TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please review the following terms and conditions for e3 Partners.
e3 Expedition Contract
By clicking “I agree to the trip terms and conditions”, I am indicating that I would like to participate in an e3 Partners Ministry Expedition, and I am committed to obtain all of the funds necessary to do so. I realize that all funds that I obtain for this Expedition are considered as charitable contributions to e3 (a non profit organization), and therefore are the property of e3, for federal income tax purposes to the extent permitted by law. Tax-deductible contributions will not be refunded.
I realize that all checks should be made payable to e3 Partner’s Fund at Pure Charity, P.O. Box 1053, Searcy, AR 72145. If you are a resident of Canada, all checks or money orders must be sent to: Emmanuel Baptist Charitable Foundation (EBCF), 171 Rothsay Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2B 3S6. All funds will be administered as a personal “e3 Expedition account” in my name for this Expedition. I understand that this account will be established upon approval of my application, and the receipt of a $100 non-refundable deposit. e3 may increase the price of this Expedition upon notice to team members.
If I am able to participate in the e3 Expedition, the Expedition price, established by e3, and any expenses incurred by e3 on my behalf for this e3 Expedition, will be deducted from my e3 Expedition account. I will submit:
- 50% of e3 Expedition price (after $100 deposit) at least 90 days prior to the Expedition departure date; and
- All remaining e3 Expedition price at least 30 days prior to the Expedition departure date.
In the event that e3 Expedition funds raised exceed the Expedition price by $200 or more, I understand that I may request such funds be applied as a non-refundable deposit toward a future e3 Expedition before the end of the next calendar year. These funds will be moved to an e3 pending account. No interest will accrue for funds left in an e3 pending account. Any funds not used by the end of the following calendar year will be used to further the mission of e3, and all records of my e3 pending account may be discarded. In the event that e3 Expedition funds raised exceed Expedition costs by less than $200, such excess funds may be used, by e3, to cover other e3 costs.
In the event that I do not participate in the e3 Expedition, or an Expedition is cancelled due to reasons outside of e3’s control (political turmoil, natural disaster, etc.), any expenses incurred for me or on my behalf (airline cancellation fees, deposits, etc.) will be deducted from my e3 Expedition account, and I will be responsible for any deficit. I will pay any deficit within fifteen (15) days following notice to me of the amount of such deficit. Any funds remaining in my e3 Expedition account, after all of my expenses are paid, may be used in the way described in the previous paragraph.
I am a Christian and believe that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian church (see Matthew 18: 15-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Therefore, I agree that any claim or dispute arising from or related to this Contract or any e3 Expedition in which I participate shall be settled by biblically based mediation and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation. All such mediation and arbitration shall take place in Dallas, Texas. Judgment upon an arbitration award may be in any court otherwise having jurisdiction. I understand that these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising out of this Contract or any such e3 Expedition and I expressly waive any rights I have to file a lawsuit in any civil court for such disputes, except to enforce an arbitration decision.
I grant to e3 Partners Ministry, its representatives and employees the right to take photographs of me and my property in connection with the above-identified subject. I authorize e3 Partners Ministry, its assigns and transferees to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically. I agree that e3 Partners Ministry may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.
I have received, reviewed, and agree to adhere to all of e3 Partners Ministry’ policies, including the Expedition Release, Biblical Unity on an e3 Expedition, e3 Expedition Policy, and all other documents referred to in this or any of those documents (collectively called “the Policies”). I have read and fully understand e3 Partners Ministry’s policies and subscribe, whole-heartedly, to the principles inherent therein. Further, I agree to adhere to all guidelines, requirements, restrictions and other provisions set forth herein. I will work diligently to maintain and strengthen the e3 Partners Ministry and its members and will reflect the values of the e3 Partners Ministry in word and example.
I recognize the religious nature of e3 Partners Ministry and agree that e3 Partners Ministry has the right to dismiss me for public immorality, scandal, or rejection of the official teachings, doctrine or policies of e3 Partners, thereby terminating any and all rights that I may have (if any) as a volunteer, subject, however, to the personal due process rights promulgated by e3 Partners Ministry. I understand that I automatically forfeit all volunteer privileges for any conduct or avocation of conduct that stands in contradiction to e3 Partners Ministry’s stated beliefs, policies, and mission as set forth in the Policies. I understand that such beliefs or practices would make me unfit to advance e3 Partners’ mission as it would impede and burden the integrity and religious mission of e3 Partners Ministry. I submit to the designated authority of e3 Partners to resolve any disputes relating to volunteer policies and practices.”
I understand that my volunteer status may be automatically terminated prior to its expiration, or not renewed, for reasons relating to improprieties regarding e3 Partners Ministry’s teachings or laws, unsatisfactory performance, inattention to duties, incompetency, irregular attendance, insubordination, failure to follow policies and procedures, or for any other justifiable reason, provided that, if my volunteer status is terminated or not renewed, then I shall have, as the sole means of recourse, an opportunity to be heard in accordance with appropriate Doctrines Committee . A volunteer will not be discharged on account of disability if able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the essential functions of the position. Acknowledging and accepting the religious and moral nature of e3 Partners Ministry’s purpose and mission, the undersigned agrees to conduct herself or himself at all times, professionally and personally, in accordance with e3 Partners Ministry’s teaching authority, law and internal governance. Charges of immoral behavior, or of conduct violative of the Policies or other written policies incorporated herein shall ultimately be resolved exclusively by the Doctrines Committee, as established from time to time.
Expedition Release
I desire to travel to one or more foreign countries in cooperation with e3 Partners Ministry for the purpose of participating in one or more e3 Expeditions organized by e3 Partners Ministry, or otherwise. On behalf of myself, my heirs, representatives and assigns, I hereby release and forever discharge e3 Partners Ministry, my church, their partners and affiliates, and their respective members, employees, officers, directors and representatives from and against any and all claims for any and all injuries (including death), losses or damages, including consequential damages, I might have or sustain on or in any way relating to any such e3 Expedition, any travel to, in and from any foreign countries or any stay in foreign countries, whether before, during or after an e3 Expedition or otherwise.
I understand that travel, particularly for mission purposes, may involve significant risks and that travel to some areas of the world involves greater health and safety risks than foreign travel in general. If I make changes in my flight itinerary, I understand that I am no longer under the responsibility of e3 Partners Ministry, and my travel insurance expires on the original scheduled date. I understand that it is my sole responsibility to gather whatever information I need in order to assess the risk involved in any travel, stay or other activity contemplated by this RELEASE. My signature on this RELEASE and my participation in any such activity means that I have to my full satisfaction obtained all information necessary for me to assess the risk and to participate willingly.
I am eighteen (18) years of age or older, and this RELEASE is binding on me and my executor, administrators, heirs and assigns.
I am a Christian and I understand that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian church (see Matthew 18:15-20; I Corinthians 6:1-8). Therefore, I agree with e3 Partners Ministry that any claim or dispute covered by, arising from or related to this RELEASE will be settled by biblically based mediation and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation. All such mediation and arbitration shall take place in Dallas, Texas. Judgment upon an arbitration award may be entered in any court otherwise having jurisdiction. I agree with e3 Partners Ministry that such mediation and arbitration will be the sole means available to us for resolving any controversy or claim covered by, arising from or related to this RELEASE and that we expressly waive our rights to file a lawsuit in any civil court against one another for such disputes, except to enforce an arbitration decision. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent e3 Partners Ministry, or any released party, from asserting or pleading this RELEASE as a defense in any action or proceeding brought against e3 Partners Ministry, or any released party.
Biblical Unity on an e3 Expedition
THE GOAL OF UNITY.
The task of finally finishing the Great Commission is bigger than any one part of the Body of Christ. God wants to use the entire Body of Christ to finish this task. e3 Partners Ministry seeks to be an answer to the prayer Christ Himself prayed in John 17:20-21:
I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word: that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
UNITY BASED ON TRUTH.
e3 Partners Ministry seeks to serve as a catalyst for spiritual, Biblical unity in the Body of Christ as we serve various parts of the Body to plant new churches. While we pray and work toward unity, we also are mindful of Paul’s caution in Galatians 1:8, 9: But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
STATEMENT OF FAITH.
Unity must be based on truth. Cooperation that results in a dilution or compromise of the essential truths of the Bible is ecumenism, not Holy Spirit-breathed Biblical unity. We seek to work with all those who believe in the following Statement of Faith:
God.
We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons–the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit–and that these three are one God, having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections.
Jesus.
We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and death on the cross to provide for our redemption, bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven, present ministry of intercession for us, and His return to earth in power and glory.
Holy Spirit.
We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, that He performs the miracle of new birth in an unbeliever and indwells believers, enabling them to live godly lives.
Bible.
We believe in the divine verbal inspiration of the Scriptures. The whole Bible, in the original manuscripts, is without error. As the revelation of God, we believe the Bible to be the sole authority and sufficiency with regard to Christian faith and practice.
Man.
We believe that man was originally created in the image of God. Adam fell through sin, and as a consequence of his sin, lost his spiritual life. This spiritual death, or total depravity of human nature, has been transmitted to the entire human race of man, the Man Christ Jesus alone being excepted. Thus every person is born into the world with a nature that is essentially and unchangeably sinful apart from divine grace.
Salvation.
We believe that, due to universal death through sin, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless born again. Our redemption has been accomplished solely by the blood of our Lord Jesus. We believe that the new birth of the believer comes only through faith in Christ. No other acts, such as confession, baptism, prayer, faithful service, or manifestation of certain spiritual gifts, are to be added to believing as a condition of salvation.
Marriage and Human Sexuality.
Preamble
We believe that all matters of faith and conduct must be evaluated on the basis of Holy Scripture, which is our infallible guide. (2 Timothy 3:16–17) Since the Holy Bible does speak to the nature of human beings and their sexuality, it is imperative that we correctly understand and articulate what the Bible teaches on these matters.
We are committed to the home and family as set forth in Holy Scripture. We believe God has ordained and created marriage to exist between one man and one woman, with absolute marital fidelity. The Bible sets forth specific home and family values, which include the distinct roles of husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and children. It is our firm conviction that we uphold the dignity of each individual as we embrace the unchanging and longstanding principles of scriptural truth.
Religious Beliefs
Based on Holy Scripture and the constant moral teaching of the universal Church, we believe:
Marriage — e3 Partners Ministry defines marriage as the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal “one flesh” union of one man and one woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child. (Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:4-9, Mark 10:5-9, Ephesians 5:31-33)
Sexual Immorality — e3 Partners Ministry believes that sexual acts outside marriage are prohibited as sinful. Consequently, e3 Partners Ministry staff, board members and volunteers must resist and refrain from any and all sexual acts outside marriage — including but not limited to adultery, fornication, incest, zoophilia, pornography, prostitution, masturbation, voyeurism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, sodomy, polygamy, polyamory, sologamy, or same-sex sexual acts. (Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 18:7-23, Leviticus 20:10-21, Deuteronomy 5:18, Matthew 15:19, Matthew 5:27-28, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 4:17-19, Colossians 3:5)
Gender Identity — e3 Partners Ministry believes that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal personal dignity. Consequently, e3 Partners Ministry staff, board members and volunteers must affirm their biological sex and refrain from any and all attempts to physically change, alter, or disagree with their predominant biological sex — including but not limited to elective sex-reassignment, transvestite, transgender, or non-binary “genderqueer” acts or conduct. (Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Sexual Orientation — e3 Partners Ministry believes that God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal “one flesh” union of man and woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child. Consequently, e3 Partners Ministry staff, board members and volunteers must affirms the sexual complementarity of man and woman and resist any and all same-sex sexual attractions and refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct, which are intrinsically disordered. (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:5-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2)
Sexual Redemption — e3 Partners Ministry believes that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and should seek redemption through confession, repentance, baptism, and faith in Jesus Christ. Consequently, e3 Partners Ministry staff, board members and volunteers must welcome and treat with respect, compassion, and sensitivity all who experience same-sex attractions or confess sexually immoral acts but are committed to resisting sexual temptation, refraining from sexual immorality, and conforming their behavior to e3 Partners Ministry‘s Statement of Faith. (Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16)
Celibacy — e3 Partners Ministry believes that Holy Scripture grants two life-enhancing options for human sexual behavior: (1) the conjugal “one flesh” marital union of one man and one woman, and (2) celibacy. Either is a gift from God, given as He wills for His glory and the good of those who receive and rejoice in His gift to them. Celibacy and faithful singleness is to be celebrated and affirmed within e3 Partners Ministry. (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18, 21-24; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:5-8; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-8; Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:10; 1 Timothy 5:1-2)
Holy Scripture:
Marriage and Human Sexuality: Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:18-24; Genesis 19:5-10; Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:7-23; Leviticus 20:10-21; Deuteronomy 5:18; Judges 19:22-24; Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 15:19; Matthew 19:4-9; Mark 10:5-9; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 4:17-19; Ephesians 5:25-27; Ephesians 5:31; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Timothy 1:8-10; Jude 1:7; Revelation 19:7-9; Revelation 21:2;
Pastoral Care: Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:14-16
Application
All of our staff, board members and volunteers must affirm and adhere to this Doctrinal and Religious Absolute statement on marriage and human sexuality to qualify for involvement with the ministry. This is necessary to accomplish our religious mission, goals and purpose. Behavior or counter-witnessing that does otherwise will impede and burden our integrity and religious mission. We believe that God’s grace can wipe the slate of guilt and sin, though the consequences are still incurred.
Authority
The Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, acting as the source of authority over morality, our beliefs, Christian lifestyle and conduct. e3’s Doctrines Committee appointed by e3’s CEO is charged with the ministerial responsibility of Biblical interpretation and promulgating religious policy. The Doctrines Committee will determine life application as well as final matters relating to church theology, philosophy, Christian practice, faith, divine truth, morality, and theological and doctrinal resolutions.
Sanctity of Life.
Preamble
We believe that all matters of faith and conduct must be evaluated on the basis of Holy Scripture, which is our inspired, infallible, and inerrant guide. (2 Timothy 3:16–17) Because Holy Scripture speaks to creation and human life, it is imperative that we correctly understand, articulate, and abide by what Holy Scripture teaches on this matter.
We believe that God has created mankind in His image (Imago Dei) and that human life begins at fertilization. God, in his infinite sovereignty, uniquely formed human beings and gave them a special dignity, personal freedom, and individual accountability among all the works of creation. Human beings have been made for relationship with God and to be good and faithful stewards of creation. God created each person’s inmost being, knitting each person together in his mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13) As God’s individualized and personal creation, each person is fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) God has ordained all the days of each person’s life before he came to be. (Psalm 139:16)
Religious Beliefs
Based on Holy Scripture and the constant moral teaching of the universal Church, we believe:
From the moment of fertilization until natural death, every human life is sacred because every human life has been created by God, in His image and likeness.
From the moment of fertilization, every human life must be recognized, respected, and protected as having the rights of a person and the inviolable right to life.
The right to life and physical integrity of every unborn human life is inviolable—it is not a concession made by society or the state, but is instead inherent to the unborn human life by virtue of its creation in the image of God.
Because human life begins at the moment of fertilization, it is against our religious and moral conviction to formally or materially cooperate in the termination of unborn human life.
We are strongly committed to the preservation and defense of unborn human life, which compels our religious, moral, and ethical duty to defend unborn human life from destruction, whether by surgical abortion or use of drugs, devices, or services that have the intent, design, effect, or risk of terminating unborn human life or preventing its implantation and growth post-fertilization.
The Church and all her ministers and ministries should publicly witness to society and to the state regarding the intrinsic, inherent, and inviolable dignity of all human life, from fertilization to natural death.
Holy Scripture
In standing against abortion, this organization incorporates by reference the following Holy Scriptures, which are cited in the statements, resolutions, commentaries, or doctrines of Christian denominations that are expressly and vocally opposed to abortion: Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Presbyterian Church in America, Roman Catholic Church, and Southern Baptist Convention.
Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 25:21-22; Exodus 20:13; Psalm 22:9-10; Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 44:1-2; Isaiah 49:5; Job 10:8-12; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Luke 1:39-45
Early Church Fathers’ Statements on Sanctity of Human Life
“Thus, you read the word of God, spoken to Jeremiah: ‘Before I formed thee in the womb, I knew thee.’ If God forms us in the womb, He also breathes on us as He did in the beginning: ‘And God formed man and breathed into him the breath of life.’ Nor could God have known man in the womb unless he were a whole man. ‘And before thou camest forth from the womb, I sanctified thee.’ Was it, then, a dead body at that stage? Surely it was not, for “God is the God of the living and not the dead.”
—Tertullian, De Anima
“It is not permissible for us to destroy the seed by means of illicit manslaughter once it has been conceived in the womb, so long as blood remains in the person.”
—Tertullian, Apologia
“Why sow where the ground makes it its care to destroy the fruit? Where there are many efforts at abortion? Where there is murder before the birth…. Why then dost thou abuse the gift of God, and fight with His laws, and follow after what is a curse as if a blessing, and make the chamber of procreation a chamber for murder, and arm the woman that was given for childbearing unto slaughter?”
—John Chrysostom, Homily 24
“[T]his lustful cruelty, or if you please, cruel lust, resorts to such extravagant methods as to use poisonous drugs to secure barrenness; or else, if unsuccessful in this, to destroy the conceived seed by some means previous to birth, preferring that its offspring should rather perish than receive vitality; or if it was advancing to life within the womb, should be slain before it was born.”
—Augustine, De Nube et Concupiscentia
“Therefore brothers, you see how perverse they are and hastening wickedness, who are immature, they seek abortion of the conception before the birth; they are those who tell us, ‘I do not see that which you say must be believed.’”
—Augustine, Sermon 126
“Thou shalt not slay the child by procuring abortion; nor, again, shalt thou destroy it after it is born.”
—Barnabas, Letter
e3 Expedition Policy
I realize that the following elements are crucial to the effectiveness, quality, and safety of our e3 Expedition together. As a member of the e3 Expedition Team, I agree to:
- Remember that I am a guest working at the invitation of a local pastor.
- Remember that I have come to learn, not to teach. I may run across procedures that I feel are inefficient, or attitudes that I find closed-minded. I will resist the temptation to inform our hosts about “how I do things.” I will be open to learning other people’s methods and ideas.
- Respect the host’s view of Christianity. I recognize that Christianity has many faces throughout the world, and that the purpose of this Expedition is to witness and experience faith lived out in a new setting.
- Develop and maintain a servant’s attitude toward all nationals and my teammates.
- Respect my Expedition leader(s) and his or her decisions.
- Refrain from gossip. I may be surprised at how each person will blossom when freed from the concern that others may be passing judgment.
- Refrain from complaining. I know that travel can present numerous unexpected and undesired circumstances, but the rewards of conquering such circumstances are innumerable. I will try to be creative and supportive.
- Respect the work that is going on in the country with the particular church(es) or person(s) with whom we are working. I realize that our Expedition is here for just a short while, but that the local church is here for the long term. I will respect their knowledge, insights, and instructions.
- Refrain from negative political comments or hostile discussions concerning our host country’s politics.
- Remember not to be exclusive in my relationships. If my close friend or spouse is on the Expedition, we will make every effort to interact with all members of the Expedition, not just one another.
- Refrain from any activity that could be construed as a romantic interest toward a national. I realize certain activities that seem innocent in my own culture may seem inappropriate in others.
- Abstain from the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the use of tobacco, or any un-Christ-like behavior while on the Expedition.