This code of conduct applies to members of the Brisbane School of Theology (BST), including faculty, staff, students, adult residents and certain volunteers. It indicates the standards of conduct expected of its members, who are required to subscribe to it. Based on Scripture,[1] it complements the BST Statement of Faith, Student Handbook and other published policies.
We expect Board members to act in a way consistent with this Code of Conduct and supportive of the implementation and compliance with this Code.
BST is committed to fostering a community whose culture is shaped by God's grace in the gospel of Jesus Christ; characterised by warm acceptance (Romans 15:7), tender-hearted compassion, forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32) and genuine love (1 Peter 1:22). There is a shared desire to make Christ known to the world (Matthew 28:18-20), so that God is glorified (1 Corinthians 10:31).
This Code recognises the obligation of those who belong to Christ to live as his holy people (Romans 6:12-13). It also recognises the ongoing struggle between sinful desires and the work of God's Spirit in believers (Galatians 5:16-17). Rather than legalism, judgementalism and condemnation, the code is intended to promote mutual encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 3:12-13).
Members of the BST community are expected to read and agree to the following code as we pursue conformity to the character of Christ, the building of his church and the advancement of his mission, committed to:
1. Personal devotion to knowing God through Christ (Philippians 3:8-10)
· growing in faith, practising repentance, a life of worship and thankfulness
· regular prayer, Bible reading, church attendance, generosity in giving
· support of, and participation in, mission
2. Holy living in obedience to God's revealed will (Genesis 1 & 2; 1 Peter 1:16; Romans 12:1-2)
· speech marked by integrity, truthfulness, gentleness and thoughtfulness
· attitudes of humility, teachability, service and peaceability
· diligence in study, meeting responsibilities and preparation for ministry
· financial affairs marked by integrity, contentment, and generosity
· sexual purity: refraining from sexual activity outside of marriage, defined as the union between one man and one woman
· faithfulness in providing for family and dependants
3. Participation in community and church
· actively involved in a local church
· willing to comply with reasonable requests from those in leadership positions
· respectful of others, their health, safety and theological views
· protective of the reputation of BST
· respectful of BST property
· timely in meeting financial obligations
4. Avoidance of immoral behaviour:
· academic misconduct (e.g. plagiarism)
· bullying, slander, or vilification of others on the basis of race, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status
· consumption of alcohol on campus
· distribution or accessing of pornography
· engagement in the occult
· gambling
· sexual immorality or crude speech
· theft or damage of property
· use of illicit drugs
5. Lawful conduct: the following criminal activity will not be tolerated, and will be referred to appropriate authorities:
· sexual harassment
· domestic violence
· child exploitation material or child abuse
· other crimes under the Australian and Queensland legal codes
6. Application of the code
Matters arising from the code will be dealt with carefully, compassionately, constructively and confidentially:
· If the code raises issues of your own behaviour, you should speak to a person who has oversight of you (e.g., Student Advisor; Principal; Board Chair).
· If a behavioural issue is raised, the goals of any response will be clarification, change, resolution and restoration.
· If you are concerned about the behaviour of others, speak with the Principal, Deputy Principal or Board Chair.
· Disciplinary action will be taken against staff and faculty who are in serious breach of the Code.
· If a student remains unresponsive to attempts to address behaviour, in serious cases, that person’s study or involvement at the college may be terminated, in accordance with the ACT Coursework Course Enrolment Policy.
· If criminal activity is suspected, this will be reported to relevant authorities.
[1] Notably, Genesis 1-2; Matthew 5-7; Romans 12-13; Ephesians 4-5; Hebrews 13.