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Covenant Of Conduct

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church * Boise, Idaho

As a community moving forward in faith—gathering, empowering, and sending people into an ever-changing world, as disciples of the living Christ, we affirm the right of every member to express his or her concerns, ideas, and/or opinions about the life and ministry of the congregation. We covenant together to promote healthy communication for our healthy congregation using the following protocol:

  1. Members are encouraged to routinely express their gratitude to one another regarding positive experiences in the life and ministry of the congregation. Members are also encouraged to express their concerns that may arise from time to time. When a member expresses an opinion or concern to a ministry team leader, staff person, or council member or another member, that member or leadership person should ask, “What would you like me to do with this information?”
  2. If the individual desires to have the information transmitted to a Ministry Team, or a member of the staff or the Congregational Council, then the person shall be invited to bring the information or opinion directly to that person or to the next meeting of that group. The time and date of the next meeting for the group shall be given to them.
  3. When an individual does not wish to appear in person, then the leadership person shall ask the individual for permission to use his/her name in reporting. The person may also be invited to share his/her concern in writing and sign it to be sure the concern is being accurately communicated
    1. If permission is not given and the person bringing the concern declines to share it in writing and sign it, the leadership person shall say, “I’m sorry but I will not be able to report this to [name of person or group] since we do not deal with anonymous letters, comments or concerns.”
    2. If permission is given, the leadership person shall report the information/opinion to the person or group and use the individual’s name.
  4. At his or her discretion, a leadership person may ask that the individual refer the issue to an alternative leadership person for presentation.
  5. When referred to a group, each concern shall be placed on the agenda and be subsequently reflected in the regular minutes of the group, citing any action taken by the particular Ministry Team or Congregational Council.
  6. In all cases the person initially expressing a concern orally or in writing shall be informed of any decision made or action taken in response to his/her concern.
  7. When, after a response to his/her concern is provided, the individual desires further clarification regarding the concern, the Mutual Ministry Team will prayerfully engage the person.

We hear the Apostle Paul’s words addressed to the Corinthian Church (see below) addressing our congregation. This Covenant of Conduct guides us to grow into God’s vision for the church and the ministry God has given to us in our baptism.

“17if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;” (2nd Cor. 5:17-18)

Updated May 23, 2010