Context-specific knowledge: are you growing in the skills needed to work well with children and young people in the context in which you seek to serve?
Biblical understanding: do you engage with the Bible and pray? Are you confident in the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus?
Everyone who is on the journey of discipleship in Jesus is welcome. Leadership responsibilities however are subject to a stricter scrutiny. Because if this and in submission to the Scriptures, SUNZ holds to the following position.
Everyone is fully welcome to SUNZ events.
SUNZ recognises that all disciples of Jesus are participants in Jesus’ Church.
Leadership at SUNZ events is limited to those who are certain of ‘Christ in them’ (2 Corinthians 13:5) and not led by the world (Galatians 5:19-21), bearing fruit in their walk with Christ (Galatians 5:22-24) and in fellowship with other disciples.
Leadership at SUNZ events takes place within the policies and guidelines of SUNZ.
If you are not able to agree with all four of these statements, or with our Statement of Faith, we ask that you do not lead on a Scripture Union event. However, you are still very welcome to join with us as a participant as outlined in 1 and 2 above.
Our expectation is that everyone who comes on any SUNZ event will respect the dignity of all people regardless of age, race, religion, gender, political belief, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation and that everyone will be treated with compassion, respect, consideration, and fairness. This will work its way out in our practice, activities and all communication and conversation. We recognise that Scripture Union works with children and young people in temporary communities, and we need to respect and care for them within this context. This means that some controversial topics are not suitable for discussion within SUNZ events. We will provide training to leaders around what these topics are and how to handle these particular topics with care for the children and young people who may bring them up.
Our approach to leadership is intended to reflect the behavioural evidence of following Jesus in ways that model the faith to others. We require that any in leadership provide frank and full disclosure of any physical, mental, emotional, or medical condition they have which may impact on their ability or suitability to hold a leadership role within Scripture Union. We also require the disclosure of any past criminal convictions) except to the extent not required by the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004, and any pending criminal charges) and complaints made about moral conduct whether made to any government agency, employer, institution, or church.
We require leaders always respect and comply with the reasonable instructions of Scripture Union staff (and any appointed leader of an activity) whilst acting in a leadership role with Scripture Union and a Scripture Union staff member be advised immediately if this Commitment to Christian Leadership is breached by anyone in a leadership position. This commitment applies to the full extent permitted under the laws of New Zealand. If you are not comfortable with any part of this commitment, please speak to a Scripture Union staff member before committing to a leadership role.
Collection, storage and use of Private Information
The Privacy Office
Scripture Union in New Zealand Inc.
PO Box 760
Wellington 6140
Phone: 04 385 0485
Email: info@sunz.org.nz
If you are not satisfied with our response to any privacy-related concern you may have, you can contact the Privacy Commissioner:
Office of the Privacy Commissioner
PO Box 10-094
Wellington, New Zealand
Phone: 04 474 7590
Enquiries Line (from Auckland): 302 8655
Enquiries Line (from outside Auckland): 0800 803 909
Fax: 04 474 7595
Email: enquiries@privacy.org.nz
