MEN’S PURITY COVENANT
HIGHPOINT CHURCH
In the wake of public revelations of sexual misconduct within our denomination, we, the men of Highpoint Church do willingly covenant with one another to take the steps necessary to guarantee that sexual abuse will never happen within our fellowship. Further, in the terrible event that sexual abuse did happen within our fellowship, we covenant together that we will address such abuse in a way that is biblical, God honoring, and in full accord with the laws governing such abuse in our nation and our state.
We believe that God has primarily set men apart for leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ, and that this is an awesome responsibility that must be approached with great fear and trembling. We believe that every man, woman and child that is under our care as a church is precious in the sight of God, and that abuse of any one of them is an eternal crime against holiness and glory of God. Such crimes can do virtually irreparable damage to the victims, as well as shaming the great name of Jesus Christ. We, the men of Highpoint church, will not become participants with the powers and deeds of darkness.
Context:
On Feb 10, 2019, the Houston Chronicle released an article chronicling issue of sexual abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention for two decades. The article reveals both acts of abusers, and cover up activity. Many high profile Southern Baptist leaders have been involved.
The Covenant Stated:
We, the men of Highpoint Church do voluntarily enter together into an accountability relationship with one another with regard to the following points.
I. We commit to create a safe environment among the members of this covenant to admit and seek help in areas of sexual temptation. We recognize that temptation itself is not sin (James 1:13-14), but may lead to sin, and that we must hold one another accountable to prevent this danger (James 5:19-20). We commit not to judge one another, so as to shun or ostracize, or gossip about anyone, for any sexual temptation – including heterosexual temptation, homosexual temptation, temptation to sexual misconduct with minors, the use of pornography of any kind, or any other area of temptation.
II. We commit that, should any temptation arise that leads to the sin of sexual misconduct with any person attending any of our church ministries, be it a man, woman or child, we will confess this sin to at least one member in our covenant group, to provide accountability. Further, if this temptation which can lead into the sin of sexual misconduct occurs in the context of a ministry role, we will confess it to the church leadership, so that we may productively work together to see that the temptation does not result in the sin of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
NOTE: This does not mean disclosure of details with regard to fantasies, etc. But simply an exposure of danger.
III. We recognize that, because temptation is not sin, sexual temptation does not automatically disqualify one for ministry. However, certain areas of temptation might make it necessary for certain individuals to be removed from certain ministries. E.g., if one is tempted to abuse children, one will not work in children’s ministry. If one suffers from homosexual temptation, one will not have a leadership position in men’s ministry. If one is tempted to sexual misconduct with teenage girls or boys, one will not be a leader in youth ministry.
IV. We commit, as a church, to provide funds for professional counseling, as needed, for any brothers in our fellowship that require this step as a means of dealing with temptation. The leadership of High Point Church affirms that discipleship as defined in Matthew 28:18-20, if obediently carried out, is the normal, divinely ordained mechanism to provide spiritual nurture, accountability, and edification. And, as such is a powerful preventative of moral crises.
V. We commit that we will act is strict accordance with the law with regard to sexual abuse. We will report any allegation of sexual abuse within our fellowship to the police, and aid in their investigation in any way possible. We will never be involved in any kind of cover up activity (Eph 5:11)
VI. We commit to accountability with one another. We commit that any member of this covenant, at any time, may ask any other member how they are doing with regard to sexual temptation, and that we will provide an honest answer, and in so doing will welcome this care and accountability, not regarding it as judgment, but as Christian love.
VII. We agree that men in our fellowship that are not comfortable signing this document will not be pressured to do so. Such men will not be excluded from fellowship in our church, including our men’s ministries. However, we agree that men who are not comfortable entering into this covenant will not be allowed to participate in any leadership or teaching role at Highpoint church, the risks of sexual abuse in our culture being far too great.
Voluntary Commitment to the Covenant:
I ____________________________ do voluntarily enter into the Purity Covenant for the men of
(Print name)
Highpoint church, and agree to subject myself to the above stated covenant stipulations.
Signed, ____________________________ Date: