Excerpt – List of Ethics

The following is an excerpt from Thrive Year 1 Quarter 2 Workbook.  The ethics are a way of operating in the group as a community.  Groups review the list of ethics each quarter as a way of participating.

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Be a beginner. Move with a sense of discovery and humility as though you have something to learn, even in areas that you are familiar or even an expert.

Engage the process as a participant. A participant is someone who is actively engaging in God’s mission of restoration.  This does not require activity at all times.  It means a willingness to listen and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit into the areas needing restoration.

Take a prudent risk. Prudence is cautious action forward.  Learn to step outside of your comfort zone for the sake of your own restoration.

Own your own actions. Use “I” statements.  Don’t speak “You do this,” or “We do this,” statements.  Don’t generalize them as absolutes for everyone.

Earn the right to be heard. Earn the trust of those around you by making offers of help with discretion. Do not assume you know the answer to someone’s problem.

Protect the dignity of those around you. You validate your own dignity by recognizing and protecting the dignity of others.

Work patiently towards each other’s wholeness. Wholeness is the intended goal of the group.  You must find the delicate balance between allowing someone the freedom to sit quietly and following the leading of the Holy Spirit to push someone at the appropriate moment.

You have the freedom to say no. Throughout the journey you will encounter moments that you need time to process what is happening as opposed to just moving forward.  Grant that freedom to others as well.

Practice trust with each other. Each person in your group has taken a risk to be part of the journey.  Grant each other trust even through the process of reconciliation.

Be real. Bring honesty to the group.  Don’t hide what is real.

Laugh with each other not at each other. Laughter is often the best medicine for what ails us but it can be a bitter pill when it is directed at someone.  NEVER laugh at someone’s expense.

Lead with grace and mercy, and whenever necessary, forgive. People will make mistakes, including leaders.

Practice integrity. Lead by example and do what you say you are going to do.