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.
