Platform Ministry Expectations

Platform Ministry Expectations
Please Read First: Everyone is invited to be a member of theCrossroads; in fact we are very proud of our diversity of race, culture, social status, and gender. We have no intentions of limiting who can have a relationship with Jesus Christ and fellowship with us. The purpose of this document is twofold: 1) To encourage everyone who regularly attends theCrossroads to be involved in some type of ministry team and serve in the Body of Christ, and (2) To inform platform and leadership ministry about pastoral preferences for those who desire to be involved in platform ministry positions at theCrossroads.

Introduction
We are Apostolic and Pentecostal. Being Apostolic is partially identified by a clean lifestyle of separation from the world, but is also identified by living in Apostolic anointing and power. The holiness Apostolic lifestyle is marked by disciplines that Godly men through the years have felt were necessary according to the principles found in God's Word. Pastor has identified some of these as his preferences for leading in ministry at the Crossroads whether or not they are “eternal issues”. We honor our God-fearing leadership and strive to be the best we can be for God. Every position in the church should be a direct reflection of the belief system we hold to. If you choose to be involved in the church, then the pastor and staff assume that you have chosen to abide by the following expectations. (If something changes, it is your responsibility to let the Pastor know!)

Platform Ministry Involvement Expectations

ALL persons in Platform Ministry Involvement SHOULD:
  • Have Repented and been baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ.
  • Be faithful in their attendance and involvement.
  • Have the Holy Spirit with the evidence of Speaking In Tongues or be earnestly seeking for it. 
  • Be faithful and on-time in their attendance and involvement. (Defined by not missing more than 2 scheduled services/groups/or church events per month)
  • Be faithful in their giving (Tithes and Offerings)
  • Be loyal and submitted to the Pastor and Leadership of the church.
  • Strive to live above any reproach within and outside of the Church.
  • Demonstrate a Burden and Passion for the lost, the church and the community in general.
  • Be a Disciple-Maker, and help others to become Disciple-Makers.

Appearance while in Service & Church Functions etc… : Tidiness and cleanliness matter when being involved in a position that represents the church. Crisp, clean clothing without wrinkles is requested. Modesty is the main issue when representing theCrossroads. Women should choose clothing of modest length, neckline, and sleeve. (See Pastor’s Wife for level of modesty)

CHURCH DISCIPLINES:  All positions of ministry are reserved for those who have aligned with the church membership policies. For Ministry, disciplines of appearance should not only be a choice for church events and service, but we strongly encourage them to be a choice for lifestyle. Ministry position holders should continue to honor their representation of the church in public and at other church events. Since we teach that believers should conquer the habit of cigarette smoking and drinking, we do not want to be represented in these positions by those who choose to drink and/or smoke. The wearing of shorts and sleeveless attire in public places (or in pictures on social media) would not be the most accurate reflection of proper representation. We are also committed to a lifestyle where women are identified by long (uncut) hair and men by short hair. (1 Corinthians 11). While we understand that many people who come into the church will have tattoos or piercings already, we believe that the scripture is clear about not doing this (after you are saved). With this understanding we would expect that anyone who desires to get closer to God and lead others in that direction would naturally not want to go against this scriptural principle by obtaining tattoos and piercings once they are in ministry.

MEN: Men should have short hair. If a beard or mustache is worn, it must be neatly trimmed (ask pastor for definition of “neat” and “short”). A fresh shirt and pressed pants are required for men, suits or ties are not necessary but are welcomed for Sunday Services. One of the things we highly recommend is completing the Vessels of Honor materials with videos from Raymond Woodward. It is highly beneficial for those desiring to have better understanding of these Biblical principles.

WOMEN: We abide by I Corinthians 11 that encourages long (un-cut) hair on women.  If women are in transition toward long hair, we ask them to keep their hair up or pulled back when serving in their position. Makeup is strongly discouraged and should not be noticed beyond one’s natural features and coloring. (Blemish cover, etc…) Bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are detractors that we prefer not be worn while in ministry (1 Peter 3:3-4). We ask that our ministry women wear dresses and skirts rather than pants in public settings. (The exception is in mandatory work situations and then we ask for the lady to wear a skirt to and from work and only wear the uniform pants/scrubs while at work.)

GODLY LIFESTYLE: Ministers should strive to be blameless. They lead in admirable habits like attendance to church and meetings, model service within small groups, exuberant worship, and generous giving. Ministry’s children are in subjection to their lifestyle. Ministers also demonstrate an aversion to poor habits such as unbridled media intake, gambling, drinking and other activities that may have the appearance of evil.  

CONTINUED EDUCATION: From time to time pastor will recommend a book or video or some other resource for spiritual growth. Please make this a priority to continue spiritual learning and education. If you are interested in Ministry Training, we have Purpose Institute that meets eight of twelve months a year on one weekend, and we would be happy to find out how to get you more involved and growing in your ministry skills.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
These expectations have been read and understood and I have had an opportunity to ask questions and discuss pertinent details. I will notify pastor if my lifestyle choices change while I am serving on the platform in ministry.