LEADERS (those in regular positions of influence) in our faith community step up to a higher standard of example in their lifestyle and behavior. Everyone at Branches is invited and encouraged to begin their own “discipleship pathway” (a journey to becoming more like Jesus), but LEADERS especially carry an important role in modeling this journey.

Below is a short list of “Leader Expectations” that we call our leaders to. We also ask that they align with our values and our beliefs (found on the pages linked). Anyone who is open to this discipleship pathway, who seeks to live out the values of our church, and who is willing to engage with our beliefs is invited into the leadership application process at Branches.

LEADER EXPECTATIONS

Being a leader is about more than just showing up; it’s about being a "living letter" to the people in our church. Sinse we are role models, our private lives should reflect the public message we preach. In addition to aligning with Branches’ Belief Statement here is a more detailed description of our expectations:

LOVING GOD, LOVING PEOPLE 

  • I have surrendered my life to Jesus and actively pursue His will for my life. 

  • I attend Branches Humboldt on Sundays and engage with the church body. 

  • I take responsibility for my own spiritual growth.  

  • I am a student of God’s Word, reading the Bible regularly. 

  • I embrace the posture of a life-long learner and am open to correction and challenge. 

  • I choose to love others because, despite my imperfections, I am loved by God. 

  • I choose not to avoid conflict, but walk confidently and lovingly through it. 

  • I honor God with my conduct in all my relationships by: Choosing to embrace and celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity, choosing to uphold God’s design for marriage and sexuality, and choosing to abstain from slander or gossip. 

SERVING GOD, SERVING PEOPLE

  • I am committed to being a positive influence within the team and to students. 

  • I give a portion of my time, talents, and money (a 10% “tithe” is recommended) to serve my church and community. 

  • I honor and respect those in authority or leadership positions above me. 

  • I live privately and publicly in a manner that is consistent with my commitment to Jesus and the relationship I have with Him.


ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Integrity in Sexuality:

We honor God’s design for intimacy. This means maintaining healthy, Godly boundaries in all relationships.

  • The Standard: Practice purity in thought and action, abstaining from pornography, abstaining from same-sex romantic relationships, and reserving sex for the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.

  • The Goal: To model for our community that God’s boundaries are for our protection and flourishing.

Substance & Sobriety:

Our influence is more important than our "rights." To ensure we never become a stumbling block, we practice total sobriety in the context of ministry.

  • Alcohol: Practice moderation and avoid being under the influence or posting photos of alcohol consumption. We choose to abstain entirely during any church-related events.

  • Drugs: We maintain a strictly drug-free lifestyle (including illegal substances and the misuse of prescription meds).

  • The Goal: To provide a safe, clear-headed environment for every person.

Social Media Presence:

Your digital footprint is your loudest testimony. If a person sees it, it’s part of your leadership

  • Content: Avoid venting, controversial arguing, or "gray-area" photos (immodesty, partying, etc.).

  • Interactions: Keep all digital communication with members of the opposite sex public and transparent. No "hidden" or private DMs; always include another leaders or parents when texting a student.

  • The Goal: To use our platforms to point people toward Christ, not ourselves.


LAST NOTES

•       Each ministry has its own expectations for trainings, necessary skill sets, and prior experience

•       Some positions may require extra application steps