Welcome To ThePLC Ministry TeamSanctuary + Sunday School What is this for? This handbook is presented to give you an understanding of the expectations and benefits of being a ministry member. Just what are the benefits of being on the ministry team? To be honest, it's not all fun and games, being a part of the team requires hard work, dedication and sacrifice. However, you will gain a lot and learn much, for example: - The Joy of working for the Lord - The satisfaction of helping others - Working in a Christian Environment - No arguing among your fellow laborers - Spirit-filled team members of the same faith - Develop excellent people skills - Most importantly, making Disciples Please initial once you have read Section #1. * The standards for men & women set herein will be maintained at all times. We believe that our bodies are the temple of God and we therefore should abstain from unwholesome habits. Any drug or stimulant that may cause addiction is to be avoided. The use of tobacco or alcoholic beverages is unacceptable. Profanity or vulgar speech in any form is not Christ-like. [Profanity is the effort of a feeble mind attempting to express itself forcefully. But we now have a new language of love with which to express ourselves.] In order to avoid any appearance of worldliness, we ask that you do not attend amusements that generally promote a morally debased atmosphere, such as movie theaters. The content of many movies shown and the behavior of many in that atmosphere are not conducive to a holy lifestyle. In addition, we ask that you carefully monitor TV programs and videos for their content. Programs and videos which contain profanity, nudity or any subject matter that would promote an ungodly lifestyle are not acceptable. In keeping with the scriptural teaching that our body is God's temple, we believe that all Christians should dress in a manner that reflects proper respect for that 'temple'. The body should be kept clean and neat, deodorant and perfume should be properly applied, and a sloppy, unkempt look should be avoided. Men should keep a clean professional look; i.e.- hair tapered in the back, off the collar, above the ears and neatly combed, side-burns trimmed and above the earlobes, and no facial hair. In keeping with scriptural principles of modesty, we ask that men dress in modest apparel, avoiding wearing shorts, muscle shirts or any apparel that would appear immodest. Men must wear a tie on the platform. Ladies are instructed to abide by scriptural teaching in all areas of their appearance: regarding the hair - not cutting or trimming the hair. regarding modesty - no mini-skirts, low necklines, see-through clothing or any immodest apparel. regarding gender distinction - Ladies are not to wear men's apparel - i.e.: pants, jeans, slacks, or shorts. [Split skirts that are full like a skirt and below the knees are permitted].- Men are not to wear women’s apparel -i.e: skirts, dresses or feminine blouses. We ask that Ministry Team members be conservative in wearing jewelry. Wedding rings, class rings and watches are acceptable for men and women. Women may wear broaches and simple birthstone rings that are not gaudy. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings or toe-rings are not permitted for men or women. We also have a "Two-Ring Policy," where only two rings may be worn at one time. We also ask that ladies not wear any make-up that would change the natural color of their face, such as eye shadow, mascara, blush, etc. In addition, we ask that you do not use any nail polish (fingers or toes) that changes the natural color of the nails. PLC believes and teaches the Biblical mandate that a 'marriage' is one man and one woman joined together in the eyes of God. Further, we believe scripture is very clear regarding any sexual activity outside of that bond of marriage. This would forbid any fornication, adultery, homosexuality, cohabitating while in a relationship with the opposite sex, and any on-line sexually related activity. Please initial your agreement to Section #2. * Responsibility In Service It is your personal responsibility to be prayerful and attentive in all services. You are the EVANGELIST! We need you to worship, sing and 'help the preacher' to the best of your ability. Respect for and submitting to persons in authority; be it director, pastor, and/or any other designated persons must be properly given. Pentecostal Lighthouse Church is committed to providing a safe environment for all students, staff, and congregation. All Volunteers must comply to a routine background check as deemed necessary. Everyone is required to self report any arrests and/or convictions to PLC/GCA administration within 24 hours; this policy applies to all employees and volunteers. All arrests/convictions must be reported within 24 hours regardless of whether the nature of the crime is related to the individual’s title, job or position on campus. Upon arrest or conviction, the employee or volunteer may not return to his or her duty/service without prior approval and then subject to any remediation required by PLC/GCA. Absentees If you must miss a service/practice, or will not be available to minister, or make a scheduled trip, please notify the director or department head as soon as possible. Please initial your agreement to Section #3. * Biblical Stewardship All ministry members must follow the clear scriptural teaching on tithes and offerings. 'Tithe' is defined as 10% of your increase. The Book of Malachi makes it clear that a person who tithes is blessed and a person who does not has no protection from the devourer. We want all our ministries at PLC to be blessed and protected. Offerings are free will and are given from the heart so there is no specified amount of offering we must give. Please initial your agreement to Section #4. * Social Media Guidelines Pentecostal Lighthouse Church generally views creating or contributing to personal websites, blogs, social networks, message boards, virtual worlds and other kinds of social media positively. We recognize the desire of many of our staff to participate in online community and encourage this form of networking and idea exchange. As a staff member of PLC, you may be viewed by our members, attendees, and outside parties, as a representative of our church. That means that while you may view your online presence as a personal project, many readers will associate you and the views you express with us. In light of that we ask that you observe the guidelines outlined below. Please note these guidelines will continue to evolve as new social networking technologies emerge. USE GOOD JUDGMENT Remember that what you write is public. Always assume it will be read by your Pastor, staff members, volunteers, attendees, other church leaders, your parents, your children, your spouse and the attorney representing the person who doesn't like you. Ask yourself if you are comfortable with all of these people reading what you plan to post. Be careful that what you write would not weaken your ability to work with your staff team, lead your volunteer teams, speak with credibility to other churches, or represent us in the community or our church organizational affiliation. Remember that frustrations are best expressed in person. Sarcasm does not usually translate well online, so be careful how you use humor. Respect your audience, be thoughtful, don't refer to volunteers, attendees, or vendors by name without permission. Don't use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conversation that would not be acceptable in our workplace. Choose your topics wisely, some ideas are best discussed in a personal conversation rather than a public forum. These ideas might include political views and the church's stance or policy on certain topics. Don't allow your posts to hinder someone's spiritual growth. Please initial your agreement to Section #5. * Platform Dress Code We ask that all members maintain the following platform dress code for all Sunday & midweek services, as well as any special services (unless otherwise noted). - Men are to wear a suit or sports jacket with dress shirt & necktie - No Denim - No tennis shoes - No printed/graphic T-shirts Qualifications You must have full Bible salvation according to Acts 2:38, [i.e.-repented, baptized in Jesus name and be filled with the Holy Ghost, (or earnestly seeking it)]. In addition, you must be committed to living a Godly lifestyle. Responsibilities You are expected to: - Maintain a consistent prayer life - Be a good example to others - Support the ministry you are a part of with faithful attendance & prayer You should establish a good understanding with your family/spouse in regards to your responsibilities and involvement in your ministry. They should see your involvement is making you a better person. If you are a young person, consider a few suggestions: - Keep up your duties at home - Don't use your involvement as an excuse for negligence in the home - Keep your family informed in advance of your ministry activities Our Standards are High As a member of the PLC Ministry Team, you will enjoy living up to a higher standard, one that is a notch above the "run-of-the-mill" walk with God. In doing so, you will grow in His love and wisdom. We do not follow the world's standard, we set our own, which gives us a clear conscience toward the God we are serving! Please initial your agreement to Section #6. * Safety and Liability I understand that I am volunteering for a ministry staff position for Pentecostal Lighthouse Church (PLC). I release PLC from all liability for any injuries that may occur during performing my ministry duties. I also hold PLC entirely free from fault or blame including financial responsibilities for any injuries that may occur. I acknowledge that volunteering on staff may have risk involved that include but are not limited to falls, slips, muscle injuries, burns and other injuries. As a ministry volunteer, I will do my best to keep safety at the forefront of my mind while serving at PLC. I understand that as part of the PLC ministry team it may be necessary to perform a background check and I am willing to comply. Please initial your agreement to "Safety and Liability." * Conclusion & Commitment You have read the handbook, now let us go forth in our ministry and become a vital part of reaching the world for The Lord Jesus Christ! My initials agreeing to each section affirm that I agree with all of the content of the Pentecostal Lighthouse Church Ministry Handbook and will uphold it's intent in spirit and through my actions. Please initial to confirm your agreement. * Name * First Name Last Name Address * Address 1 Address 2 City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country Phone Number * (###) ### #### Email * Ministry/Ministries I Am Serving In * EX: Choir, Nursery, Welcome Team, Sunday School Dept. Thank you for being a part of the PLC Ministry Team! We can’t wait to impact our city with the gospel of Jesus Christ together. Let’s go in Jesus’ name!