Highline Youth Leader Commitments

I am a committed follower of Christ with an active and growing faith.

I agree to be involved in student’s lives through things like regular attendance at youth events, and Sunday services.

I will make this ministry a priority by attending regular leader meetings and promptly responding to leader communication.

I will support and reinforce the Youth Pastor’s vision, mission and values for the ministry.

I will support the below Highline statements of belief. I will not emphasize teachings that are outside the scope of the statement of beliefs or are otherwise controversial.

I commit to being held accountable in my personal faith and ministry service by the youth pastor and fellow ministry staff.

I will inform the youth pastor of any issues with students or parents (especially if they relate to drugs, sex, suicide or abuse of any form).

I understand that if I have a problem with HCC staff, another youth leader or something in the ministry, it is my responsibility as a believer to go to the source and not become involved in gossip. And I will let church leadership know what is happening.

Your ministry is based on gender: Guys minister to guys, and girls minister to girls.

No dating students. No dating recent former students (unless 2 years since graduation, with less than 2 year age gap).

You will be “equally yoked” dating only other believers in Jesus. If married, modeling God honoring family life for the students.

No drug use, sexual relationships outside of marriage, involvement in same-sex relationships, in a living situation with a non-marriage relationship partner.

If 21 or older, drinking alcohol should be in moderation, and not in front of students.

Abstain from talking about personal political beliefs and expressing support for politically charged organizations.

You will refrain from crude joking or inappropriate language, in person and on social media.

You will be modest and appropriate in dress and attire.

Your social media content is in line with all of the above points.

You are a leader first and a friend second. Maintain healthy boundaries with students, especially if they are near in age to you.

Your choices and lifestyle are to be both Godly and above reproach, not only because your lifestyle is a model for students, but because that is what God desires for us as believers in Jesus Christ.

Adult leaders will never be alone with a student in a secluded or private space or behind closed doors where other people aren’t present, without prior approval from the youth pastor or parent/guardian.

Leader interactions with an opposite-sex student should be the exception and must be in an open environment and in a group of 3 or more. This also applies in a non-church context (coffee shops, non-church activities, etc.)

Electronic communication must only be through methods that maintain a communication history. Never delete the history of messages with students. (No snapchat).

Only communicate with students via text message if you’ve previously connected with their parents directly. So if you have a new student in your small group and want to include them in a group text, or message them directly, first get the parent’s number and message or call them, introduce yourself, and ask whether they’re comfortable with you adding them to a group chat or directly communicating to them. If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to the parent for any reason, pass the parent’s number along to Thatcher and he’ll reach out.

No direct electronic communication with opposite-sex students. Opposite-sex communication must be in a group chat and should only be brief, ministry related, and logistical in nature. Include another leader, youth pastor, or parent in the group chat.

If an opposite-sex student initiates direct communication, redirect to a same-sex leader.

Never ask, request, or send a student information that is sensual, sexual or intimate in nature.

No hugging students of opposite-sex. If approached for a hug, deflect to a quick side-hug or high five. It may be a light greeting to you, but can be received differently from a student.

Anyone in high school is considered a student, even if they are 18, and all of these rules still apply.

Guidance and mentorship is part of this ministry. You are not a trained counselor, and any counsel should be biblically rooted and limited in scope. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the youth pastor if you have questions.

Do not promise confidentiality with a student. Some things need to be shared with the youth pastor, parents or appropriate authorities.

If a student shares information with an adult leader that indicates or expresses that there is a life-threatening situation, suicidal ideation, abuse, self-harm or a plan to hurt themselves or others, the Youth Pastor must be notified immediately.

Transporting students to or from an official youth event requires prior parent permission. Transporting student during an official event requires HCC training and approval. Transporting same-sex student alone should be avoided, and requires prior youth pastor or parent approval. Transporting an opposite-sex student alone is strictly prohibited. Every person in a vehicle should have a seat and wearing a seatbelt.

Any self or observed misconduct of any of the above must be reported to the youth pastor.

There is one God who exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is God’s Son, lived without sin, died on the cross for all of our sins, was raised from the dead, and is coming again.

The Bible is the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God and is authoritative for all matters of Christian faith and practice.

All have sinned and deserve the punishment of eternal death.

Salvation from the penalty of death is made possible through the atoning death of Jesus.  That is, He bears the penalty of our sins.

We cannot earn salvation. It is a gift of God offered to those who believe in Jesus Christ.

We respond to God’s love by faith, repentance, and baptism.  Baptism is immersion in water of a professed believer in Christ.

The Christian believer is endowed with the Holy Spirit for guidance, comfort, and assistance in prayer.

The Church is a fellowship of Christian believers, the body of Christ.

God created us male and female and instituted marriage at creation.  Marriage is the union of one man and one woman into a lifelong relationship by making a public covenant and vow before God.

We value life at all stages from conception to eternity.