Forum Rules

[Admin]

The Ten Commandments of the AFF:

1. Don't argue about basic Apostolic doctrines anywhere except The Debate Room.

2. Don't make fun of any basic Apostolic doctrine or any member who adheres to those doctrines.

3. Treat others with respect. This means no hatefulness, namecalling or verbal attacks.

4. Don't rebuke any other member. This isn't a church, and you aren't anyone's spiritual authority here.

5. Use the report post button to report offensive posts, threads or spam.

6. Don't reveal any other poster's personal information, and don't post private messages unless both parties agree to it.

7. Show respect to the Admin team and all decisions that are made by the team. Do not question Admin actions publicly.

8. Cite sources and don't post more than 30% of any copyrighted material.

9. Don't post anything you wouldn't want your children or Jesus to read.

10. Above all, strive to post material that will be uplifting, positive and thought-provoking. Seek to exhort rather than tear down your fellow posters.


AFF Membership

Purpose

Apostolic Friends Forum is a discussion forum created by and for people of the Apostolic faith and friends of Apostolic heritage. All under the banner of 'Apostolic', whether current or former, are welcome here, as well as those who may just consider themselves 'Friends'. We welcome you all!

The main emphasis of the forum is cordial discussion and keeping up-to-date on current events relevant to the Apostolic believers and their friends.

Discussion

Discussions related to core doctrines of the Apostolic faith are seen as controversial and are welcome, but limited to "The Debate Room." And while discussion is allowed, no mockery or disrespect of these core doctrines or the people who hold them dear will be allowed.

Those who wish to avoid controversial discussions should avoid The Debate Room. Topics of a doctrinal nature that are started in any other area will be monitored and moved to the appropriate area if necessary.

For the purposes of pinpointing which discussions need to be limited to The Debate Room, the AFF has defined "core Apostolic doctrines" as those relating to salvation, baptism in Jesus' name, tongues as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (or infilling) and the nature of God's existence (Oneness Doctrine).

"Apostolic" as defined by AFF

Apostolic doctrines have been defined as the following:

1. There is one person of God revealing Himself as Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
2. The Son is God himself in a human form, or "God manifested in the flesh."
3. Every sinner must repent of their sins.
4. Jesus name baptism is the only biblical mode of water baptism.
5. The Holy Ghost baptism is for Christians today and may be received by faith with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.
6. The saint will strive to live a holy life, pleasing to God.

Furthermore, we believe in the Oneness message, and that the Bible, in its entirety, is the Word of God, is without error, and that it is completely relevant for today. These core doctrines can only be discussed in the Debate Room.

Rules of Conduct

By registering, you agree to the rules, so read them. If you do not agree with the rules, then please do not sign up.

Interaction with other members

• Posting Etiquette

We do not allow any rebuking, hatefulness, name calling, or verbal attacks.

As the ultimate success of this forum depends on the ability of posters to respect others, each individual poster must conduct themselves within the boundaries of decency and tolerance towards the doctrinal convictions, religious standards, and/or particular fellowship of their fellow posters. This administration knows that God's Word allows for rebuking and correction under certain conditions, but because of the lack of understanding by some, as well as the differing views by a multitude of readers here, and for the sake of peace, we will not permit it under any circumstances. Persons blatantly violating these boundaries of decency and respect will be subject to being banned.

• Promoting Unwholesome Behavior

We do not allow the promotion of immoral or unwholesome behavior including, but not limited to: homosexuality, fornication, drug use, pornography, or visiting establishments that facilitate such. While we are all adults here, we are in mixed company, and some discussions (i.e. sexual discussions or innuendos) are not appropriate for this forum. Please refrain from posting images and videos that are inappropriate as well.

Content that is unseemly, using bad language, or any form of insinuating bad language (i.e. *^%#*), or offensive slang, is not permitted.

• Reposting From Private Forums

Posting content from private forums in not allowed, unless all specifics are removed and a general topic is being discussed.

• Reporting Offensive Posts

If you feel that a user is not in compliance with the rules of this board please use the report button to report inappropriate posts, or send a private message to an Admin. The Admin will make a determination to allow the post, remove the post and warn the user, or immediately remove the user. Be advised that Admin do not read every post and therefore do not see every rule violation until it is reported.

We especially appreciate our members reporting spam posts. Thank you!

*Abuse of the Report a Post Tool

The report a post tool is strictly for reporting posts you feel violated the AFF rules. It is therefore not meant to complain to the Admin or about them. It is also not a means of "getting back" at another board member.

• Privacy of Posters

As privacy is an important issue to many posters on Apostolic Friends Forum, let it be understood that anyone that maliciously reveals another's private information will be banned.

*Private Messages:

Private messages are a privilege. Private messages and emails which are exchanged privately, are not to be posted on the forum without consent of both parties. If you receive inappropriate emails or pm's, please notify an Admin, and allow Admin to deal with it accordingly.

*Member Information and Email Addresses:

Members are required to keep their account updated with their correct email address. Email addresses that come back undeliverable at any time will result in that account being removed. Member accounts that are not used will be removed periodically. As this discussion board is a public board that is viewable by anyone and everyone in the world with internet access, we recommend that you not post your email address on the board.

Interaction with the Administration and Moderating Team

• Edits and Deletions

The Admin Team reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner it sees fit any offending posts, or close any threads that it, in its sole discretion, deems to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, or is otherwise unacceptable. In most instances posters will receive a warning for a violation of our rules, more egregious violations can carry an infraction. Most infractions are worth 1 point. Admin reserves the right to warn, infract, ban as deemed appropriate by the severity of the offense. Admin Team members review all Admin actions to reach the fairest actions possible in each situation.

• Banning Guidelines

• 3 Infraction points will earn a 3 day ban
• 5 Infraction points will earn a 7 day ban
• More egregious violations and infractions will earn anywhere from a 2 week to a 1 year OR permanent ban (at Admin's discretion).

Admin reserves the right to ban any member at any time should they agree that any member's posting style, general attitude, or overall presence is causing a disruption on the forum as a whole.

If you are banned, you have forfeited your right to communicate and post in the forums. Persons attempting to access AFF via another user ID (new or existing) are in further violation of their previous banning condition(s) and may be subject to an immediate, permanent banning. Persons relaying communications from banned users may also be banned at Admin discretion. You may receive no warning before you are banned. Discussing the ban of another member openly is prohibited. It is your responsibility to have read the rules and to know them. If you break them it will be assumed that at the time you knew you were breaking them.

• Objections and Disagreements

If you have a question about a ban, or any Admin action, discuss it in PM or email with Admin. All messages sent to Admin may be shared with the Admin Team. Openly questioning or defying the Admin's actions are not permitted. Remember, the Admins are here to help make the board run smoothly and need your cooperation. All Admin disciplinary actions are private, therefore, we will not be giving a report of what action was taken.


Any member who is banned can petition Admin via email to ask for reinstatement prior to the ban being lifted. (Please use the 'Contact Us' button at the bottom of every page.) Admin will review this and make their decision.

• Admin Team Member Opinions

The views, opinions, or positions expressed by Admin Team members are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of AFF in any official capacity other than those statements regarding the forum rules and Admin actions. Team members are allowed to hold their own views and are encouraged to voice them.

Getting Around the Forum: Click Here --> FAQ

• How do I edit my posts?
• How do I use the sub-forums?
• How do I quote a post?
• How do I start a new thread?
• How do I post a poll?

Copyright Concerns

• How much can I quote?

Posting only portions of quotes is allowed. Entire content or excessive quoting is not allowed, i.e., quoting 30% of a news article would be too much, unless you have direct permission.

• Do I have to credit my source?

All copyrighted material must be given credit and the source cited. If it's posted on the internet you must provide a link. Any link that is offensive in nature will be deleted. All links are subject to the approval of Admin.

Thank you for helping to keep the forum in compliance with copyright laws.

These rules are always in process of being updated and improved upon. If you have input or suggestions regarding the rules of conduct on this discussion board please contact the Administrator.

Children (posting here for privacy policy)

AFF is a website geared for adults. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA). Children are discouraged from participating here.