Statement of Policy 
It is the policy of Fellowship Church that sexual harassment and misconduct will not be tolerated. Any complaint of sexual harassment or misconduct will be dealt with quickly and confidentially. This Policy applies to pastors, full and part-time employees and volunteers serving in any ongoing role or position at Fellowship Church.
 
The intent of this Policy Statement is to make certain that responses to any allegation of sexual harassment and misconduct be fair and compassionate for all involved, and that all parties be heard. 
 
Definition of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct 

• Unwelcome sexual advances, leering, whistling, or sexual gestures 
• Sexual assaults or molestation 
• Inappropriate questions or comments about sexual behavior 
• Gender based harassment 
• Undesired physical contact 
• Inappropriate comments about clothing or physical appearance 
• Sexually-oriented humor or language  
• Jokes, epithets or crude remarks of a sexual nature 
• Causing another person to engage in a sexual act by threatening that other person, placing that other person in fear or asserting undue influence over that other person 
• Providing or displaying pornographic media to others 
• Any attempt to engage in or perform any of the above 
• Any additional activity that is covered either by Federal or State laws

 
Reporting 
 Any person who believes that they have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or misconduct, or have had a sexual harassment or misconduct issue reported to them should report it immediately to Fellowship Church’s Business Administrator or Associate Lead Pastor.  

If required by law, ordinance or similar regulations, a designated member of the church’s staff shall immediately report this incident to the proper authorities.
 
Investigation 

• Each incident that is reported will be promptly investigated with confidentiality, care and concern for all involved by the Business Administrator, Associate Lead Pastor or designated team. 
• Investigation will include interviews with all concerned. 
• Investigation will include review of all relevant documentation. 
• The investigation will be conducted in such a way as to maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable under the circumstances. Should an individual's words or conduct be determined to constitute misconduct or harassment, recommendations for action will be developed and appropriate action will be taken. The action taken will depend on the severity of the situation. 
• Fellowship will be sensitive to the needs of all involved and shall provide any support necessary including counseling during the investigation and response. 

 
Response 

• The Business Administrator, Associate Lead Pastor or designated team will review all information obtained during the investigation, and when deemed necessary, will seek legal counsel to assist in the investigation and resolution. 
• The Business Administrator, Associate Lead Pastor or designated team, upon reaching a course of action, will meet separately with the person filing the complaint and then with the accused to communicate the results and resolution. 
• Fellowship may recommend a course of action that may include counseling, education, or disciplinary action. 
• If a complaint is not substantiated, all parties will be informed. 
• Fellowship will not engage in or tolerate retaliation against any clergy person, lay employee or volunteer for making a good faith claim of misconduct or harassment or providing information relating to such complaints during an investigation. 

Approval 
 The Fellowship Church Administrative Board and Elders has approved this policy as of  August 17, 2015.