JILLIAN COLLETT | editor-in-chief

Con: leaders should choose to lead by example not by requirement.

According to APU’s Student Leadership Covenant, Christian leadership involves a calling to model selflessness for the good of the larger Christian community. While I see how, for the most part, the covenant aims to benefit students, its word choice, ambiguity and micro-managing nature are just too much to handle. The covenant does not allow student leaders the choice to model what they consider leadership.

To be perfectly honest, the one thing on the covenant that catches my eye above everything else is “honor God with my conduct in all relationships, including choosing to abstain from the use of alcohol…” I understand the rules APU places on the student body to refrain from using any alcoholic substance ON campus (even if they tick me off a bit), but this rule applies to 21-year-old students while they are OFF campus as well. How does a “no alcohol” policy ensure students conduct themselves in a God-honoring manner?

What I feel is being overlooked here is the word “leader.” If a person chooses to take a leadership position it should be their responsibility (not requirement) to act in a way they think fits a leader. When I was a freshman and found out my RA couldn’t drink even though she had turned 21, all I thought was how lame it was the school had placed that on her. But when I found out that a 22-year-old friend of mine was choosing not to drink because she was leading a Bible study and felt she could better model Christ that way, I was very impressed, even if I did think she was a little crazy. It was her choice. It wasn’t about rules or being afraid to get in trouble. It was her choice to live how she felt called.

As Editor-in-Chief of the Clause, I act in a way that I believe is appropriate to lead the other people on staff whom I love so much. Does it mean I am perfect? Not at all. But I have the ability to learn how to be an effective leader based on my relationship with Christ, not on the regulations of an outside party. It even says in the covenant to “live publicly and privately in a manner that is consistent with my commitment to Christ and the relationship I have with Him.” My relationship that I have with Christ.

It is a learning experience, and if every action student leaders take is going to be thwarted by yet another rule, how are they ever going to learn to stand on their own and truly reflect their relationship with God? They should be given that chance. While I realize that, technically, it is the choice of the student to step into a leadership position when such rules bind them, I also know that putting covenant requirements on students doesn’t call them to lead. It calls them follow.

KIM WILCOX | senior staff writer

Pro: student covenant is a leadership accountability tool.

Toward the end of last semester the campus came alive with talk about a student leadership covenant. But really what is the “buzz” all about?

The thing is that all the arguments I have heard about the covenant have had one common thread; students old enough to drink should be allowed.

However the entire student covenant is not just about drinking. Yes, the document clearly states “honor God with my conduct in all relationships, including…choosing to abstain from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs,” but if that is your only objection to the covenant then you need to read the entire document and think on your true reasons for wanting to be a leader.

The covenant is a way of holding student leaders accountable for their actions. How can you lead if your actions are contradictory to your words?

Doesn’t the church usually encourage accountability partners? Well, this is the school’s way of holding their leaders accountable for their actions. Leaders should hold themselves to higher standards.

According to the covenant, “Christian Leadership (as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9) involves a calling to model selflessness for the good of the larger Christian community.”

The verses in Timothy refer to living a life “above reproach.” As a leader you are responsible for the example you set before those you are leading. If we are to be workers for the Kingdom heading off into a world where our values will be tested, then shouldn’t we strengthen those values here in a controlled environment?

Another key point the covenant covers is our obligation as students to “respect all university positional statements and to respect and abide by all student standards of conduct, academic integrity policy, and other campus policies.”

Perhaps something my father is always saying brings this point home, “if you don’t like the way things work here; leave.”

I never thought I would use that saying, but there it is. If a student leader isn’t ready to give up alcohol for one year or step up to work in this community then I would like to know their true motives for being a leader.

Student leaders at APU should be a representation of APU’s values and standards. The Student Leadership Covenant is merely a tool for holding students accountable in their daily walks with Christ, not a breeding ground for discontent over drinking standards.