Communications and Social Media Policy

Communications and Social Media Policy

Approved June 9, 2021

The overarching principle guiding our communication is as follows:

We expect that all contributors to Crossway’s communications, online resources,
and Crossway social media accounts and communities will do so
in a Christ-like manner that is consistent with the Core Values of Crossway. 

In particular, we will…

  • Pursue ministry purposes

      • “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

      • Church social media accounts and tags will not be used for partisan politics or for commercial purposes or for personal gain

  • Demonstrate high value for our diverse unity

      • “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:3-6

      • All our communication will reflect and demonstrate the value we place on our unity in Christ in the midst of the richness of diversity of His body and in our congregation.

  • Respect the privacy of others

      • “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” Titus 3:1-2

      • Posts shall not include personal information about others (such as names and identifiable quotations, life situations or circumstances, and pictures) without their explicit permission unless it is already public
      • This privacy is especially critical for anything that is available publicly online.

  • Contribute so as to benefit those who read or listen

      • “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

      • As we post or add content, we will ask ourselves, “Is this material helpful for building others up according to their needs? Is it building up the body of Christ?”

  • Contribute as an expression of love

      • “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13; James 1:19; Matthew 12:33-37

      • Rather than emphasizing what we know and what our perspective is, we choose also to invite the knowledge and perspectives of others

  • Keep in mind the (global) audience

      • “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6

      • We should always be conscious of the people who are likely to read or listen, as well as how our communication might affect them or be used by them
      • For potentially controversial topics, consider whether they should be addressed in a private forum (the ‘person responsible’ for each online space has authority to guide these considerations)

  • Be clear about the source

      • “From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.” Proverbs 10:31

      • We will indicate the source of the content when it is not originally our own
      • When people are speaking on behalf of Crossway or any of its official teams,  we will explicitly state that connection
      • Social media accounts that imply or claim to be associated with Crossway require prior approval from the Pastor or appointed representative

  • Show respect and honor authority

    • “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:13-17

    • We will adhere to Copyright, Fair Use, and other relevant laws
    • We will respect the oversight of the Pastor or appointed representative, including the people who are providing leadership and oversight for each online space

How these values will be lived out:

  • A ‘person responsible’ will be identified for each online space (such as the church website and our Facebook page). This person will be clearly identified in that space.
  • This person has the authority to modify or remove content (temporarily or permanently) that does not follow this policy, and do follow up as needed
  • Any questions or concerns about content that has been posted should contact the ‘personal responsible’
  • Additional policies for certain ministries (such as children and youth) may be developed by leaders of those ministries. These additional policies will be consistent    with this document, to which additional provision will be added or clarified as may be appropriate for the specific area