Titus 1:7-8 “Since an overseer [leader] manages God’s household, he must be blameless – not overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
This Honor Code enables everyone who desires to take on a leadership role to live according to the standard in which God has called us to as His Followers.
By providing an example in speech and action, both online and in person (pertaining to a standard of modesty, ungodly speech, alcohol consumption, etc), we encourage others to grow in Christ and become servant leaders themselves. Living above reproach is a way of life measured by the heart and commitment of each leader in the Awaken Church family.
We should regard it as an essential part of our development, not as an imposition or restriction.
This should be the basic premise of your desire to minister and serve in a leadership position here at Awaken: that you strive to demonstrate Biblical standards in all situations because first and foremost, it is pleasing to God. In the spirit of growing in a dynamic relationship with God, our desire is that Awaken Church’s leaders maintain a disciplined life of personal devotions, spiritual disciplines, and faithful attendance in weekend experiences.
We care about you Because we care about the individual, we seek to move people forward in freedom. However, we believe there are certain areas where it is counterproductive to the individual as well as the church to serve in a leadership position before a breakthrough in freedom has been achieved. Therefore, we ask our leaders to refrain from things such as:
• Ungodly speech Negative behavior such as gossip, slander, and profanity as we seek to move towards positive and encouraging words (This pertains to posting on social media as well).
•Divisive Social Media presence: Leaders commit to political restraint and non-inflammatory engagement on social media (don’t share articles, posts, reels, etc that will cause division) while maintaining clear, Scripture-rooted moral convictions communicated with grace, humility, and Christlike love.
• Addictions: Gambling, tobacco products, illegal or recreational drugs Over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages (drunkenness)
• Sexual Immorality Living together outside of marriage. Engaging in sexual activity outside the Biblical mandate of sexual activity within the marriage covenant between a man and woman Homosexuality Pornography
An Awaken Environment In the spirit of encouraging our brothers and sisters who may struggle with addiction, it is Awaken Church's desire to provide safe environments that cannot be misconstrued as promoting the use, or abuse of alcohol.
This also pertains to the sensitivity of what is posted on social media regarding alcohol. We do not post pictures posing with or consuming alcohol (this includes pictures of any alcoholic beverage at our meals) on any social platforms. We do not want to be a stumbling block for anyone we are leading, who may deal with addiction or may have had previous negative experiences involving alcohol. This desire to put another first is in keeping with Romans 14:13 "Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." And, to live according to Jesus' own words in Matthew 22:39, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Therefore, it is the Leader's responsibility that any gathering or event for Awaken Church (before, during, or after) be alcohol free.
By typing your name and date below you are agreeing to the terms of this Honor Code. Please speak with Pastor Tyler if you have any questions or need further clarification.
In the event that a leader compromises this Honor Code, Awaken Church’s Elder Team will determine the course of action on a case-by-case basis. Please sign below (type name and date) in acknowledgment that in assuming your role as a leader at Awaken Church, you agree to this Honor Code
