General Expectations and Guidelines

North American Mission Board (NAMB) exempt staff are expected to comply with the following requirements:

• Christian Experience
  NAMB fills each position with a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as his or her personal Lord and Savior, who lives his or her Christian faith, and who is a participating church member. There is to be evidence of a commitment to Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, and personal evangelism.
• Theological Integrity
  NAMB exempt staff are to maintain theological convictions consistent with the most current copy of The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).
• Physical and Emotional Health
  NAMB exempt staff are to have sufficient physical and emotional health to successfully execute ministry responsibilities.
• Financial Responsibility
  NAMB exempt staff are to practice sound biblical stewardship, both personally and professionally. They should not go in debt beyond their ability to pay. NAMB exempt staff should understand that their support and our mission efforts are a result of generous giving through the Cooperative Program and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering^®.  Therefore, they should promote and lead others to participate in these offerings.
• Church Membership
  NAMB exempt staff are to be active members, in good standing, of cooperating Southern Baptist churches.
• Personal Growth and Development
  NAMB exempt staff are expected to show continued personal growth and professional development.
• Evangelism Commitment
  NAMB exempt staff are expected to be committed to and consistent in presenting the gospel. Personal evangelism is considered to be a foundational expectation. NAMB exempt staff are required to complete a comprehensive evangelism course. Appropriate courses include those with class study and field mentorship. Should an exempt staff candidate not meet the evangelism training requirement at the time of employment, he or she must commit to receive the training within 12 months following employment.  NAMB offers training in this area.

Personal Ethics
NAMB exempt staff are expected to conduct themselves in a Christian manner.

• Alcohol and Substance Abuse
  NAMB exempt staff are expected to abstain from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs. They will neither advocate nor condone the use of alcohol as a beverage or the illegal use of drugs, marijuana, or other controlled substances. 
• Morality and Purity
  NAMB exempt staff are expected to be exemplary examples in the areas of morality and purity in their personal relationships.
• Abortion
  NAMB staff must embrace the sanctity of human life, both of the born and unborn.
• Tobacco Use
  Since tobacco use is harmful to the physical body, offensive to many Christians and non-Christians, and detrimental to a Christian witness, NAMB exempt staff are expected to refrain from the use of tobacco in any form.

Other Guidelines

• Glossolalia
  No person who actively participates in or promotes glossolalia shall be employed by NAMB in an exempt staff position. This includes having a private prayer language. A representative of NAMB shall counsel any exempt staff member who becomes involved in glossolalia. Continued participation will result in termination.
• Other Issues
  There may be other issues that are critical to NAMB exempt staff. Should employees assume or advocate a position or practice that embarrasses NAMB, appropriate procedures will result.