Code of Conduct
(please print this, fill it out, then scan and email it to bfminbox2@gmail.com OR give it to a BFM board member in person)
BFM Code of Conduct April 14, 2024
Blind Faith Ministries (BFM) looks to both Scripture and the dictionary in order to fully define the word "conduct". The scripture we will use is Philippians 1:27, "Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News."
The Oxford dictionary defines Conduct as: "The manner in which a person behaves, especially on a particular occasion or in a particular context." For example: "All three brothers were known for their disorderly conduct".
Looking at this definition, we will list out the ministry's expectations for acceptable conduct.
Expectations:
Mannerisms: We look to Galatians chapter 5 in order to help us define what mannerisms are acceptable. "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT)
One Spirit: 1 Corinthians 6:17 says, "But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him."
What does this mean to BFM?
1) It means that you have an ongoing relationship with the Lord and are living a lifestyle proving that relationship.
2) It also means that you are willing to accept constructive criticism to keep you on your path with the Lord.
One Purpose: To define "One Purpose," we need to look at The Great Commission and The Great Commandment.
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
"Go and make disciples".
The Great Commandment
Matthew 22:36-39
"Love God and your neighbor".
Firstly, we are called to serve in love and anything other than that is of our selfish nature. BFM takes this stance on, "Self"… it is not welcome here. We serve in love as it is the only way to serve and maintain the pace that God sets.
Secondly, we are called "to make disciples". BFM realizes that making disciples is done in two types of ways.
1) On a personal level where you are devoting your time and efforts to others. 2) In our travels.
Though we may not take everyone through the sinner's prayer, fully walking and discipling them, we are to plant the seed so that someone else may come behind and reap the harvest.
Behavior – Context: In Galatians 5, "Self-Control" is a fruit of the Spirit. Knowing this, BFM expects that you will control yourself in any and all situations. If you need a minute please say something when there is an appropriate time to do so. NOT 30 seconds before we are to minister.
Acceptable Behaviors: Galatians 5:22-23 to name a few.
Non-Acceptable: BFM has a very strict point of view when it comes to what we consider "Non-Acceptable Behavior". These types of behaviors as follows but not limited to:
• Being alone with the opposite sex
• Inappropriate touching – while BFM does believe in laying on of hands, WE must also make sure we do not make the person we are praying for feel like we are violating them in any way possible.
• Inappropriate Dress – as we travel abroad or even here in the United States we need to take into consideration what we are wearing. Simply put - keep your assets covered… this applies to both males and females.
If there are any questionable actions or behaviors that are suspected by Blind Faith Ministries they will be handled according to the Matthew 18 principle: individual conversation, if nothing gets resolved then a meeting with 1-2 neutral witnesses, if nothing gets resolved then a discussion between the board in which case the volunteer may be asked not to volunteer in future events. Each step will be taken in the hopes that the matter will be taken care of and that it will not need to be escalated. If a volunteer is asked to step aside then the goal is to seek restoration where possible, and not to be permanently removed from serving.
Behavior – Occasion:
2 Corinthians 6:4 NLT – "In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind".
Taking any type of issue on the road is not acceptable to BFM. Issues lead to unwanted behaviors and problems that frankly we really do not want to deal with while traveling, whether in the U.S. or abroad. Our team members need to be spiritually, mentally, and physically healthy in order to handle their tasks and beyond. This may seem a bit excessive, but the "battle" is real. We would like you to know this: our goal is to protect you from unwanted attacks from the enemy and we are here to help you.
Your part is to communicate with BFM when you are walking through a rough time and you need to know when to put yourself on the bench. There is no shame in saying, "I cannot serve because…" No matter what is going on in your life BFM is here for you.
With all that being said, our hope here at BFM is that you realize and understand we have a very high level of expectation; not only for you, but for all of us – so that this ministry can edify everyone and glorify God.
By signing this document, you are agreeing to Blind Faith Ministries Code of Conduct and what it stands for.
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