The original PDF version of this document can be found here.
| Effective Date |
29th September 2020 |
| Last Review |
29th September 2020 |
| Next Review |
On or before September 2023 |
Rationale:
To provide guidelines for behaviour that maintains the highest standards of integrity in both personal and professional conduct that would be expected of a mature Christian.
Biblical Principles:
The Ten Commandments
Exodus 20
‘Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.’
Philippians 1:27
‘So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do....put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires ... put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness....And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption....Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’
Ephesians 4:17-32
‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God....Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind....Hate what is evil; cling to what is good...Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody ... Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.’
Romans 12:1-2, 9, 17, 21
Scope:
This policy applies to all board members, employees, casual staff, speakers, writers, directors, team leaders, interns, volunteers and contractors and any affiliated entities (such as regional or campus groups) who operate as a Thinking Matters™ group.
All staff (both paid and volunteer) and leaders (board members, group leaders, regional directors, and campus directors) must read, agree to and digitally sign a copy of this policy before representing Thinking Matters™ in a public manner.
Guidelines:
Employees and representatives are expected to conduct themselves following these principles:
Personal Behaviour and Conduct
- Treat others with kindness and respect in word and deed.
- Be morally upright in public and private life.
- Honour the sanctity of marriage.
- Employees are encouraged to have personal accountability mechanisms to ensure on-going growth in godly wisdom and behaviour
Respectful of Doctrine
- Promote a positive reputation of Christianity in a broad sense.
- Not teach, promote or encourage the teaching of a view which contradicts the Thinking Matters™ NZ Foundation Statement of Faith included with this document.
- Advise the Thinking Matters™ CEO with any exceptions you may have regarding the Statement of Faith.
- Advise the Thinking Matters™ CEO in writing in the event your views change with respect to the Thinking Matters™ Statement of Faith.
- Be sensitive to controversial viewpoints which can cause conflict or denomination-specific doctrines and handle them with respect and sensitivity. See our Controversial Topics Policy for guidance and when in doubt seek guidance from the CEO.
Respectful of the Thinking Matters™ Name
- Protect the good name and integrity of Thinking Matters™ and the name of those associated with the Thinking Matters™ network in both word and behaviour.
- Report to the CEO or Board Chair as appropriate any incident, threat or behaviour that could have a negative impact on the good name and integrity of Thinking Matters™.
- Cooperate with everyone associated with Thinking Matters™ and the wider apologetics community in maintaining a spirit of Christian fellowship.
Respectful in Public Presentations
When representing Thinking Matters™ publicly, either at live events or in the creation of content recorded or written, online or printed:
- Defend your beliefs and views with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)
- Respect and abide by the terms and conditions required by any venue used under the auspices of Thinking Matters™.
- Ensure that the character and values of Thinking Matters™ are evident when public representation is made.
- Try to avoid using religious language, instead, we seek to contextualise our message so that it is most meaningful to those listening.
Accountable, trustworthy, and responsible custodians of Thinking Matters™ NZ assets and funds
- Take good care of any Thinking Matters™ property in my possession and return it to the national office on request.
- Never misuse or misappropriate Thinking Matters™ property or funds.
- Treat all information with care and use it only for authorised and appropriate purposes.
- Be good stewards of all Thinking Matters™ property or funds and at all times act in the interests of Thinking Matters™ and its purposes.
Ensure Biblical principles are applied to personal grievances
In the event of a grievance against any person associated with Thinking Matters™, take account of the principles of Matthew 18:15-17:
- Where an employee of Thinking Matters™ is concerned or involved, the terms of their employment agreement and principles of employment law will also be taken into account as part of the process
- In the first instance, [if appropriate and safe to do so] approach the person concerned in a one-on-one setting to discuss this grievance.
- If the person is uncooperative, then endeavour to approach this person again along with one or two witnesses.
- If the issue is still unresolved, to further endeavour to involve the assistance of a person in authority, or a suitable Christian mediator as appropriate to the situation. The Board Complaints Policy should be referred to when needed.
Removal of rights to represent Thinking Matters™:
- I accept that the Thinking Matters™ Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke my right to represent Thinking Matters™ if, in its judgment, I fail to conform either to the stated Code of Conduct, the Statement of Faith, or the expressed principles, values and policies of Thinking Matters.
- In the event my right to represent Thinking Matters™ is revoked:,
- I promise to refrain from claiming that I am still associated with Thinking Matters™ in any communication medium, public or private.
- I will return any Thinking Matters™ property I may have in my possession.
- I will respect any applicable confidential understandings or arrangements.