Volunteer Expectations

◻ APPERANCE

“People look on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.”

The first phrase is not the heart of the verse, but it’s the truth. Students and adults will base their impression of our ministry on their impression of us. For this reason, our appearance and clothing should:

  • be clean

  • communicate self-worth

  • be modest

  • be protective

  • avoid masking our inner qualities

◻ YOUTH INTERACTIONS

Discretion in staff members’ and volunteers’ personal lives is fundamental to both spiritual integrity and to continuing to do spiritual ministry among youth and their families. To live wisely and without any hint of sexual misconduct we keep the following standards:

  • Any verbal or nonverbal or technology-based sexual interaction with any student is inappropriate and any team member engaging in sexual interactions of any type will be immediately disciplined and reported to the appropriate authorities.

  • Dating or any type of exclusive relationship with any middle school or high school student is forbidden.

  • Discretion must be used in physical contact with any youth. Innocent behavior can be misinterpreted or misunderstood. Full body-to-body hugs, piggyback rides, sitting on laps, stroking, massaging shoulders or any other part of the body, backrubs, or affectionate kissing raises serious concerns and must be avoided. Any overt display of affection, appropriate hugging for example, should be made in a public setting in front of other group members and should not be demanded from the other party.

  • Sexual gestures or overtures to a staff member by a youth should be reported to one of the team leaders, ministry directors, or pastors so that discussion can be held with the student.

  • Staff should develop male/female ministry teams whenever possible.

  • One-on-one counseling should always occur in a visible public place, never alone in a car or a private place. As a general rule when counseling a member of the other gender, invite a member of the same gender as the counselee to be the observing staff.

  • When a situation arises where you are alone with a youth, quickly move that situation to a visible public setting.

  • Driving alone with a student should be avoided at all times.

  • Romantic or sexual attraction for a student by an adult leader should be brought up and discussed with the Director of Family Ministries.

  • All suspicions of child or sexual abuse must be reported to the Director of Family Ministries. That person will notify the appropriate agencies.

  • Any knowledge or suspicion of anyone including staff having an inappropriate relationship with a youth must be reported promptly to the Director of Family Ministries. If the person in question is the Director of Family Ministries, the report should be made to the Growth and Connections Director.

  • Physical horseplay should be avoided between staff and youth.

  • Church staff or volunteers should obtain consent of the youth’s parent or guardian before going out with that youth or spending time with that youth in an unsupervised situation.

  • Use caution in connecting with students via social media or through other technology.

◻ DATING AND EXCLUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS

We recognize one of the greatest visible destroyers of ministries is moral impurity. The following policies should be understood in that light:

  • Staff members involved in a dating relationship should model appropriate behavior, particularly during church functions.

  • In the case of premarital sex or extramarital sex, an immediate disciplinary action will be taken.

  • Be aware what you are communicating about your relationship(s) on social media.

◻ CHARACTER EXPECTATIONS

  • To keep integrity: the motives, attitude, and actions of staff should be completely transparent to any observer.

  1. Faithfulness in the little things – being on time, keeping our word, following through with commitments, and other responsibilities.

  2. Faithfulness in money – turning in receipts, being very cautious with event cash and petty cash, remembering that people have sacrificially given that dollar.

  3. Faithfulness in that which belongs to another – treating all church equipment and property with the utmost respect.

  • To be teachable: None of us must claim to have arrived at infallibility. We must continually attend sessions, conferences, worship services, read, and observe with a teachable spirit, continually seeking growth.

  • To be an appropriate role model: Staff and volunteer responsibilities naturally require frequent interaction with youth, their families, and the community. Due to the variety of beliefs and backgrounds of those serving at Crow Hill Bible Church, exercise restraint and discretion in our conduct keeping in mind weaker brothers and sisters in Christ.

  • To develop a servant’s heart: “Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind and esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus . . . who made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant . . . He humbled Himself and became obedient . . . even the death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:3-8).