Thames Seventh-day Adventist Community Church Code of Conduct
Micah 6:8 What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Who are vulnerable?
o Children, Orphans, Fatherless, Strangers, Widows, Elderly, Disabled, Seekers
What is a ‘code of conduct’?
o A list of behaviors that are encouraged and expected
o A list of behaviors that is not condoned or acceptable
o It is expected that all worshiping at the Thames Seventh-day Adventist Church will comply with the Code of Conduct
Why do we need a code of conduct?
o It makes it clear to adults, what is acceptable and what is expected when we all have different points of view
o It makes it clear when someone’s conduct crosses a line leading to inappropriate behavior
o It makes it clear when someone isn’t behaving in an appropriate manner (saves confusion)
o It helps to keep children and the vulnerable safe
o It makes people less likely to be at risk of a false allegation of misconduct in relation to unacceptable behavior.
Matthew 22: 37, 39
What happens when someone does not follow the Code of Conduct?
o It is everyone’s duty to monitor compliance
o A minor breach may be brought to a person’s attention for their learning.
o Persistent serious breaches will be reported to the Safe Places Coordinator and the Leadership Team
o A person may be asked to sign a Safety agreement as a condition of continued attendance at Church
Who is Thames SDA Church Safe Place Coordinator?
o Main Coordinator - Paula Sim (Elder)
o Co-coordinator - Pr Marilyn Pasione (Pastor)
o The Leadership Team
DO…
Reflect the tenet of the Seventh day Adventist Church
DO…
Behave as a positive role model
DO…
Treat everyone with respect Including children, elderly, strangers widows (includes single parents) and vulnerable!
DO…
Use positive and affirming language . Divisive, loud, disruptive, belittling and confrontational behavior will not be accepted.
DO …
If you disagree with someone or something, go to that person and speak as a loving Christian one to one – if you do not feel safe with that person, take a witness. (Matthew 18: 15 – 17)
DO…
Help provide an open, family – friendly warm environment for everyone to worship and interact in.
DO…
Alert someone if you see a breach of the code including bullying, and espousing personal beliefs contrary to the SDA Church teachings.
DO…
Report suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the Safe Places Coordinator, the Pastor or Leadership Team. (You have a legal responsibility)
Seek advice about disclosures of child abuse or neglect by contacting “Child Youth and Family Services” (NZ)
DO…
Believe the victim/child!!!!!!
DO...
Respect a person’s space by not touching a child / person in an inappropriate manner (including inappropriate touching of a person's clothing) .
DO...
Refrain from holding, kissing, cuddling or touching a child/ person except for appropriate touch, for example to comfort distress.
DO...
Avoid the appearance of evil with any person e.g. spending time alone with a child.
DO NOT ...
Make sexually suggestive comments to a child or any person.
DO NOT…
Show or share sexually suggestive material to any child or person in any form including email, text, movie or sound file.
DO NOT…
Use profane language at all
DO NOT…
Assist children to do things of a personal nature that they can do themselves.
DO NOT…
Use any physical means to control or discipline another person including a child.
DO NOT…
Take a child to your home, or encourage private meetings outside of church – sponsored activities, unless strict guidelines are in place.
DO NOT…
Take or publish unauthorized photos or movies of a child or person on church property, or at church activities, without authorization of a person parent/guardian nor post online unauthorized private information about a person (including children) that may identify them. e.g. full name, age, email address, telephone, residence, school, or details about a club they may attend.