GRACE ATHENS LEADER COVENANT

Paul instructed the church in Ephesus to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4). We take seriously the reality that leadership is a calling, and therefore compels a life that is "above reproach" (1 Timothy 3:2). We acknowledge that we are all human, we are all in process, and we are all in need of help from the Spirit, and we celebrate the grace of God that extends itself to each of us in our weaknesses. It is our desire, not to place an undue burden on our leaders, creating a culture of legalism, but to hold one another to a higher standard, with a heart of love, honor, and goodwill. 

With this posture in mind, we, the staff and leadership of Grace Athens, ask that all Grace Athens leaders would seek to live within the boundaries outlines below.

IN REGARDS TO ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE: 

Alcohol is only to be consumed by those of legal age. Underage consumption of alcohol is against the law, and therefore not condoned by Grace Athens leadership. This means that Grace Athens leaders who are of age should not condone underage consumption of alcohol within their ministries, nor should they create social environments where underage alcohol consumption is taking place. Among leaders who are of age, drunkenness and excessive alcohol use is not condoned. We understand that these are subjective terms, so leaders are expected to respect their limits and exercise wisdom. 

Drug use, including marijuana, is illegal in the state of Georgia, and therefore is not condoned. Leaders are expected to set an example in this area, and therefore should not create social environments where illegal drug use is taking place.

IN REGARDS TO SEXUAL CONDUCT:

We acknowledge that God created humans as sexual beings, and that sex is good, intended to exist within the context of marriage. Across the Grace Family of Churches, we affirm the biblical design of marriage from the beginning as being a covenant between one man and one woman, and that sexual intimacy is reserved for the marriage relationship. It is our desire that our leaders seek to live a lifestyle of purity, integrity, and honor toward their brothers and sisters. To be clear and explicit for our leaders, we want to list out a few activities that we do not condone that have previously come into question: sexual activities before marriage, co-living before marriage, staying over and sharing a sleeping space or bed with someone of the opposite sex or that you are dating before marriage. 

We understand that feelings of guilt and shame often accompany this conversation, and therefore desire to create an environment where our leaders can grow in health and self-control without condemnation. 

Many people have questions about pornography. Based on the Scriptures and many scientific studies, we understand pornography to be destructive to the life and sexuality of both an individual viewer and the unity of a married couple (1 Corinthians 6:12-20) (as well as fueling a larger system of injustice). Therefore, we do not condone the use of pornography as an individual or as a married couple.  

I understand the lifestyle expectations outlined above apply to anyone who is considered a ministry leader at Grace Athens Church, and therefore I agree to intentionally live such a lifestyle. If I struggle to live within these boundaries, I agree to seek the help of my community, Grace Athens Pastors and/or Formation Counseling Center, knowing that my personal health as a child of God is their primary concern. I also agree to hold other Grace Athens leaders accountable to this covenant, seeking the health and wellbeing of my brothers and sisters.

By signing this, I agree to the Statements of Faith, the Convictions of Grace Athens, and the Leadership Covenant, without reservation.

If you have any reservations about signing this form, please check here and our Pastor will reach out to you. 

GRACE FAMILY CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION

I hereby state that the information given by me in this application, in interviews, or by any other means is true and complete in all respects, and I agree that if any information is found to be false or incomplete in any respect, I will be subject to rejection of my application or termination of my service. I give permission for an investigation to be conducted now or at any time during my service. I authorize personal references and any other persons or organizations who maintain this information to provide it upon receipt of this authorization, and I release all such persons and organizations from any liabilities or damages on account of having furnished such information in good faith. I specifically authorize the release of any criminal history information which may be in the files of any state or local criminal justice agency. Should I become accepted, I authorize Grace Family of Churches named herein to answer such questions for the benefit of future churches conducting similar investigations. I understand that the information below regarding sex, race and date of birth is requested for the sole purpose of gathering the above information accurately, and will not be used to discriminate against me in violation of any law. A telephonic facsimile (FAX) or a photographic copy of this authorization shall be as valid as the original. 

Should my application be accepted, I agree to be bound by the Constitution and policies of the Grace Family of Churches, and to refrain from unscriptural conduct in the performance of my services on behalf of the church. 

Please write your legal full name below.

List below all addresses for the last TEN years starting with the most current: (attach additional page if necessary) 

Street, City, State, ZIP, County, Dates