Grievance Policy

We encourage all members to try to resolve conflict and offenses as quickly as possible.  Please do not let bitterness, anger, or resentment take root in your heart and mind.  We must refrain from criticism, grumbling, complaining, and gossip.  These are Satan's tools, and they take glory from God.  Instead, we will strive to honor and glorify God by "keeping our tongues from evil and our lips from speaking lies" (Ps. 34:13) and allowing "our speech to be always filled with grace" (Col. 4:6).

We know that in any group, especially a large one, there will be disagreements, and we know that despite our Godly intentions, the Rise Up community will not be exempt from disagreements.  However, it is God's desire for us to live in Christian fellowship with all members of this organization.  God's Word encourages reconciliation.  In 2 Corinthians 5:18, He reminds us that "All this is from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."  In conflict, our goal will always be reconciliation.

Process for Resolving Issues and Conduct Violations

Whenever possible, we practice the Biblical model of conflict resolution outlined in Matthew 18:15-35. 

       Step One: Work it out directly with the person you are in conflict with.

       Step Two: Pull in 2-3 others directly related to the conflict.

       Step Three: Pull in Rise Up leadership.

       Step Four: Reconciliation (or if necessary, removal from the organization)

Forgiveness and mercy are always the preferred outcome.

Violation of the dress code, values, statement of faith, etc, will result in the above steps being taken. 

Rise Up reserves the right to suspend or expel a student without utilizing the steps listed above if the incident is deemed serious enough.  Dangerous, violent, or illegal activities will not be tolerated and are grounds for immediate and permanent dismissal of a student.