Our Honor Code

More than a religion, Christianity is a relationship with God. We put God first in our lives through prayer, reading the Bible, and prioritizing our love for God above all other relationships and pursuits.

Every Christian is learning the Scriptures in order to know how to walk with Christ and honor Him. We are committed to:

• Reading Scripture with a commitment to its absolute authority
• Reading Scripture with a heart to understand its meaning
• Reading Scripture with a willingness to walk and obedience

The first words Jesus preached were, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt 4:17). Repentance first happens when a person receives Jesus for salvation. Repentance is also vital for every Christian throughout life.

Repentance literally means a change in thinking that leads to a change in action. Lasting change rarely happens in an instant; it is a process. We do not expect perfection, but we do ask every Christian to commit to living by the authority of Scripture. We are committed to:

• Agreeing with Scripture, and when necessary, changing our thinking
• Agreeing with Scripture, and when necessary, changing our actions

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law" (Gal 5:22-23). We are committed to walking in the Spirit by:

• Walking in love toward all people
• Living as peacemakers, forgiving and showing kindness
• Faithfully honoring our commitments
• Walking in humility, with a servant's heart
• Speaking the truth with love and grace
• Helping others experience life and relationship with Jesus

"Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24). Jesus is honored when we walk in righteousness. We endeavor to refrain from behaviors or actions that grieve the Holy Spirit, harm others, and undermine our witness as Christians. We are committed to refraining from:

• Harassment, slander, profanity, or crude speech
• Recreational drug use or drunkenness
• Sexual immorality (all sexual activity outside marriage or pornography)

If a person laps into a sinful lifestyle, a pastoral overseer will evaluate the situation, work with the person, and develop a restoration plan. Depending on the severity of the situation, appropriate action may include:

• Ongoing pastoral counseling
• Plan for structure accountability
• Temporary or permanent removal from ministry

Correction has two main goals:

1. Restore a person to a right relationship with God
2. Protect people from harmful and/or dangerous conduct.

The Calvary Honor Code affirms that, while no Christian is perfect, we are committed to a lifestyle that aims to honor and glorify Jesus Christ.