12 Foundation Stones Course - TFI Online

Other Publications:Family Activity Reports.Family Presentation Video 1 and 2“Introducing The Family” brochureSection 2: Life and Organizationi Please note again that this will be covered more comprehensively in the 12 Bridges course..The CharterGP Family Adopts a Charter StatementDFO What’s New in the Family? Local Pub (available on the CD)CM Serve One Another in Love ML #2978 (All)CM Understanding the Charter Peter #77 (All)CM/FM Family Board Handbook Booklet Answering questions about your lifestyle and organizationRefer to the Charter, which is our “constitution” or book of rules. Can you show your friends the Charter?Yes. The Charter is a DFO publication that can be shown to your friends as the need arises.However, you should be aware that if they glance through the Charter even briefly, they may noticesections that are controversial—rules governing sexual behavior, for instance. Be prepared to explainwhat they notice. If you don’t feel they are ready to learn about the more controversial side of ourlives, then it is probably better not to show them the Charter yet. There is a Statement that can begiven instead: “The Family Adopts a Charter.” Answering the question, “But why won’t you have another drink?”Or, “Go out with me?” … or, “Have a smoke?”—As the Lord leads, you may want to explain thatwe have a book of rules that we abide by (the Charter). Every organization has rules!Having to abide by rules is not unusual. Every group of people in society—every organization,church, movement, business, political party, etc., has some sort of rules. Sometimes to work abroadwith a company or voluntary organization you must agree to a code of conduct. Perhaps at that jobyou have to forego alcohol and/or abide by a certain dress code.If you confidently explain the Charter in this light, that we have a code of conduct, as well asrules for how our communities are run, guidelines for the elections of leadership of our local community,etc., your friends should not have difficulty understanding it. Be prayerful in answering personal questionsIt will not always be appropriate to use the Charter to explain why you will or will not do something.Sometimes it may be better to talk about your personal convictions (such as smoking notbeing healthy) or personal preference (“I don’t like the smell of smoke and don’t want to waste mymoney on an unhealthy habit.”).66 Chapter 2: Issues—The Family