Note: The signatories page will be published once we reach enough signatures that we’re confident the statement will stand on its own rather than appear to be from any specific theological “tribe.” We are confident that creators with differing views on significant theological issues can still affirm the core tenets of the 5C no matter who else signs.
As Christian Content Creators, we recognize that the internet has created new and powerful opportunities for ministry, including the ability to connect with worldwide audiences, publish content immediately and in new and unique ways, and offer additional context, commentary, and correction from a Christian perspective. This power also presents plentiful opportunities for sinful behavior, including false teaching, easy deception, damage to reputations, scripture twisting, petty personal squabbles, and the spiritual harm that results from such sinful behavior.
Outside the bounds of local church accountability, the potential to bypass mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21) and the general equity of the church discipline process (Matthew 18:15-17) is ever-present. As online content creation is a parachurch ministry focused on the propagation of teaching, discussion, and discernment rather than on local, physical ministry concerns, online ministry will necessarily involve conflict and argumentation. Therefore, we believe it is in desperate need of biblical, ethical guidelines to remain edifying to the body of Christ, avoid needless division, and prevent abusive and sinful conduct done in the name of Christ.
The internet makes it extremely challenging for believers to know who is a trustworthy and authentic voice rather than a divisive or harmful influence for the universal church, yet the freedom to discuss theological views, news, and sometimes rebuke and correction is not only a good and just gift, it aids in the obedience of every believer. While this code is biblically consistent and applicable to both Christians and non-Christians, it is primarily an ethical standard for those who claim the name of Christ and seek to represent Him in both word and deed. CCCs seek God’s glory in their work, which they undertake with a biblical commitment to truth, love, grace, humility, patience, and responsibility.
The 5C
Standards for Ethical and Moral Conduct:
- I will endeavor to present myself and my work in a manner that is consistent with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
- All content will be created under the principles of objective reasoning and logic, and subject to God’s truth as evidenced in natural and special revelation (2 Timothy 3:16).
- I will be transparent with my doctrinal convictions and positions (Proverbs 10:9, Ephesians 4:25).
- All moral claims and conclusions about others will be specific enough to withstand challenge (Proverbs 27:5, Proverbs 18:17, Ephesians 4:25, Matthew 18:15).
- I will utilize anonymity only for research and to protect source confidentiality. I understand that anonymity is not a tool to avoid accountability nor for bypassing the biblical standard for receiving accusations (Deuteronomy 19:15).
Standards for Free Exchange of Ideas:
- I will not falsely contextualize source material (Proverbs 18:17, Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 11:3, 2 Corinthians 8:21).
- I will not remove, edit, or augment any official, published content without good reason (Proverbs 11:3, Matthew 5:37, Luke 14:11, Philippians 2:3), such as updating out-of-date information or removal of old content in accordance with stated policy.
- I will only censor interactions with my content to prevent harassment, profanity, illegality, or in accordance with known quality-control policies, not for the prevention of honest and fair-minded discussion or critique (Romans 12:16, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Matthew 22:39).
- I will not employ generalizations or hyperbole to lead my readers/viewers to draw conclusions I am unwilling to specifically articulate (2 Corinthians 8:21, Proverbs 11:3).
- I will endeavor to make clear what I offer as fact versus opinion (Matthew 5:37, Exodus 20:16).
- I am responsible for providing specific and examinable evidence for all claims of sinful behavior (Matthew 18:15, Deuteronomy 19:15, Proverbs 18:17).
- Within the bounds of scripture, I am free to establish and uphold known, standing platform/engagement policies that govern my implementation of the standards within this statement.
Standards for Personal Accountability:
- I will maintain personal spiritual accountability through membership in a local New Testament church and will make my church elders/pastors aware of my online ministry (Matthew 18:15-17, Hebrews 13:17, Ephesians 5:21).
- I am willing to offer for examination any created content to my elders/pastors for examination, especially in the event I am credibly accused of sin. This principle does not require elders or me to respond to charges from those outside our fellowship.
- I will not use my platform or voice to subvert the exercise of biblical church discipline with members or leadership of my church and will make sure my elders are aware of my commitment to protecting the integrity of the local church discipline process (Matthew 18:15-17, Hebrews 13:17, Ephesians 5:21).
- I will protect the reputation of my platform by exercising due diligence concerning those I share my platform with (Ecclesiastes 7:1).
Standards for Mutual Accountability:
- Portions of this code of conduct are only spiritually binding to the extent they can be practically applied by the standards of scripture (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
- I recognize that online ministry may subject me to attack, misrepresentation, and persecution, and I am willing to endure these challenges. I am free to create or not create as I believe the Spirit is leading me. (2 Timothy 3:12, John 15:18-19, Matthew 5:10-12).
The 5C is not a doctrinal statement, confession, or creed, nor is it intended to be binding in any disciplinary sense. Rather, it acts as a proclamation and practical set of standards that promote honest, open, and humble Christian content creation online. The writers and editors of the 5C remain anonymous in order to avoid doctrinal differences potentially interfering with the adoption of the 5C. The presence of a signature is not an indication of doctrinal agreement, endorsement, or ministerial cooperation with other signers.