1 Timothy 3:14-15

I am writing these instructions so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God.

1 Timothy 1:5

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Code of Conduct

1 TIMOTHY 4:12b

Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 TIMOTHY 6:12

 Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Speech

  • What I talk about - the subject/focus of your speech
  • How I talk - the language of your speech (James 1:26)
  • How I communicate online via social media and in texts with friends
  • Vigilant against gossip
  • Do I preserve the privacy and confidentiality of accountability? (Proverbs 11:13) 
  • No “vulgar speech” (Ephesians 4:29), “filthiness nor foolish talk, nor crude joking”  (Ephesians 5:4), or ”irreverent babble and contradictions” (1 Timothy 6:20)

Conduct

  • Never one-on-one (alone in a room, vehicle, etc..) with students, always in groups.
  • Never romantically involved with a student, or even playfully flirtatious, but treat them always as brothers and sisters (1 Tim 5:2)
  • As a general rule, avoid physical contact with students (ie. hugs) in favor of high-fives, which are more appropriate to the power dynamic within a student/leader relationship
  • Report indicators of abuse (physical/sexual) in accordance with the legal requirements and obligations of our church, specifically in cases where the student is at risk of harm
  • No alcohol, tobacco, vapes, or drugs
  • Devices (phones, tablets) should remain pocketed, unless for digital Bible use
  • No photography of students. Photos can only be taken under certain circumstances, by approved leaders, under written consent of a guardian/parent

Love

  • What do I love? What occupies my  time, money, affections? (Luke 10:27, 1 Tim 6:10, Titus 1:8)
  • Show impartiality to the students, without favoritism (James 2:9)
  • Model the love of Christ to students, with self sacrifice and humility (Philippians 2:5)
  •  Desire for Christ is the root of my faith and very life  (Matt 22:37)

Faith

  • Dependence on grace alone, in Christ alone, through faith alone.
  • Is there ‘wandering’ in my faith? (1 Tim 6:10, 21, James 5:19)
  • Committed to prayer (a work of faith) for the students, their friends, other Team Timothy members, and FRY leadership

Purity

  • Who am I when no one is looking (Luke 8:17)
  • Great discernment in all media choices- eyes, ears and mind kept pure  (Psalm 101:3, 1 Thes 5:23)
  • Upholding relational integrity and sexual purity (Eph 5:3, Job 31:1, Prov 2:12-16)
  • Refusing  the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22) 
  • Refuse  to  ever be  in a compromising situation (Genesis 39:9)
  • Modesty in dress (1 Timothy 2:9) ,with clothing and attire fitting one who prioritizes inner beauty.
     

Righteousness

  • Zealous for good works (Titus 2:7) 
  • Committed to the simple, hardworking, godly lifestyle that wins the respect of unbelievers (1 Thes 4:11-12)
  • Living  in the ‘Fear of the Lord’ that promotes obedience and shunning of anything evil (Job 1:8, Ecc 12:13, Acts 10:35)

Steadfastness

  • Stable in faith, not tossed to and fro  (Ephesians 4:14, James 1:6)
  • Rooted in the authority and trustworthiness of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16)
  • Reliable and dependable - making every effort to follow through on commitments and communicate when circumstances arise that prevent this.

Gentleness

  • The tone used with students: patient (James 1:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:14)
  • Humble, gracious (Colossians 4:6)
  • Respond in a godly manner when sternness is required (Eph 4:26)

Commitment

According to this Code of Conduct derived from 1 Timothy, do you believe yourself to be qualified as  an example to the youth?

  • What areas of your life are you mature in?
  • What areas are you growing in and becoming sanctified?
  • What areas have you not yet grown in? Are you committed to growth and discipleship in these areas?
  • Are you disqualified because of sin or disobedience in your life? 

I am prepared to be held accountable to this standard, as set out in  1 Timothy. I recognize the responsibility required in order to be an example to the youth in all areas of my life. I  am committed to a life of holiness, as unto the Lord. I declare that there are no areas of willful sin in my life. Should I choose to live in a lifestyle of sin, or refuse to abide by this standard, I understand that I then relinquish my Timothy role.

Matthew 18:6

If you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin,
it would be better for you to have a large millstone
tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.