Leadership Values & Standards - Pt. 2

(If you missed Part 1, you can read it here.)

Some will view these as overly strict.  However, in my 25 years of ministry, I have found the value and benefits of these and the protection they give to me, my marriage, my family, and most important - my relationship with Christ.

Ethics:  All staff will pursue high ethical and biblical standards in personal habits, entertainment, and behavior.  For purposes of clear communication, the following are specifics of staff ethical expectations:

1. Drinking any alcoholic beverages is prohibited for all staff.
2. All staff will be non-smokers.
3. Using profanity including using the name of Jesus Christ or God in vain is prohibited.
4. Using the internet at the office for excessive personal use is prohibited.
5. All staff will use caution and exercise spiritual wisdom in their choice of media entertainment.
6. Although much care will be given on a personal level to restore the individual, sexual sins (such as sex outside of marriage, adultery, improper use of MSCC’s computers for pornographic material, etc.) may result in immediate termination of employment.
7. Other public sins (stealing, drunkenness, abuse of others, etc.) that reflect poorly on the cause of Christ and reputation of this church will be dealt with severely and may result in immediate termination of employment.

Standards of Maintaining Moral Integrity:

1. Thou shalt not go to lunch alone with the opposite sex.
2. Thou shalt not kiss any attender of the opposite sex or show affection that could be questioned.
3. Thou shalt not visit the opposite sex alone at home.
4. Thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex alone at the office, and thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex more than once without that person’s mate. Refer them.
5. Thou shalt not discuss detailed sexual problems with the opposite sex in counseling. Refer them.
6. Thou shalt not discuss your marriage problems with an attender of the opposite sex.
7. Thou shalt be careful in answering emails, instant messages, chatrooms, cards, or letters from the opposite sex.
8. Thou shalt make other ministry staff your protective allies.
9. Thou shalt pray for the integrity of other staff members.

There is ALWAYS someone who says, "You mean, you can't go to lunch with your spouse?!"  My response is usually something like ... "This isn't talking about time with your spouse - you bird-brain."  Sheesh!