WhatsApp Community Guidelines

Our WhatsApp groups serve as an extension of our church community, aiming to foster a supportive and uplifting environment where members can share life experiences, encourage one another in their faith, and stay connected with church activities. To maintain this positive atmosphere and uphold our values of unity and respect, we have established these guidelines to ensure that discussions remain relevant, uplifting, and conducive to building deeper connections within our church family.

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1. Be aware that other people in the groups can see your mobile number, and you are able to leave a group at any time. Please only contact others directly if you know them in person. Face to face conversation is always better than electronic!

2. Avoid Debates: Refrain from engaging in debates within the group. Save these discussions for face-to-face meetings where there’s more opportunity for in-depth and time-restricted dialogue. Steer clear of divisive or sensitive topics that may cause conflict.

3. No Rebuking or Correcting: Avoid criticizing or correcting others in the group. If you have concerns, address them privately or raise them in face-to-face meetings.

4. Avoid Incorrect Scripture Use: Avoid overly dogmatic interpretations that may lead to unnecessary debate or confusion. Scripture quotations are to be used in their proper textual context, avoiding reading personal opinions into the text.

5. Avoid Spam: Avoid sharing unrelated or excessive content. Content should contribute to the spiritual growth or edification of the group but should not be frequent or extensive. Don't feel compelled to reply to every message in the group which might lead to tsunami of messages and others missing the original message. If appropriate to do so, reply directly to the author with a personal word of encouragement.

6. Ask Questions: Feel free to ask questions or give responses that align with the uplifting and encouraging atmosphere we aim to maintain without engaging in divisive discussions between group members.

7. Share Life Experiences: Feel free to share your personal experiences, testimonies, prayer requests, and uplifting stories that reflect your journey of faith.

8. Share Church Activities: Feel free to share announcements, updates, and reminders about upcoming services, events, and community outreach initiatives.

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Repercussions for not abiding by these rules/guidelines could include:

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1. Reminder: A simple reminder that the guidelines exist, and please be aware of them.

2. Warning: A polite reminder to adhere to the group guidelines.

3. Temporary Removal: Temporary removal from the group for a specified period if the behaviour persists despite warnings.

4. Permanent Removal: Permanent removal from the group if the member continues to violate the rules despite previous warnings.