In all of its endeavors Heliopolis Community Church (HCC) seeks to glorify God. The standard of conduct in lifestyle and morality of employees and volunteers serving in leadership positions at HCC must be in conformity with the standards as set out in the Scriptures (Old and New Testament). Our goal is to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:27), to please God in every way (Col. 1:10), and to abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22).
This document sets out standards that express loving faithfulness and service to Christ as a condition of leadership whether as paid employee, recipient of a stipend, or volunteer. All paid employees, recipients of a stipend, volunteer leaders, and those working with children or youth in any way are expected to adhere to our lifestyle standard. This document is to be understood alongside of our statement of faith which is the Apostle’s Creed (see separate Statement of Faith).
HCC rejects the following conduct, viewing it as being incompatible with biblical standards and values for personal lifestyle of anyone serving with HCC.
- Abusive behaviour; (Lev 18; 1 Tim 5:22; 1 John 3:3)
- Breach of trust or confidence; (Matt 5:3, 19:18; Phil 4:8; 1 John 3:3)
- Extra-marital sexual relationships (adultery), physical or emotional; (Ex 20:1;, Lev 18; Rom 7:3; 1 Cor 5:1-2, 9-13; Eph 5:3-5; Heb 13:4)
- Gambling behaviour: habitual, compulsive or addictive(Prov 15:27a)
- Occultic practices; adherence to or participation in occultic activities (Deut 18:10-11; Acts 13:6-9; Gal 5:19-21)
- Participation or involvement in pornography including reading, viewing, or listening to pornographic material; (Phil 4:8; Col 3:5; 1 John 3:3)
- Premarital sexual relationships (fornication); (Acts 15:29; Eph 5: 3-5; Heb 13:4)
- Physical violence not in self-defense or the defense of others; (Lev 18; 1 Tim 5:22; 1 John 3:3)
- Racist conduct or expressing racist viewpoints; (James 2:1-4; Col 3:10 & 11)
- Same-sex, transsexual or transgendered practices, relationships or unions, promotion or support of such activity or organizations promoting or supporting such activity, or any other sexual activity or organization departing from biblical standards; (Lev 18; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 10:8) (Lev 18; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 10:8)
- Substance abuse including the abuse of alcohol and drugs; (Phil 4:8; 1 Tim 5:22; 1 John 3:3)
- Sexual assault, abuse, harassment; (Lev 18; 1 Tim 5:22; 1 John 3:3)
- Theft or fraud, libel, slander; (Exodus 20:15, 17; Matt 5:37)
- Use of profane or abusive language; (Eph 4:29; Col 3:8)
- Other behaviours or activities deemed inconsistent with biblical moral standards.
While the previous list is not exhaustive, it does outline areas of conduct deemed inconsistent with Christian conduct and Biblical standards. Individuals serving in a position of leadership at HCC are encouraged to place themselves in voluntary accountability with trusted friends who will hold them to this lifestyle standard. Eagerness for godly accountability before others is an indication of spiritual maturity.
The assessment of behavior as being contrary to these standards and values and the determination of the consequences for such behavior within the context of leadership at HCC, is the responsibility of the Pastoral Team of HCC (see HCC Constitution for details of this team). In the event of a perceived breach of the lifestyle standard by a person in a position of leadership, the Pastoral Team will follow the guidelines laid out by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17 for the confronting and restoration of a brother who sins. All confrontation should be done with humility and the goal of gentle restoration (Gal. 6:1).
In a situation where the safety of a child or minor is involved, immediate steps will be taken to ensure the physical, emotional, and spiritual safety of that person.
Consequences for breaching the lifestyle standard will vary depending on the circumstances and may result in church discipline including termination from a role or office as a volunteer, employee, director or official leader. Disciplinary Action may include (but is not limited to):
- Probation
- Monitoring
- Loss of leadership, volunteer privileges, termination from staff or dis-fellowship (denied participation in church group activities) Mat 18: 15-17
The goal of all discipline is ultimately the restoration of the individual. The Pastoral Team will be responsible for determining when restoration has been accomplished, allowing the individual to re-engage in leadership roles at HCC.
THE MEMBERS OF HCC’S LEADERSHIP TEAMS ARE ASKED TO ANNUALLY REVIEW AND AGREE TO THE BIBLICAL STANDARDS DESCRIBED ABOVE. Please download, sign, and email or return to the church office.