Embrace a Life of Purpose

Leadership Honor Code

“Since an overseer [leader] manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” – Titus 1:7-8 (NIV)

Biblical Foundation

At True Life Church, leadership is first and foremost a calling. This Honor Code exists to provide a clear picture of what alignment looks like within the leadership culture of our church. It is not a list of restrictions, but a shared commitment to live in a way that honors God, protects the mission of the church, and reflects Christ to those we lead.

This code enables anyone who desires to serve in leadership to live according to the biblical standards God calls His followers to uphold. Living above reproach is not about perfection, but about the posture of our hearts, the integrity of our lives, and our willingness to grow under the authority of Scripture.
Our desire is that every True Life Church leader would view this Honor Code as an essential part of spiritual formation and ministry development—not an imposition, but a privilege rooted in love for God and people.

Qualities of a Leader

True Life Church leaders are called to model a Christ-centered life in both character and conduct, online and in person. We believe leadership flows from who we are before God, not merely what we do.

A True Life Church Leader strives to be:

  • Spiritually Devoted– Actively pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, worship, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines.
  • Biblically Rooted – Grounded in God’s Word and committed to upholding biblical truth without compromise.
  • Above Reproach – Living with integrity, humility, and consistency in private and public life.
  • Self-Controlled & Disciplined – Exercising wisdom in speech, relationships, habits, and lifestyle choices.
  • Humble & Teachable – Willing to receive correction, pursue growth, and submit to spiritual authority.
  • Loving & Hospitable – Reflecting Christ’s love through compassion, grace, and respect for all people.
  • Missional & Servant-Hearted – Passionate about life change through Christ and committed to serving others.
This is the basic premise of leadership at True Life Church: we strive to demonstrate biblical standards in all situations because it honors God and is beneficial to those we lead.

Guidelines for Leadership

In the spirit of growing in a dynamic relationship with God, True Life Church leaders are expected to maintain:

  • Faithful attendance in weekend worship experiences (sitting in the Worship Center at least one service)
  • A disciplined personal devotional life
  • Active engagement in spiritual growth and accountability
Leaders understand that their example—in speech, behavior, and online presence—has the power to either strengthen or hinder others in their walk with Christ.

Areas of Alignment

The following areas of alignment provide clarity around how our beliefs and values are lived out in practice. These guidelines exist to protect unity, maintain biblical integrity, and ensure a healthy leadership culture.
  1. Biblical Identity Alignment — Beliefs

True Life Church leaders affirm and uphold the core doctrines of the Christian faith as revealed in Holy Scripture: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” -2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Marriage – Defined biblically as a lifelong, covenantal “one flesh” union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6).
  • Sexual Morality – All sexual activity outside of biblical marriage is sinful, including adultery, fornication, pornography, and same-sex sexual acts (1 Corinthians 6:9–11; Romans 1:26–27).
  • Sexual Identity – God created humanity male and female, both bearing equal dignity and value, and we affirm God’s design without redefinition (Genesis 1:26–27).
  • Grace & Redemption – While Scripture identifies sexual sin as sin, forgiveness, transformation, and restoration are available to all through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).

True Life Church commits to treating all people with respect, compassion, and love while remaining faithful to biblical truth.

2. Lifestyle Alignment — Behaviors

Leaders at True Life Church commit to living in a way that reflects Christlike character and avoids behaviors that could damage personal witness or church unity. This includes refraining from:

  • Ungodly Speech – Gossip, slander, profanity, or divisive language, both in person and on social media (Ephesians 4:29).
  • Addictive or Destructive Behaviors – Gambling, tobacco use, illegal or recreational drugs, and drunkenness or overindulgence in alcohol (Ephesians 5:18).
  • Sexual Immorality – Living together outside of marriage, sexual activity outside of biblical marriage, pornography, or any sexual conduct outside God’s design.
  • Modesty & Online Presence – As leaders at True Life, we honor God with how we present ourselves—both in daily life and on social media. We commit to modesty in dress and lifestyle, avoiding sexually provocative or suggestive images, language, or content. Our online presence and our daily lives should reflect the character of Christ and support our mission of life change through Him.

Leaders understand that freedom in Christ is exercised with wisdom, self-control, and love for others.

3. Cultural Alignment — Public Stances & Influence

In order to protect those who may struggle with addiction and to maintain a Christ-centered witness, True Life Church leaders commit to fostering alcohol-free environments at all church-related gatherings and events.

Additionally, leaders agree to refrain from posting images or content on social media that depict the consumption or promotion of alcohol. This commitment reflects our desire to never be a stumbling block to those we are leading (Romans 14:13; Matthew 22:39).

Racial Unity & Biblical Identity

True Life Church affirms that all people are created in the image of God and share equal worth and dignity. Any ideology that elevates race or ethnicity above identity in Christ, or that divides the body of Christ, is contrary to Scripture (Colossians 3:11; Ephesians 2:14–16).

We reject all forms of racial supremacy, prejudice, or partiality and commit to biblical justice, unity, and reconciliation (Micah 6:8; Galatians 3:28).

Sanctity of Human Life

We affirm that life begins at conception, or before, and that every human life—from conception through natural death—is sacred and worthy of protection (Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:5). Abortion and actions that violate the sanctity of life stand in opposition to God’s design.

TLC is fully Pro-Life.

Leadership Accountability

Guidance and Support

If questions or concerns arise regarding this Honor Code, leaders are encouraged to contact a member of the Pastoral Team for clarification and guidance.
In the event that a leader compromises this Honor Code, the True Life Church Pastoral Team will prayerfully determine the appropriate course of action on a case-by-case basis.

Leader Affirmation

By submitting this form, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the True Life Church Leadership Honor Code. In assuming a leadership role at True Life Church, I commit to uphold these values, live in alignment with biblical standards, and lead in a manner that honors God and advances the mission of life change through Christ.

Download a Copy of the TLC Honor Code