CHRISTIAN FAMILY CHAPEL
(Policy regrading attendance by sexual Offenders)
Last Revised: by Elders 2/23/2010

The purpose of this document (the “Policy”) is to provide some intentional, protective, and practical guidelines for the assimilation and discipleship of known sexual Offenders and predators (registered sex Offenders as determined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement) that desire to associate with, and attend, Christian Family Chapel (“CFC”).

We acknowledge that all of us are terrible sinners who need each other to hold us accountable to live lives worthy of our calling to be in Christ.  However, there are some that have been convicted of crimes that if repeated at CFC would cause great pain and harm to those we love and to the cause of Christ.  Since the previous acts of sexual offenders, including predators (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Offenders”) fall into this category, there is a responsibility for us to take prudent precautions in protecting our children and youth.  This Policy outlines the steps to be taken for the protection of the body and discipleship of the Offender.  No policy can provide for absolute protection and at the same time allow for the presence of Offenders.  We also recognize that as mere men we cannot anticipate all circumstances, so the Elders shall have the right to adopt variances to the policies when unique circumstances present themselves.  We pray that God will help us balance our responsibility to all that He sends our way.

These CORE VALUES are foundational to this Policy:

1. Of primary importance is the protection of children and youth from sexual predators.
2. Offenders who desire to associate with CFC are to be loved like Christ first loved us.
3. Forgiveness is offered to all while trust is based on past and current behavior.

The following STEPS will be taken:

1. Any Offender desiring to associate with, and attend, CFC shall meet with the Elders of CFC at a regular or specially called meeting.  At this meeting, this Policy will be reviewed and explained.  Additionally, the Offender will be asked to advise the Elders, in a general manner, of the nature of his crime, and to share his current thinking about his crime and his relationship with Jesus Christ.  Because we seek to reach the lost with the hope of Jesus Christ, it will not be a requirement for attendance that the Offender be able to express a credible statement of belief in Jesus Christ.  Based upon such discussions, the Elders will determine, based upon applicable biblical principles, if it is appropriate and wise for the Offender to associate with CFC.  The Offender’s ability to associate with CFC shall require his agreement to abide by the terms of this Policy.
2. Should it be determined pursuant to paragraph 1 above that an Offender may associate with, and attend CFC, then all Elders, church staff, and Deacons are to be notified by name (and face, if possible) of this individual.
3. If the Offender is then on probation or parole, the Offender will sign a waiver or release so that an Elder or staff member may speak candidly with the Offender’s Probation/Parole Officer.  They will be informed of the Offender’s desire to attend CFC.  The Elders shall have the right on a case by case basis to establish additional conditions on the attendance by an Offender that may be recommended by these authorities.
4. Subject to other terms of this Policy, the Offender shall not be permitted on the CFC campus (or to attend off-site CFC events) when exclusively children and/or youth events are scheduled.
5. Under the current CFC campus configuration, the Offender shall never be permitted in the B Building, the Shop (Sr. High), the Jr. Hi. room of D Building (unless such room is being used only for adult activities), the Family Life Center during Kidstuf or other children’s programming.  Additionally, the Offender shall never be in any current or future area of the CFC campus designated for children or youth ministries.  Additionally, in light of the fact that our children’s playground is located in our current courtyard, the Offender shall only be permitted in the courtyard as a path of travel between permitted areas (such as from the sanctuary to the parking lot) when children are present in the playground or could be expected to be in the playground (such as, but not limited to Sunday morning and Wednesday night activities).  Except for family members, the Offender shall not sit next to any minor (under the age of 18) or at any table with a minor in a worship service or other church activity.
6. Bathroom use by an Offender shall require a “guide” (as defined in paragraph 9 below) to be present in the bathroom or to determine that the bathroom is empty and to insure that no minor enters the bathroom unless the guide also enters.
7. An Offender may not serve in any children or youth ministry.  An Offender may serve in other ministries for which he is biblically qualified at the discretion of the Elders.
8. An Offender shall be required to participate in an adult discipleship group (or other life on life discipleship setting as determined by the Elders).
9. For a period of time (as determined by the Elders) after the Offender begins attending CFC, the Offender shall be accompanied by a guide at all church activities.  Who the guides are shall be approved by the Elders.  A guide shall be a spouse or an adult of the same gender.  The adults in the Offender’s discipleship group shall be encouraged to serve as guides.  It will be the responsibility of the Offender to make arrangements with a guide to attend services or activities with him.  If a guide is not available for a particular event, the Offender shall contact the Pastor of Discipleship (or such other pastoral staff member as may be subsequently designated by the Elders) to make arrangement for a staff member or Elder to serve in the role of guide for the particular event.  The Offender and the guide shall stay within sight of each other during the activity.
10. A member or attender of CFC who becomes aware that an Offender is attending CFC is encouraged to contact the Pastor of Discipleship (or any Elder) and ask if the church is aware that the Offender is attending CFC and if the Offender has agreed to the terms of the Policy.  However, except as set forth in paragraph 2 above, CFC leadership will not announce or publicize that any particular Offender is attending CFC.
11. If applicable, the Offender will be required to abide by all terms and conditions of his probation (a copy of which shall be provided to the Elders).
12. If a conflict develops between an Offender and CFC or any of CFC’s Elders or employees, then in order to make sure that any such conflict will be resolved in a biblically faithful manner, we require all Offenders to agree that any dispute or conflict that arises between an Offender and CFC or any employee or Elder of CFC, will be settled by mediation and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Institute for Christian Conciliation, a division of Peacemaker® Ministries (complete text of the Rules is available at www.Peacemaker.net).  Judgment upon arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.  The Offender understands that these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising out of this Policy and expressly waives his right to file a lawsuit in any civil court against one another for such disputes, except to enforce an arbitration decision.
13. Each Offender desiring to associate with and attend CFC is to sign, date and receive a copy of this Policy.  The signature indicates an understanding and agreement to follow the Policy.  Failure to comply with this Policy will result in the authorities being notified and in the revoking of the privilege of attending public events at Christian Family Chapel.