For All Employees & Volunteers
1. Our Purpose
This Code of Conduct outlines the shared commitments of everyone who serves at Southern Cross Community Church. It is designed to help us honor Christ, serve our community effectively, and create a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment for all. By signing this document, you agree to uphold these standards in your role.
2. Our Foundational Commitments
As representatives of our church, we commit to:
- Spiritual Growth: Actively participate in the life of the church, including regular prayer and study of the Scriptures.
- Church Values: Uphold the mission and values of Southern Cross Community Church in all ministry activities.
- Biblical Living: Strive to live a life that is guided by Biblical principles.
- Teamwork: Cooperate with other leaders and teams, recognizing we are one body in Christ.
- Development: Attend training and development opportunities to grow in our skills and faith.
3. Our Commitment to a Safe & Respectful Environment
We are dedicated to making our church a safe place for everyone. Therefore, we will:
- Treat Others with Respect: Always treat people with dignity. Use encouraging and uplifting language, and never engage in bullying, ridicule, or any form of emotional, spiritual, or sexual abuse.
- Protect Children: Fulfill our legal and ethical duty to report any disclosure or suspicion of child abuse to the church’s Safe Church Concerns Person and complete all required documentation. When working with children, we will always use a buddy system to ensure no adult is ever alone with a single child.
- Maintain Confidentiality: Protect all sensitive information shared with us. We will not disclose confidential details without explicit consent, except where required by law or to prevent harm.
- Manage Relationships Appropriately: Avoid formally counselling close personal friends or family. If a romantic relationship develops with someone under your pastoral care, you must arrange for another person to provide their pastoral support.
- Use Media Responsibly: Ensure all media (videos, music, social media) used in ministry is age-appropriate and aligns with Christian values. All online communication must follow the church’s Social Media Policy.
4. Our Commitment to Personal Integrity
We commit to acting with honesty and integrity in our personal and ministry lives. We will:
- Act Lawfully: Comply with all laws and drive safely with a full license and registered vehicle when performing church duties.
- Use Substances Responsibly: Avoid the use of illicit drugs. Do not consume alcohol while on duty or at church-run events. Use discretion and responsibility regarding alcohol at private social events, especially in the presence of minors from the church.
- Maintain Financial Honesty: Never use your position for personal financial gain, engage in tax evasion, or make false or misleading statements. Respect the property of others, including intellectual property (copyright).
- Avoid Misconduct: Refrain from viewing pornography or engaging in any form of sexual misconduct.
5. Responding to Breaches of this Code
We handle breaches of this Code with grace, seeking restoration while ensuring accountability.
- For Minor or Unintentional Breaches: The individual should cease the behavior and, if needed, seek support from their Ministry Leader or the Church Council. A temporary pause from duties may be necessary.
- For Repeated Breaches: A formal review process will be initiated with the Ministry Leader or Church Council to establish clear expectations for behavior change. If the conduct continues, the individual will be stood down for a set period and offered support, such as counselling.
- For Serious Misconduct or Illegal Acts: All allegations of abuse or serious misconduct will be immediately referred to the Baptist Union of Victoria’s Professional Standards Worker (0425 752 238 or 03 9880 6100).
Download here: Code of Conduct SCCC