MENAI BAPTIST CHURCH

Scope

The Code of Conduct applies to all Volunteers aged 15 years and under. 

The Code of Conduct should be read in conjunction with the Safe Church Policy Statements and:

 Procedure for Staff and Volunteers

 Procedure for Responding to Child Protection Concerns

 Procedure for Handling Complaints against Staff and Volunteers

 Procedure for Conflict Resolution

1. Volunteers are encouraged to:

   • Study and reflect on God and His word, the Bible, and share His message of salvation with others, understanding that only out of maintaining and growing a relationship with God is someone able to minister to others.

   • Join regularly in the life and ministry of the Church

   • Pray regularly with and for the people and ministry of MBC.

   • Support the Pastors, Leadership Council and Ministry Team Leaders of MBC and never actively or intentionally seek to undermine their position in the church or community.

   • Nurture healthy relationships with others that promote respect, warmth and understanding.

   • Support MBC being a Safe Space for children, young people and vulnerable adults, including upholding Safe Church practices in all MBC ministries.

   • Be a team player and accountable to others in the team

   • Value the work of all MBC ministries and work in partnership with them.

   • Liaise with the Pastoral team and/or Safe Church Team about any needs, issues or pastoral support that may come to light in regard to children, young people, families or vulnerable adults.

   • Acknowledge when I am out of my depth, or do not possess the required skill set in difficult pastoral situations (such as helping a victim of abuse, or a person who needs professional counselling), and seek help from the Safe Church Team or a Pastor.

2. Volunteers Commit to:

• Upholding, supporting and abiding by the Safe Church Policy
• Responding to reasonable directions from the person with responsibility for the ministry I am involved in
• Communicating with integrity, including wise and accountable use of electronic communication, including in accordance with Guidelines for Activities with Children and Young People
• Not knowingly make false, misleading, or deceptive statements
• Not engaging in bullying, harassment, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, of any person including my own family
• Not acting violently or intentionally provoke violence
• Upholding confidentiality; not disclosing any confidential information without the consent of the person providing the information (except where there is a legal obligation)
• Reporting concerns about misconduct and/or abuse according to the Churchs Safe Church Policy and relevant procedures
• Disclosing all relevant information as part of completing the Screening Check Questionnaire if I have not already done so
• Disclosing to the Church Leadership if I am investigated for any criminal offences or have any knowledge of serious unlawful activity within the church context.
• Seeking to live in accordance with Biblical principles as interpreted by Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT

I understand if there is a complaint against me relating to a breach of this Code of Conduct:

a) If it is a plausible complaint relating to Child Sexual Abuse or Sexual Misconduct involving a child or vulnerable adult, the Church may ask me to step aside from my duties while the complaint is being considered

b) If the complaint relates to serious misconduct and/or abuse (including Child Sexual Abuse) it will be reported to relevant government authorities in accordance with relevant legal requirements

c) I agree to participate in any process initiated under the Procedure for Resolving Conflict, Procedure for Handling Complaints against Staff and Volunteers and/or Procedure for Responding to Child Protection Concerns and agree to be bound by the outcomes of any such process, which may include termination of my employment/engagement as a staff member or volunteer with the Church.

NOTE: the Volunteer should receive a copy of this Code of Conduct and the Church should retain the signed and dated copy of the Code of Conduct for at least 45 years.