As a leader of young people, I recognise that I am part of the ministry team of Parramatta Baptist Church, and commit to the wider church vision, as well as vision for youth ministry.  I also understand that I am in a position of leadership, responsibility and influence, and therefore commit to living in a way that glorifies God and is worthy of imitation.

To the best of my ability, and with the help of God, I make these commitments:

1. To maintain a growing relationship with God

…understanding that it is out of this relationship that I am able to minister to others.  This includes:

  • Spending regular time with God in prayer, worship and Bible reading
  • Attending a church service and/or small group regularly
  • Ensuring I have Christians around me who can provide encouragement and accountability

2. To maintain Godly attitudes and behaviour

…so that I can be a Christlike example to the young people I lead.  This includes:

  • Guarding my tongue – avoiding swearing, crudity, gossip; instead speaking words that are encouraging.
  • Guarding my actions – avoiding drunkenness, sexual immorality, greed, unforgiveness; instead living a life characterised by love, purity, compassion and humility.
  • Dressing modestly and appropriately
  • Avoiding relationships (romantic or otherwise) which could compromise my faith or leadership capacity
  • Not pursing a romantic relationship with any young person I am leading

3. To create a positive, safe and encouraging environment for young people

…so that they can grow in their relationship with God, with the leaders and with each other.  This includes:

  • Completing and maintaining the requirements for leadership – completing a Creating Safe Spaces course every three years; and understanding and abiding by the Code of Conduct, Electronic Communication Guidelines and WHS Policy.
  • Ensuring all physical contact is appropriate – avoiding any physical punishment (including actions done “in fun”), ensuring games aren’t aggressive; and abiding by the physical touch guidelines (over the page
  • Ensuring all interactions with young people and other leaders are respectful
  • Regularly praying for the young people I lead
  • Ensuring that alcohol is not consumed when young people are present; avoiding smoking and other drugs; not actively or inadvertently encouraging the use of alcohol or other substances.

4. To be a positive, encouraging and supportive team member

…supporting those I minister alongside.  This includes:

  • Praying for, encouraging and respecting the differences and gifts and abilities amongst other leader.
  • Being diligent in my preparation and punctual at activities and team meeting.
  • Communicating as early as possible with the team when I’m unable to attend or fulfil a responsibility.
  • Resolving conflict with others quickly in an attitude of humility and forgiveness.
  • Seeking to love and care for my own family, and being sensitive of the impact ministry has on them.

Guidelines for physical touch

Some physical touch is a vital part of strengthening and affirming relationships, and at times leaders will receive physical affection from children and young people as a normal expression of their relationship.  However, guidelines and common sense (the age of the young person, the setting in which it takes place, etc) need to be used to assess the appropriateness of the physical contact, and to minimise the likelihood that any physical contact will be regarded as being inappropriate.

 

For young people, be aware of the following guidelines:

  • Open (side-by-side) hugging to welcome or comfort is appropriate. 
  • Avoid encouraging or initiating other forms of close physical contact – kissing, massaging, extended embraces.  Poking, tickling or “rumbling” should also not be encouraged or initiated by leaders.
  • Be particularly careful regarding physical touch in situations such as camps, sleepovers and pool parties where non-standard clothing may be worn.  Leaders should also be careful to respect and maintain the modesty of children and young people at such places, for example, by ensuring adequate privacy for changing clothes.

Guidelines for transport

Leaders should avoid driving alone with a young person, even in situations where parents have requested that transport be provided.  Ideally, another leader should be present, or if none are available, another young person.

Guidelines for pastoral care/counselling

Leaders should avoid being in private with a young person.  This includes cars, isolated walks, closed rooms, etc.  If they wish to speak in private with you, let other leaders know where you are, and choose a place that is easily “interrupted”.  A quiet corner, an open office, or just outside where visible, is preferable.

What happens when leaders do not follow this covenant?

Everyone sins and is forgiven (1 John 1:8-9) and if leaders become aware that they have breached the covenant in a minor/occasional way, they should address the issue (with help if needed), step down for a time if necessary, and recommit to the covenant.  If a leader does not realise they are violating the covenant, then the ministry coordinator needs to address the behaviour, preferably in private.  Leaders need to be open to correction and humble enough to modify behaviours.

 

If the violation is constant, then the ministry coordinator needs to meet with the leader to communicate the issue (offering assistance to the individual).  If the issue continues, a small group of church leaders will arrange a meeting with the person to address the behaviour.  If the behaviour continues past this point, then respectfully, and upholding confidentiality, the person will be stood down for a set period.  They will again be offered help in changing their behaviour if they are willing.  Written notes of all meetings will be take and copies given to all attendees.

 

If, however, there is an allegation of abuse, serious misconduct or a breach of the law, the leader will be immediately stepped down and the process will follow that of Baptist Standards.