Conduct Expectations and Escalation for Concerns
At The Austin Stone, we believe our staff, deacons, and elders are in a position of influence to not only lead and manage, but also to model Christ-like behavior. Therefore, we each carry a level of responsibility for those around us (1 Timothy 3, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, Romans 14). In light of this, our conduct expectations for staff, deacons, and elders are made clear in our Code of Conduct.
Ways to share a concern
If at any time during the year, a concern arises that might question the biblical qualification of one of these leaders, we want you to be able to share that with an appropriate authority. There are several ways for you to share:
- Share with an Austin Stone Authority: This means any Department Leader or elder. These individuals are trained in our escalation process and have the authority to help discern what to do with a concern.
- Share with our Operational Elder Team: This confidential form goes directly (and only) to our Operational Elder Team. Click here to learn more about who’s on our Operational Elder Team, what they do, and how you can contact them directly. Once a confidential form is submitted, a member of the Operational Elder Team will follow up with you to better understand your concern and communicate next steps.
These Austin Stone Authorities will help you take next steps if a concern should be escalated according to our Escalation Process.
If you are worried about raising a concern, please check out our Staff Protection Policy, which clarifies our intent to protect our staff with good faith concerns.
How do I know if a concern needs to be escalated?
That’s what our Austin Stone Authorities can help you with! Sometimes, you may not be sure if you have a concern that needs to be escalated or not–let one of our Austin Stone Authorities help you discern if a concern should be escalated. A conversation is a conversation until it’s clarified that there is a concern to escalate. Then, escalation will involve the appropriate people to take next steps.