Bethany Church Ministry Conduct Policy

English Service Department

1. Purpose
This policy helps facilitate successful ministry to a cross cultural audience at Bethany Church. It provides general guidance for a decent, orderly, and mutually respectful conduct applicable to all members of the ministry team. This policy is subject to change.

2. Policy Applicability
This policy is endorsed by Bethany pastoral leadership. We are called to submit to godly pastoral leadership regardless of personal preference. This is a sign of spiritual maturity, not of weakness. Every church ministry member must comply with this policy.

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17 NKJV)
3. Prohibited Personal Conduct
You are a follower of Jesus Christ everywhere, not just at church. People will follow your example more than your words. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to the following:
a. Do not engage in illegal activity of any kind.
b. Do not use vulgar or abusive language.
c. Do not drink alcohol.
d. Do not smoke, vape, or use illicit drugs.
e. Do not gamble or engage in any other addictive or reckless behaviors.
f. Do not engage in sexual promiscuity of any kind: pornography, cohabitation, fornication, adultery etc.

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Eph 5:3-4 ESV)
4. Social Media Use
Your behavior online impacts how people perceive you in the church. We are called to win people for Jesus, not arguments on social media. Do not represent your personal opinions as the opinions of the church; make a clear distinction. Do not use vulgar language. Do not like, post, or repost inappropriate content. People pay attention.
5. Join Ministries
a. Discover the ministry you want to join.
b. Schedule an interview with the ministry leader.
c. Review and sign the Ministry Agreement.
d. Attend the required ministry meetings and fulfill all other ministry specific
obligations.
6. Attend the Prayers
Prayer is a vital element to the success of every ministry. To ensure the success of our ministry you must:
a. Attend pre-service prayer meeting.
b. Attend the monthly prayer meeting.
c. Have an active personal prayer life outside of church.
7. Attend the English Service
Good relationships are vital for a successful ministry. Attending the service in which you serve will help foster such relationships. Therefore, you must attend the English church service where you serve in the ministry.
8. Prohibited Stage Conduct
a. Do not use the microphone unless designated to do so during the service.
b. Do not prophecy in the microphone unless you are a tested and approved prophet and have been given permission to deliver a message from the lead pastor.
c. Do not dance or move erratically on the stage; it may distract other people.
9. Stage Dress Code
Your conduct and appearance will impact your ministry effectiveness. It may also alter the public perception and the effectiveness of our church in the community.

As ministers we are to seek the well-being of those whom we serve instead of using our ministry platform as an opportunity to express our own preference. Not everything that may be personally permissible is helpful or edifying to other people.

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” (1 Cor 10:23-24 NKJV)

a. Gentlemen: Should dress in business casual or better. (Avoid beanies, hats, tight pants, blue jeans, ripped jeans, graphic tees, low cut shirts, or half cut-off sleeves. Preferably, tuck your shirt using a professional belt.)
b. Ladies: Should dress in a well-fitting, as opposed to a tightly fitting, skirt or dress that extends below the knees. (Avoid exposed shoulders, and open cleavage. Avoid wearing beanies or hats.)
10. Stage Grooming Code
a. Gentlemen: Keep your hair clean, combed and neatly arranged. Keep the
sideburns, mustaches, and beards neatly trimmed. Maintain traditional hair colors.
b. Ladies: Stick to professional and conservative make-up and nail styles. Maintain traditional hair colors.
No tattoos of any kind are permitted for anyone. Any exception to this rule requires the approval of the pastoral board.
11. Policy Enforcement
Failure to abide by this policy may include but is not limited to administrative suspension or termination from ministry. Disciplinary action will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

You may lose the privilege of serving on a ministry team if in the opinion of the ministry leader your conduct or attitude is insubordinate, divisive, or no longer aligned with the direction of the ministry.
12. Comments or Complaints
If you are not sure if your action is ethical or proper, then have an honest and open conversation with your ministry leader. If you have any questions or concerns about your immediate leader, then discuss the matter with any higher standing leader in the chain command.
Effective Date: September 15, 2024
Policy Version: Version 9. 2024
Approved By: Pastoral Board
Approval Date: September 15, 2024


Submit