Our Community Standards
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I agree to follow all the community standards in keeping with both the letter and the spirit of the practices they describe. I will conduct myself in a manner worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27) in all areas within this community.
...let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
James 5:12
The Community standards are a set of commitments each member makes to the others.
These 10 practices represent the standards of conduct we will use as part of our evaluation in addressing reported or observed concerns.
1
Be respectful
A community works because it's members treat each other with respect.
The body is made up of many different parts. There is value in the diversity of thought and opinion. If you engage with curiosity, generosity, and respect, you will add value to the community. If you can't, you are free to simply move on without interacting. Always remember that it's not what you intend, but how it's perceived. Go out of your way to be careful and your interactions will be respectful.
❝ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ❞
- Romans 12:18
2
Find the others
It's better together. Community works when we're connected. Here are a couple tips:
1. Interact publicly before DMing privately.
2. Find at least one other person and comment on their posts.
3. Don't be afraid to tag other people.
4. Choose yourself and invite likeminded people to join you in a group.
We know this works. Trust the process. Find the others.
❝ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ❞
- Ecclesiastes 4:9
3
Show your work
One of the best ways for people to help one another is to have context.
If you're building something meaningful, provide as much context as you can without violating privacy or anything that wouldn't be appropriate to share.
Showing your work is a great way to be authentic about what's working and where you could use some help or encouragement.
❝ As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ❞
- Proverbs 27:17
4
Give more than you take
Serving is a generous act. It benefits them and it will benefit you.
Their load is lightened and you will reinforce what you are learning. Both people are able to gain new perspective when we serve others.
❝ Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. ❞
- Galatians 6:9-10
5
Ask before you solve
Open ended questions provide insight.
They are also a powerful way of helping someone else see what they are missing. By helping them come up with their own answers (rather than prescribing a solution), the outcomes they experience will be more powerful. Ask for permission before you start prescribing solutions.
If it's the way we are supposed to approach God in our challenging moments, it's a pattern worth following with others.
❝ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ❞
- Matthew 7:7-8
6
Find the win
Start by finding something to celebrate. It sets the mood for your work together and helps everyone stay on the positive side. If you can't find something to celebrate, try saying something encouraging about the other person's effort and commitment to doing the work.
Sometimes, knowing someone sees your effort will mean more than you can imagine.
❝ Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. ❞
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
7
Pass the mic
For some of us, it's easier to speak than to listen.
If you're usually the one picking up the mic (or the keyboard), try saying less and then inviting someone else to add their perspective, generous question, or insight.
It's a great way to practice humility and follow the example Christ set for us.
❝ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ❞
- Philippians 2:4-8
8
Observe the boundary
This community is built on trust. You should also be wise.
*Do not* assume you have the right to disclose anything you see, hear, or become aware of in this community.
*Be mindful* of what you disclose. If it's confidential to you or someone who has entrusted you with their private information, do not disclose it without an appropriate agreement in place outside of this community.
If you don't know what an appropriate agreement is, consult competent legal counsel. We make no guarantees in the protection of information you disclose within this platform. You assume any and all responsibility and liability for your actions along with their consequences in accordance with the community Terms of Service.
❝ A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. ❞
- Proverbs 11:13
9
Presume positive intent
We are redeemed people who still battle daily with our inherent sin nature.
We are also gifted in many different ways with personality traits that sometimes inadvertently cause conflict. Different cultural norms and the stresses of daily life while building a business layer on top of these factors.
You can avoid unnecessary conflict by starting from the position that another person did not intend to injure or offend you.
❝ A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ❞
- Proverbs 15:1
10
Clarify directly
When someone has offended you, go to them in the spirit of Matthew 18 - with respect (community practice 1) and in private. With gentleness (community practice 8), ask questions (community practice 5) to better understand what happened.
If you are unable to resolve the offense, please let the community admin team know. We will work with all involved parties to understand the situation and decide on a solution we believe is most appropriate.
In some cases, it may not be possible or appropriate for you to go to the offending person. The community admins will handle these on a case by case basis. If you are unsure, please notify us first and we will help you determine the most appropriate next steps.
*Do not* create posts, messages, or any other content that attacks or demeans anyone in this community. Doing so is grounds for removal from the community in line with the Terms of Service.
❝ If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. ❞
- Matthew 18:15
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