10 Sexual Guardrails for Christian Leaders

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
Written By Luke Gilkerson
Categories: Accountability Partner Resources, Pastors and Church Leaders

10 Sexual Guardrails for Christian Leaders

ten-commandments I recently found this list on the blog of Troy Jones, pastor of New Life Church in Washington. He’s compiled a list of 10 “guardrails” Christian leaders need in their life in order to help them stay away from sexual sin. He wanted to create a list that would be healthy, but not legalistic, and something that he could adopt for his whole pastoral team. Here’s the list so far:

When showing affection to the opposite sex always do it with “absolute purity” and ask “would I do this if my spouse were present?” (1 Timothy 5:1-2; appropriate hugging and touching).
When accessing the Internet use accountability software or have someone in the room (office, home, library, hotel, etc).
When communicating with the opposite sex through “social networking” use wisdom and be extremely careful with use of words (email, text, Facebook, Myspace, blog, twitter, instant messages, chat rooms, etc).
When emailing the opposite sex personal comments CC or BCC your spouse or assistant (prayer request, personal encouragement, etc).
When meeting the opposite sex in an office make sure the blinds are open and someone else is in the office complex.
When counseling the opposite sex only meet with the person once without having their spouse present. Refer them if necessary.
When talking to or in front of the opposite sex avoid obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking (Ephesians 5:4).
When talking with the opposite sex never discuss your personal marriage problems.
When praying with the opposite sex ask someone to join you during the prayer time.
When going out to lunch, driving or in any other environment, avoid being alone with the opposite sex except for family members.

* New Life Church is in Renton, Washington, and is a part of the Northwest Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God.