CODE OF CONDUCT

1.   Relating to the Body

Recognising that the way in which Christians relate to one another in the Church and the way in which Christian work is done is itself a confirmation or denial of the Gospel, we commit ourselves to the following Code of Conduct:

1.1       In undertaking any assignment, we will take care to understand precisely what is asked of us, to whom and for whom we are responsible and how we do relate to what others do within the total Church programme.  Romans 12:3-5.

1.2       If any matter merits criticism, we will address this directly to the person responsible in that area who will then deal with the matter as part of his assignment.  Criticism should not be expressed to the persons concerned if they are responsible to someone else, unless this is specifically requested by that person.  Criticism should not be expressed to others that has not been made in the right place first, and even then in the interest of combating gossip is better not mentioned.  Matthew 18:15-17.

1.3       Matters that concern individuals and their areas of responsibility should always be discussed with them before being raised publicly in a Committee, Board, Court or in a Church meeting.  Matthew 18:15-17.

1.4       Where commendation is merited, we will take care to express this to the person responsible and the person concerned.  Hebrews 10:24.

1.5       We will abide by majority decisions and seek to implement them with loyalty and enthusiasm, recognising that the Holy Spirit is in all the members and that almost any methods will work if people are prepared to work with them.  Philippians 1:27.

1.6       In matters of personal conduct as distinct from the discharge of a Church function, if any criticism seems merited, it should be expressed in a positive and humble way to the person concerned and not to others before this, and preferably not afterwards.  Galatians 6:1.

1.7       If criticism is voiced to us about others, we will ask if it has been said to the person(s) concerned.  If it has not, we will encourage the person to speak to the person concerned and terminate all discussion until this has been done. 1 Timothy 5:19.

1.8       Valuing truth and love more than others’ opinion of us, we will be ready to name gossip when it begins and terminate it.

1.9       We will not repeat anything we know or have heard without asking:  Is it true?  Is it kind?  Is it necessary?  Ephesians 4:29.

1.10    We will interpret loyalty within the fellowship to mean that we will always, in thought and speech, interpret any action in its most favourable light and be quicker to defend than to attack.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

2.   Personal Conduct

The Bible does not mark out in detail for every matter of conduct which might arise, but it gives clear principles which, if correctly applied, cover every case which might arise.  By asking some questions you will find some guiding principles of Christian conduct which will help you to dispose of many problems concerning doubtful matters:

2.1       Will it bring glory to God?  1 Corinthians 10:31. 

2.2       Is it profitable in Christian life, witness or service?  1 Corinthians 10:23.

2.3       Does it build me up in my Christian character and will it help me to build up the Church?  1 Corinthians 10:8.

2.4       Does it tend to enslave?  1 Corinthians 6:12.  Some things tend to demand a lot of our attention at the expense of paying attention to God.

2.5       Will it strengthen me against temptation?  It is of little avail to pray “lead us not into temptation” if we voluntarily go where we shall be exposed to temptation.

2.6       Is it a characteristic of the world or of our heavenly Father?  1 John 2:15-17.