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Code of Conduct

Pursue Integrity (1 Chronicles 29:17)

 

In personal character.

Exalt Christ, not self. Be honest, not exaggerating or overpromising; peace-loving, not contentious; patient, not volatile; diligent, not slothful. Avoid conflicts of interest and, when necessary, report them and seek counsel.

 

In personal care.

Care for the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical dimensions of your person, for “…your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

 

In preaching and teaching.

Interpret the Bible accurately and apply it discerningly (Titus 2:7–8).

Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Be Trustworthy (1 Corinthians 4:2)

 

In leadership.

Model the trustworthiness of God in leadership to encourage and develop trustworthiness in others. Use power and influence prudently and humbly. Foster loyalty. Demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of the entire congregation. Keep promises. Respond sensitively and appropriately to ministry requests and needs (Luke 16:10).

With information.

Guard confidences carefully. Inform a person in advance, if possible, when an admission is about to be made that might legally require the disclosure of that information. Communicate truthfully and discreetly when asked about individuals with destructive or sinful behavior patterns. Tell the truth, or remain discreetly silent (Proverbs 11:13).

 

With resources.

Be honest and prudent in regard to personal and ministry resources. Refuse gifts that could compromise ministry. Ensure that all designated gifts are used for their intended purpose (Luke 16:11).

 

Seek Purity (1 Timothy 4:12)

 

In maintaining sexual purity.

Avoid sinful sexual behavior and inappropriate involvement. Resist temptation (Ephesians 5:3a).

In theology.

Study the Bible regularly and carefully to understand its message, and embrace biblical doctrine. In forming theology, consider biblical teaching authoritative over all other sources.

 

Embrace Accountability (1 Peter 5:2–3)

 

In finances.

Promote accepted accounting practices and regular audits. Ensure that church funds are used for their intended ministry purposes.

In ministry responsibilities.

Ensure clarity in authority structures, decision-making procedures, position descriptions, and grievance policies. Model accountability at the highest organizational levels.

 

Leader Expectations:

  • Consistently attend Grace worship services. As leaders, we must cultivate a healthy culture of serving and attending church services by our example.

  • Participate and relationally engage in the life and ministry of Grace on Sundays and throughout the week.

  • Generously give of their time, talent, and treasure (tithes and offerings).

  • Have an open heart to receive advice, correction, and training.

  • Is committed to becoming proficiently skilled at their ministry.

  • Take personal responsibility for themselves.

  • Communicate clearly and consistently with others.

  • Work well with other believers without division.

  • Is committed to living a Godly lifestyle that is above reproach, avoiding even the appearance of evil (1 Timothy 3). Being a leader adds extra responsibility because people see you as an example of what a Christian should be like. Therefore, we must consider the way we treat each other and carefully guard our hearts against impurities and pride. We should desire to live a life that honors God and points people to Jesus. We must daily die to ourselves as we choose not to give in to our own desires. We all make mistakes, but we are not to live in them! (Romans 6:1)

    • Team members must strive to live a lifestyle that does not indulge in:

      • Alcohol/drug use – social or addiction (Proverbs 20:1, Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

      • Sexual immorality (adultery, pornography, premarital sex) (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18)

      • A prideful attitude (Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6, Proverbs 11:2)

      • Anger/rage problems (Ephesians 4:26, Proverbs 15:1, James 1:19-20)

      • An inability to submit to leadership (Hebrews 13:17, I Peter 5:5)

      • Profane or vulgar communication (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:8, Matthew 12:36)

      • Gossiping (Proverbs 16:28, Proverbs 18:8, 2 Corinthians 12:20)

      • Stirring up strife (Proverbs 6:16-19, Proverbs 17:14)

      • Venues that are a stumbling block (bars, clubs, lounges, microbreweries, etc.) (1 Thessalonians 5:22, Romans 12:8, Romans 14:13, 1 Corinthians 8:9, Matthew 18:6)

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