| Code of Ethics
All members and staff of FreshStart Ministries Society agree to and affirm their commitment to the following Code of Ethics from the Association of Rescue Gospel Missions. Their affirmation is given by dating, signing and delivering the Application for Membership form to the Society office address.
1. I will conduct my personal and ministry life in a way that will not bring shame or reproach to the name of Jesus Christ, his church, or FreshStart Ministries Society. This includes relationships with other employees, clients, board members. volunteer members, donors, people in the community and other ministries.
2. I will live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in keeping with the teachings found in the Bible. Also, I will seek prompt reconciliation or forgiveness when any relationship is jeopardized.
3. I will recognize and respect what the Lord is doing through other individuals and organizations and will refrain from criticism or involvement unless illegal, unethical or immoral behavior is suspected.
4. I will honor my financial, legal, and moral obligations both personally and in my role in ministry to the FreshStart Board, staff, donors, vendors, members and clients, to my family, my church, my community, and to my civic, provincial and federal governments.
5. In matters of dispute with other Christians, I will submit my grievances to Christian arbitration, rather than to the courts. If disagreements come between two missions, I will agree that the AGRM should serve in an arbitration and reconciliation role.
6. The organization shall always be open, honest and accurate in dealing with the public.
7. The organization shall always hold all personal data in strict confidence.
8. In issues of fundraising the organization shall as a first priority serve the interest of each donor. The organization's activity when addressing a present or potential donor shall be:
• to nurture responsible stewardship on the part of the donor; to avoid questionable motives or programs that are not factual, or negate the donor's sound judgment.
• to require responsible stewardship on the part of the organization's representatives through effective training and cost controls.
• to remunerate stewardship representatives and consultants on the basis of expertise and time use, not on the basis of gifts received.
• The organization, or its representative, shall not, either directly or indirectly, induce a donor to transfer to it a benefit from any other organization or purpose.
9. The organization shall have an active and independent governing board, comprised of responsible individuals who hold regular meetings, create policy, and maintain effective control.
10. The organization shall establish a proper financial system with annual operating statements and balance sheet, showing reasonable detail.
11. The organization shall take seriously its responsibility to be conversant with and comply with federal, provincial and civic laws and regulations. |
