St. Andrew's Code of Conduct

At St. Andrew's, our goal is to build and grow a healthy family, unified by Christian love. As in any family, all members must be held accountable for their individual conduct. This document seeks to establish norms of behavior and communication for all members of St. Andrew's.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

"A new command I give you, Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13: 7

In all that we do and say we will act in the spirit of Christian love. We will strive to behave in a way that embodies God's commandment to us: love one another.

PARTICIPATION

"Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:27

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God..." Acts 20:28

A healthy family is connected and unified with each individual member working for the betterment of the whole. As a church family, we attain this unity by regular participation in worship services, and giving of our time, talent and treasure. As members of St. Andrew's we will use our God given gifts to glorify Him and to serve the church.

COMMUNICATION

"If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless." James 1:26

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." Thessalonians 5:11

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual song." Ephesians. 5:19

Communication is essential to maintaining a healthy family. Honesty and openness are the hallmarks of good communication skills. In communicating with each other we vow to treat each other with dignity and respect. We will share our ideas, concerns and suggestions using appropriate methods and channels of communication. We will avoid gossip at all cost.

CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION

The first line of communication is to our Rector, the spiritual leader of the church.

The second line of communication is the Senior Warden of the Vestry. Should a member feel more comfortable approaching an individual Vestry member, it should be with the understanding that said Vestry member will take up the matter with the entire Vestry, including the Rector and the Senior Warden.

The third line of communication is the comment box "St. Andrew's Speaks". The comment box affords a member the option of offering praise or raising a concern anonymously.

All members of St. Andrew's are welcome to attend Vestry meetings, excluding executive sessions, and observe first hand the work of the Vestry.

In addition, the minutes of Vestry meetings will be posted at the church and on the church's website.

Should a compelling need arise, members in good standing may request an opportunity to address the Vestry as a guest speaker.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGING

Technology affords the opportunity to communicate quickly and conveniently with a large audience. However, responsible use of E-mail communication is expected of all members of St. Andrews.

Proper use of E-mail communication is to offer praise, thanksgiving or information. It is improper to use E-mail communications to criticize, critique or spread inaccurate information.

We vow that we will utilize E-mail communication to disseminate information and offer praise and thanksgiving. Moreover, we promise to hold each other accountable for improper use of E-mail communication.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you." Matthew 18: 15

"Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love." Ephesians 5:19

"Bear with each other and forgive one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Colossians 3:13

As in any family, disagreements will occur. As members of the St. Andrew's family, we will embrace diversity and differing opinions and should conflict arise, we vow to resolve our conflicts in the spirit of Christian love.

Recognizing that the most effective way to resolve most disputes is at the lowest and simplest level. When conflicts arise, we will seek out the source of our conflict and through one on one, personal interaction, seek to resolve the matter.

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