1. Always maintain a written ministry policy regarding
any ‘on or off’ campus ministry. Generic protocols can be
uniformly structured to represent the overall ministry, yet uniquely
worded to serve the individual ministry need.
2. Anyone considered for ministry, especially as
leaders should be required to read all policies, initial each item as
they are read, then sign an agreement to abide by all standing procedures
and protocols. If they will not, do not use them.
Through the years I have found almost without exception
that those unwilling to sign an agreement eventually cause big problems
and what is worse feel justified for all their damage.
3. A statement of agreement of all standing policies
should be signed by all candidates desiring to participate in any ministry.
This is key should a legal matter or insurance requirement arise. This
document should include an agreement to work together in a professional
manner when relationship, character or personality differences arise
in the work place and that these issues should not be received as matters
for mediation between individual. Nor will issues concerning culture,
tradition, gender, race or negotiable scriptural or religious issues
unless there is a specific standing policy to protect and maintain a
safe ministry environment. Excluding individuals from ministry based
on one dislikes of another will give rise to disruption and unwanted
lawsuits.
4. Any policies not open to change should be identified
as such in the initial written agreement.
5. When a mediation team has reached a decision concerning
a policy, should contention continue to emerge, those in opposition
should be willing to dismiss themselves peacefully from ministry.
>>> This policy should be introduced in the initial ministry
agreement.