The Guidelines for CenterPoint Students Reflect the Image of Christ A HANDBOOK OF HOW CENTERPOINT STUDENTS CAN REFLECT THE IMAGE OF CHRIST
Our goal at AMP D Student Ministries is to assist students in becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The Word of God tells us that even though we are in this world, we are not to be of this world. In Romans 12:2 we are encouraged to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and not to conform to this world. We desire to see students fall in love with our Lord Jesus Christ and e a shining example to those around them. This booklet is a handbook of guidelines designed to encourage, Timothy 4:12, Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believer in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. It is not a rulebook, but a handbook of guidelines, which encourages families to help their students draw closer to God. While God loves us as we are, He loves us so that we may experience His fellowship. When we walk in the light others see Christ in us. God s desire and attention is first to matters of the heart but when the heart is changed the change is reflected in our choices. Please know our desire is to assist our students to grow in Christ s likeness. As AMP D students lead the way, others will see in us a heart after God s heart. Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 STUDENTS GUIDELINES FOR DRESS 1 Corinthians 10:31 tell us to do all for the glory of God. This general principle of Christian living has many applications, one of which is our manner of dress. Though we do not suggest that the Bible mandates a special dress code, nor precisely what kind of clothing a Christian young person should wear, the Bible does say that the Christians of every generation must be modest in their appearance. Girls should dress in a feminine fashion. One s clothing should not bring attention to it, but should bring attention to ones countenance. We believe that our young people should all be an example of the believers Timothy 4:12. This principle can be reflected in the way we dress. Our goal to train young people in godly character is enhanced by guidelines for dress. Therefore in our desire to be like Christ, we set standards and guidelines in our own dress that will reflect this purpose. The ultimate goal of these guidelines is to encourage selfdiscipline, which will result in self-respect. Good taste in personal grooming will have a positive impact on one s self-esteem. The key words in these guidelines are neatness and modesty. All young people are expected to wear clothing suitable for the occasion. Parents are responsible to send their children to church with correct dress and grooming. Having guidelines for both male and female attire should prove helpful to all as we seek to honor our Lord in all areas of our lives. The following is for both MALES and FEMALE: 1. Any clothing bearing words or illustrations should be acceptable for a Christian setting. Do not wear clothing with inappropriate logos/words/phrases on them, ex: alcohol, drugs, foul language, cigarettes, etc.
YOUNG WOMEN should dress tastefully and modestly: 1. Sleeveless shirts or tank tops must have straps/sleeves that are at least wide as the width of your three middle (pointer, middle and ring finger put together) unless the shirt is being worn over the top of a bathing suit as a cover-up for a water event. 2. Do not wear shirts that knowingly expose your bra straps. (We understand that straps tend to slip out once in a while, but do not wear shirts where you know it will be showing.) 3. Shorts must come down to the tip of your index finger when you stand straight with your arms by your side. We understand that different people have different body types and index-length on one girl may allow her a lot of leeway, but on another, she may have difficulty finding shorts that are long enough for her body type. Due to the variation in body types, youth workers/leaders may use their discretion if a pair of shorts looks too short on someone (even if they are technically index-length ). Hopefully index-length will be a fair and wise guideline you can use to estimate the appropriateness of your shorts. This guideline does not necessarily apply to shorts worn as cover-ups over top bathing suits for water events. 4. Skirts should be longer than that fingertip length. Your skirts should ALWAYS be longer than your shorts. 5. Use discretion in the tightness of your clothing. Remember that the way you dress reflects the Lord. Glorify Him in the way you dress, be modest. 6. Use discretion in the cut of your shirts so that they are not revealing anything that should not be seen by anyone else (ex: shirts that dip in the front or come above your waistline). Shirts that reveal your midriff or cleavage are inappropriate. 7. NO two-piece bathing suits. Tankinis are considered two-piece bathing suits. Use the same guidelines for your bathing suit as you would for your shirts when it comes to how much they dip in the front. Be modest. 8. Use discretion and Christ-like wisdom in choosing your swimsuit. YOUNG MEN, it is just as important for you to be modest as it is for the ladies. 1. No wife beater shirts (undershirt tank tops) or similar clothing (ex: tank tops with large arm hole) unless they are worn with a bathing suit as a cover-up for water events. 2. Make sure your pants fit you well enough so that no one will catch a glimpse your underwear (boxers are underwear) 3. Use discretion in the tightness of your clothing. Remember that the way you dress reflects the Lord. Glorify Him in the way you dress, be modest. 4. Do not remove your shirt unless you are at an event that involves water (ex: pool parties, water parks, etc.) 5. Please remove your hats (which include bandanas, baseball caps, etc.) 6. When wearing a bathing suit make sure your underwear is concealed. 7. Use discretion and Christ-like wisdom in choosing your swimsuit The intent of these guidelines is to help the students of Amp d not only develop selfdiscipline and ultimately a Christ-like character, but also to be an example to an unsaved world. Since it is impossible to cover every fad, style, or article of clothing that may appear in the fashion world in the future, this list of recommendations cannot be all-inclusive. It may become necessary in the future to address other matters not covered in these guidelines on an individual basis or with or with the group as a whole.
We would also like to encourage all of our students and leadership to be understanding to all those who are visiting our church and may not be aware of what is sensitive and appropriate in these matters. STUDENTS GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCT Proverbs 20:11 says that even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. Therefore a Christian student s conduct should be seen by others as being pure and right. Being blameless and above reproach should be the goal of out students when they come to Amp d. Acting responsibly in every situation in which a student may find himself will bring glory to God, whether walking through the halls, participating in Small Group, reverently worshipping in the service, being in the right place at the right time, interacting with peers, or driving through the parking lot. Responding with respect to all adults should be expected. Avoiding all inappropriate conduct will help a student say pure and right in his character. While at AMP D, our students should seek to act in a Christian manner (Philippians 1:27). The following guidelines will be helpful in understanding what conduct is inappropriate behavior and attitudes. *We understand in this day of technology that many students have cell phones, however we don t want any cell phone use during large & small group. STUDENTS GUIDELINES OF CONDUCT PROBLEMS We recognize that some conduct problems may be more severe than others and that the type of discipline applied should be appropriate to the problem. Thus, these guidelines will reflect conduct problems in three categories from least to most severe, each with a corresponding step of corrective action. CATEGORY 1 involves minor, yet inappropriate behavioral problems. This includes cursing, a disrespectful attitude, and distracting behavior in worship services or inappropriate dress. These actions will involve Step 1 and sometimes Step 2. CATEGORY 2 includes conduct problems that are somewhat major and/or habitual, such as smoking, tobacco use, fighting, vehicle infractions or habitual disrespectful. These actions will result in a week to 2 months suspension and Steps 1 through 3 and Steps 4 and 5 is necessary. CATEGORY 3 conduct problems are characterized by major offenses, including alcohol, drugs, weapon possession, sexual harassment or vandalism. These actions could result in at least a 3-month suspension and after this time the offender may only return after meeting has taken place with the offender, their parent, and a member of the Pastoral staff.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PROCEDURE The objective of all corrective action is not to condemn or punish, but to lovingly produce repentance that leads to restoration. Galatians 6:1, Brethren, even if a man is caught in and trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. When conduct problems arise, therefore, the following procedures of corrective action will be compassionately, yet consistently applied. STEP 1 consists of an initial contact by a lay leader or staff member in noticing and confronting the individual about the behavior. This step will be taken in all categories of conduct problems. STEP 2 of a corrective action consists of an initial contact by 2 adults leaders in noticing and confronting the individual about the behavior. When a female student is involved, 1 of the 2 adult leaders needs to be a female. The student will be removed to an area where an adult(s) will supervise them. STEP 3 involves filing an Incident Report, depending on the severity. This step will be taken, as needed for Category 1 problems, but is required for Category 2 and 3. Also the parents of the student will be contacted. A member of the CenterPoint Student Leadership Team must be notified for any infraction on Wednesdays or Sunday s. STEP 4 the student entering a probationary period involving one or more of the following for a specific time period: a) the student will be observed by a leader while at AMP D and will report periodically to appropriate staff during probation. b) The student may be required to attend counseling sessions. c) The student may be asked to limit participation in programs (i.e., may only attend Small Group, not invited to camp, etc.). d) The student may not be allowed to participate in Student Ministry. The desired end result of the probationary period is the restoration of the student to full privilege of participation in the program. STEP 5 the student is dismissed from the Student Ministry all together, based on the nature of the offense. Note: All suspension times will be doubled if the student has a bad attitude. In some cases, leaders should wait 24 hours before suspension is issued.
Suspension/Warning/Reinstatement Form Warning: 1 st 2 nd Suspension: 1 Week 2 Weeks 1 Month 3 Months Review Permanent Start date: End date: MS HS Name: Phone: Address: School: DOB: Reasons for warning/ suspension: Check all that apply: Parents notified Police notified Pastoral Staff notified AMP D leader notified Comments: Suspension entered Date: By: Reinstatement entered Date: By: Adult Leaders involved AMP D Team Leaders involved Visit our website: http://centerpointnow.org/#/studentz