictions. In order to maintain the dignity of those recovering from alcohol addiction, some of whom carry shame or do not want to be identified, we ask that the planning of official church events not include preparations for making alcohol available. As Paul says in I Corinthians 8:9, “Be careful that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”