Greetings to the National and Global Teams,
We hope everyone is well.
Following a recent decision by Pastor Jennings regarding a branch event that required his counsel prior to announcement by a Branch Communications Secretary (BCS), we want to share the following guidance with all auxiliaries and teams for clarity and consistency going forward.
Use of Bouncy Houses / Inflatable Structures at Auxiliary Events
If your auxiliary plans to utilize a bouncy house or similar inflatable activity for children, Pastor has issued the following stipulations for its use:
- For modesty and the protection of our youth, girls and boys may not play in the inflatable structure at the same time.
- While girls are using the inflatable:
- Supervision must be provided only by adult Sisters
- There should be no men present along the perimeter of the inflatable
- While boys are using the inflatable:
- Supervision must be provided only by adult Brothers
- There should be no women present along the perimeter of the inflatable
Because these activities involve adults supervising children in a confined space, auxiliaries planning such activities are strongly encouraged to confer with the Youth Department to determine whether there are additional safeguarding guidelines that apply. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Qualifications or requirements for supervising adults (i.e. clearances, etc.)
- Security measures for the inflatable (e.g., ensuring there are no unmonitored access points)
This guidance is being shared with all auxiliaries, as events involving inflatables may be sponsored by groups beyond the Youth Department.
Prohibited Activities
Please note that dunking tanks are not permitted under any circumstances.
Auxiliaries are advised to refer to the bylaws regarding water activities, specifically Section XI: Code of Conduct (Part I) – Children and Recreation, for further clarification and guidance.
Auxiliaries are advised to refer to the bylaws regarding water activities, specifically Section XI: Code of Conduct (Part I) – Children and Recreation, for further clarification and guidance.
Safeguarding Youth at Auxiliary Events
As the Global Youth Department has worked with Pastor Jennings to develop general guidelines and policies for safeguarding our youth, it is strongly recommended that auxiliaries consult with the Youth Department whenever an event includes youth supervision. Examples include:
- Brotherhood-sponsored fishing trips involving young brothers
- Sisterhood childcare offered during church events
This guidance is particularly important for branches that may not have an established Youth Department.
Event Themes & Holiday Promotion
We would also like to share a prior directive given by Pastor Jennings following another approval consultation:
No FC event may promote a holiday, even if the holiday may be observed privately at home (e.g., Thanksgiving). Holiday-themed events or fundraisers may not be promoted through or by the church.
No FC event may promote a holiday, even if the holiday may be observed privately at home (e.g., Thanksgiving). Holiday-themed events or fundraisers may not be promoted through or by the church.
Flyer & Promotional Guidelines
If flyers are used to promote a local auxiliary event, all First Church flyer guidelines remain in force, including:
- Inclusion of the official church name in the format provided in the guidelines “First” in the church name appears alone above the rest of the church name
- Official church logo (we ask that the National/Global Auxiliary (“Parent Auxiliary”) or the auxiliary graphics team apply to flyer to prevent misuse of the logo and to prevent cut & paste)
- An official church email address. If the local auxiliary is not in possession of an official email account, the National/Global Auxiliary email address may be used permitting, the parent auxiliary has given its permission. The branch email address may also be used, with permission of the BCS.
Although events may be local, flyers are often shared publicly. As such:
- All imagery and language must comply with Holiness standards and the bylaws
- This applies equally to stock images and AI‑generated images
- Ex. flyers depicting individuals wearing jewelry, women with uncovered head or head only partially covered, or men wearing shorts will be returned for revision
- Ex. Images on flyers which are not permitted in FC (such as dunking tank, etc.)
- Congregational photos, including visitors or new members who may not yet be up to bylaw standards, may be acceptable when the context is clearly understood
Oversight, Vetting, and Event Sponsorship
The Communications Department is committed to ensuring that auxiliary and branch events are successful and announced without delay. If a local Branch Communications Secretary receives an announcement that raises concern, local auxiliary members will be encouraged to confer with:
- Their local Minister(s), AND
- Their respective National or Global Auxiliary President
This collaborative vetting helps provide sound guidance and protects both the local branch and the wider organization. However, it is hoped this process takes place before the event announcement is turned in.
For this reason, we strongly discourage events sponsored by lone individuals without auxiliary oversight, as a lack of awareness of church protocol and policy may place both members and the organization at risk.
Interim Guidance Pending a Formal Approval Process
Until a standardized local auxiliary event approval process is established (as permitted by Pastor Jennings), we kindly ask National and Global Presidents to issue this same guidance to local teams. Local auxiliaries are encouraged to check in with BOTH their local Minister AND National or Global Auxiliary leadership:
- PRIOR to promoting their event via submission to the local BCS, seeking funding from their local finance office, paying deposits for venues or equipment, or collecting donations from members
- To ensure their planned activities align with Holiness standards and the bylaws and does not conflict with the sponsoring auxiliary’s global mission or guidelines
- To seek guidance regarding flyers, promotions, and fundraising/donation collections, as applicable
God willing, our next Joint Operations Meeting is scheduled to take place during the International Convocation in Atlanta, at which time this topic will be added to the agenda for further discussion among the National and Global Auxiliary teams.
Thank you to all teams for your continued cooperation and all the work you do in the service of the Lord, and in the safeguarding of members, and consistently best promotion of our faith and organization.
Peace be.