Introduction

This Code of Conduct identifies a set of principles which describe the conduct expected of a person involved in ministry at the Berwick Church of Christ.

The Code of Conduct is to be signed every three (3) years by everyone involved in ministry. The original signed copy of this Code will be kept with the confidential Safe Ministry records which are maintained by the Safety Contact Person.

Purpose

The Code of Conduct makes official what is already common practice within ministry at the Berwick Church of Christ.  Its purpose is to:

• Promote adherence to Biblical values that are important in ministry.
• Defines the principles that will guide people involved in ministry in their everyday life and to provide a helpful framework as they make choices about their ministry and personal life.
• Provide a public declaration of how everyone involved in ministry live their lives.
• Promote public confidence in the ministries of the Berwick Church of Christ.
• Promote alignment with the vision, mission and values of Berwick Church of Christ.

Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to everyone involved in ministry, in any role at Berwick Church of Christ.  A Minors Code of Conduct has been created for those under the age of 18 years, where both the volunteer minor and their parent/guardian sign and underwrite this policy.

Principles

1. I will endeavour at all times to conduct myself in a manner that honours God and His church.
2. I will actively seek to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ through reading the Word, prayer, spiritual disciplines, church connections and regular church attendance.
3. At all times I will seek to conduct all my personal/work relationships in a godly manner, acting with respect, love and integrity towards all those with whom I associate.
4. In my speech, I will be truthful, avoiding exaggeration, misrepresentation and gossip/slander, and will maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality. I will abstain from coarse language and sexual innuendo. My speech willbe honouring, encouraging and righteous.
5. I will dress, present and conduct myself in a modest way.
6. I will comply with all Church policies, procedures, rules, regulations, guidelines and contracts, and accept that I am responsible for my own conduct at all times.
7. I will comply with all relevant laws.
8. In my ministry, I will do my best to be prepared and punctual and I will honour and be accountable to those who are in leadership over me.
9. In situations where conflict and division occur based on Matthew 18:15-16 and 5:23-24 it is my responsibility, without gossip, to go and seek reconciliation one on one.  If the conflict remains unresolved to then seek help in resolving the matter from Church leaders or spiritual mentors.
10. I will be responsible in the use of legal addictive substances and activities (e.g. prescription drugs/alcohol/gambling) and will not use any prohibited substance (i.e. illicit drugs). I will abstain from other addictive activities and behaviours. (1 Corinthians 10:23)
11. In my personal relationships, I will practice standards of sexual morality reflecting a commitment to holiness as taught in the Bible (faithfulness within marriage and chastity outside marriage, where marriage is instituted by God to be a union between one man and one woman for life).  I will abstain from all forms of pornography. I will abstain from sexual contact or arousal outside of marriage and adultery of the heart. I will align all my communication in ministry with this interpretation of Biblical sexuality.
12. In my ministry I will exercise due diligence and care toward those I am responsible for, and will observe all Work Health & Safety rules and responsibilities, and actively promote a safe environment where harassment or abuse (sexual or otherwise) is neither tolerated nor able to take place undetected.
13. I will not enter into a relationship with a minor (who is not my biological, adoptive or guardian child/sibling) other than that which is appropriate within a Child-Leader relationship.
14. I will not have contact with a child (0-17 years) either by phone, via my personal social media profiles, email accounts or engage in online chat rooms unless it is in a group setting with multiple Leaders, that includes the Ministry Leader (i.e. WhatsApp or Discord) as stated in the Social Media Policy. 
15. In all ministry related financial matters I will act with honesty and publicly account for all monies handled by me on behalf of others.  In my personal use of money, I will seek to express holiness, which includes the rejection of greed and self-centeredness, and the adoption of generosity and sacrifice, considering the needs of others. (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 13:5).
16. In my ministry, I will not teach in contradiction to the Bible or the values in this code, and I will uphold the reputation of the Christian faith and Berwick Church of Christ at all times in line with the Statement of Faith.
17. I will let the leader(s) to whom I am immediately accountable in Berwick Church of Christ know if/when I am not able to follow this code with integrity.
18. I agree to positively express the vision, mission, values and principles of Berwick Church of Christ at all times, through my speech and conduct.
19. I will report any conduct of other volunteers or staff members which is in breach of any of the above, or potentially in breach of any of the above, without delay.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Code of Conduct, and I agree that in the course of my association with the Berwick Church of Christ that I will undertake to conduct myself in accordance with the principles of this Code of Conduct and I agree to surrender my role/leadership if I am unable to fulfil my responsibilities.  I also understand that disciplinary measures and/or legal steps may be taken if I am found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct, and where a breach of this Code of Conduct involves a breach of any law, then the relevant government authorities or the police may be notified. I agree to resign from my role/position whether it is a voluntary or paid staff role/position if requested.