Community Values and Expectations

A Philosophy of Christian Lifestyle

The goal of Grace conference is that each facet of the attendee’s experience contributes to the development of Christian maturity and Christ likeness. Christian maturity involves a commitment to the truth of God’s Word and adherence to explicit statements, which govern behavior. The Bible contains both prohibitions (e.g., the Ten Commandments; warnings against drunkenness, sexual immorality, materialism and an impure thought life) and prescriptions (e.g., to love one another, to assemble or worship, to be helpful to the needy). A mark of spiritual growth is an increasing conformity to all biblical commands.

We draw special attention to the following practices, which we believe expressly violate scriptural absolutes:

• The use or possession of morally degrading literature or media.
• Improper sexual behavior
• Dishonesty in any form
• Abusive behavior
• Theft or destruction of property

Yet, Christian maturity involves more than adherence to explicit scriptural statements of right and wrong. It involves a total commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, a life of dynamic discipleship, and a renunciation of self-centeredness. The mature Christian recognizes scriptural principles that govern conduct and applies these principles to attitude, conviction, and behavior.

The following biblical principles represent Grace Conference's emphasis on Christian maturity in areas mentioned in Scripture:

• A personal responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, doing all for His glory (Romans 14:4-12; Philippians 1:20-27; Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:31).
• A personal desire to abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
• Because of the value placed on persons as those created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; Colossians 3:10; Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:8-10; 1 John 3:13-18), a controlling principle of Christian love demands the following:
• A genuine desire to please our neighbor for his good and for his edification (Romans 15:1-3).
• A thoughtful consideration of others lest, in the exercise of Christian liberty, a brother or sister is caused to stumble. A willingness to avoid that which is inexpedient or imprudent because of its damaging consequences, even though it may not be wrong in itself (Romans 14:13-23; 1 Corinthians 8:7-13; 1 Corinthians 10:23-33; 1 Timothy 2:9).
• A discriminating concern for our influence on the whole body of Christ that we serve, as well as the city and a larger society of which we are a part. A willingness to avoid that which is needlessly divisive or offensive to significant segments of the Grace Conference participants or to the prevalent sensitivities of the evangelical community at large (1 Corinthians 10:32-33; 1 Corinthians 9:22).
• A humble recognition that others in the Body of Christ may sincerely hold convictions in areas of social behavior that differs. A willingness to accept the convictions of others in a non-judgmental manner (Romans 14:3-6).
• A willing submission to authority for the Lord’s sake. This includes obedience to all governmental regulations to which a Christian can conform in good conscience (Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-17).
• An intelligent concern for the care and use of our bodies and our minds (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
• A high standard of ethics in the area of separation from the ungodly world system (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:3-12; James 1:27; James 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:15-18).
• An awareness that conformity to man-made regulations, which appear religious, does not guarantee spiritual maturity of themselves. (Colossians 2:20-23).

Grace Conference Attendee Life and Conduct

Grace Conference attendees (hereon referred to as “attendee”) agree to maintain ethical, and moral standards of conduct according to Biblical standards (Ephesians 5-6; Galatians 5; 1 Timothy 6).

The attendee should seek to maintain a vibrant personal relationship with Christ. The attendee agrees to abstain from the use of tobacco in any form, illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages, and the abuse of prescription drugs. The attendee should avoid every appearance of dishonesty, deception, lack of integrity, immorality, abusive speech, and impropriety. Conference dress should be fitting for those who are preparing to attend a worship service.

All attendees should respect one another. All forms of harassment are considered improper conduct. Any disregard for the spirit or practice of these standards constitutes good reason for dismissal from Grace Conference.

Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs

Grace Conference maintains the following policies regarding a drug-free conference:

• Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages and drugs is forbidden on and off of Grace Conference events.
• Persons appearing to be under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs, except as expressly permitted by law, will be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.
• Possession, consumption, sale, or purchase of any controlled substance which is illegal under state or federal law is prohibited on and off of The Hotel and Grace Conference activities.
• Grace Conference will cooperate to the fullest extent with the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws regarding those who unlawfully possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs and alcohol.

Conference Attire

Attendees and especially leaders/servants are expected to use good judgment, good taste, and decency with regard to their selection of dress. The selection of dress should reflect a proper Christian witness. We believe that personal appearance is important. All attendees are expected to be clean and modest at all times. When an attendee's role requires a professional attire different than what is expected, and the changing of such attire causes unnecessary hardship, the attendee shall be permitted to wear such clothes to the conference. We expect each individual to use discretion so that the standards of good taste desired by the conference are maintained.

Smoking

The Hotel is a non-smoking facility. Any violation of this policy could result in disciplinary action.

Firearms and Weapons

Attendees are prohibited from using or possessing firearms, dangerous weapons or facsimiles of dangerous weapons on The Hotel property. Dangerous weapons include but are not limited to firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, incendiary devices, pellet guns, and knives or sharp objects. Attendees with concealed carry permits may not bring their firearms to the conference or The Hotel facilities.

Soliciting

Attendees are prohibited from soliciting Grace Conference speakers, leaders, and other attendees for business opportunities, financial investments, or other such business-related enterprises. Any questions regarding the applicability of the above categories to something specific should be addressed with Grace Conference Coworkers.

Discipline

God places authorities over all of us. We should recognize authority as such and willingly submit to the authorities in our lives whether it is the government, a parent, a pastor, or an institution. While you are an attendee at Grace Conference, the coordinators are responsible for your leadership and oversight. If a situation should arise requiring discipline, it will always be done out of love for the individual and a desire to see them reach their full potential in Christ (Proverbs 3:11-12).