Ocean’s Edge Staff | Code Of Conduct

The following is a list of the expectations for those who are accepted as an Ocean's Edge Staff member. It is our prayer that you see this as more than a list of do's and don’ts.

This staff position is a meant to be a special time of spiritual growth and service devoted to God. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we want to live in a way that honors Him and reflects Him to the world. We believe you can maximize the richness of this season by abstaining from anything that would potentially hinder your spiritual walk or fruitfulness in ministry. We have prayerful put these guidelines together to create an atmosphere that will best facilitate this goal.

Please carefully read through this document and sign below, stating that you agree to abide by each of these requirements for the duration of your position. If you have any questions or need further explanation of these expectations please address them with us. We welcome understanding and strive for scriptural accountability.

Attitude

• I will maintain a good, godly attitude--and remember, an attitude is contagious!
• I will be flexible! Things are going to change all the time and I will go with the flow to help make everything easier for everyone involved.
• In trials and hardship, I will maintain a thankful heart to God and celebrate any opportunity to grow.
• I will be willing to be interrupted.

Lifestyle

• I will dedicate my time as an Ocean’s Edge Staff member to God, set apart and submitted to Him in every way. I will maintain a Christ-honoring lifestyle and aim to be above reproach and avoid all questionable situations during the internship.
• I will be mindful in how my lifestyle and dress code affects others. I will dress modestly.
• I will aim to honor others by not doing or saying anything that would cause them to stumble. I will submit to the standards and expectations set by the ministries we serve and short-term teams that we host (e.g., one-piece swimming suit or cover-up and traveling in two's).
• I will not initiate or reciprocate a romantic relationship with the locals or other interns. This time is set apart to intentionally grow in God and in ministry without distractions. Friendships with the opposite sex will be conducted with caution and kept to group settings.
• I will not permit the opposite sex into my apartment or room on The Edge property.
• I will not spend the night away from the ministry base, unless prior permission has been granted by the Supervisor.
• I will not use illegal drugs or take part in excessive drinking of alcohol at any time or any place, including out of town trips.
• I will not consume alcohol or smoke in Jaco or any other ministry location.
• I will be respectful and loving to everyone.

Spiritual Growth & Mentorship

• I commit to do all the preparation that is part of the Staff Position pre-field, which includes but not limited to meeting regularly with my Prayer Team and Prayer Team Leader, blogs posted on the Ocean's Edge website, etc.
• I will attend Church, Bible studies and Prayer meetings with the intention of growing and being fed.
• I will spend daily time in God’s word and in prayer and meet weekly with my assigned Mentor.
• I will not initiate or start any ministry without prior approval from the Staff Position Supervisor. This includes one on one relationships, discipleship and new ministry ideas. I understand that my primary goal is to grow spiritually and build up the existing ministries that are approved by the Ocean’s Edge program.

Communication

• I will commit to be in contact with the Pre-Field Supervisor at least every two weeks, while I am preparing to come to Costa Rica, to share my progress, concerns and prayer requests that I might have.
• I will be accountable to the Staff Position Supervisor as my primary point of contact and overseer in Costa Rica. I will regularly check-in with the Supervisor and my assigned Mentor for accountability to assure the ministry goals are being met.
• I will ask for clarification if I have any questions or if something is not 100% clear.
• I will immediately inform the Supervisor of any areas of concerns or problems concerning ministry and inform my Mentor concerning personal issues.
• I will commit to have no part in any form of gossip and slanderous talk. When feedback and conflict resolution is needed, I will strive to encourage and build up others through the Biblical process described in Matthew 18:15-17.

Schedule

• I understand that my areas of service will completely depend on the needs of the Church and ministries. I understand that Ocean’s Edge will try to match my gifts and abilities with the needs but I am also willing to be stretched and used in areas that will cause me to grow.
• I will get prior approval from the Supervisor for any additional time off or changes in schedule.
• I understand that the staff service week will vary and ministry happens at all hours, but generally consists of about 50 hours a week.
• I will use my days off to rest and be careful to guard against burnout.

Job Description

• I understand this is a volunteer staff position and offers no compensation.
• I will take full responsibility for all expenses incurred.
• I understand that specifics of my job description and expectations will be discussed with the Supervisor and ministry leaders before arrival and then reviewed and signed upon arrival.
• Upon arrival, I will discuss goals with the Supervisor and ministry leaders. Additional meetings will be quarterly, or more if needed, to review of goals and expectations.

Property

• I will purchase and will use my own supplies and will not use the property or team supplies. This includes all cleaning supplies, trash bags, food, etc.
• I will commit to keep a servant’s heart and care for the property as if it belonged to God… because it does!

Travel Plans & Visitors

• I will only purchase my airline ticket to Costa Rica when I have reached 90% of my approved budget and have been approved to do so. I will only actually get on the plane and go to Costa Rica once I am at 100% and have had a Release signed by my church and have been cleared to do so by the Pre-field Supervisor.
• I will communicate all plans to travel and wait for permission before I go. For safety, I will convey the following: who I will be with, when I plan to depart and return and where I am going and staying.
• I will communicate any plans to receive visitors and get prior approval for anyone with the intention to stay on the Edge Ministry Base. I understand that any visitors staying on the Edge will also be subject to the property rules and regulations. With approval, same sex visitors (and immediate family) will be allowed to sleep in the intern's private room without cost. Otherwise, any visitors using a separate room or bed will need to pay the nightly rate.
• I will inform the Supervisor of any interest to stay in Costa Rica beyond the committed time. I understand that the intern position is short-term and I need to apply separately for a long-term position if I intend to stay. I will wait for approval before making future travel plans.

I agree to the above Ocean’s Edge Staff Position Code of Conduct and Expectations. I have read through and agree to follow the Rules and Expectations of The Edge property. I acknowledge that failure to adhere to all above expectations may result in immediate termination of the internship position.

In this case I understand that I am responsible to pay the entirety of the payable rent, ministry expenses and extra travel expense to return early. I take full responsibility for my words and actions and commit before God to shine His character to the best of my ability with joy and thanksgiving.