Christ-Centered Identity — Portal Implications
Purpose
Translate the Christ-Centered Identity Statement into practical guardrails for portal copy, community norms, and product decisions.
When to use
- Writing any “values / why” copy
- Moderation posture for communities
- Welcome / onboarding language
- Conflict or polarization-sensitive design decisions
Key principles (do not freelance beyond the Identity Statement)
- Christ-centered language in the portal must be grounded in the Identity Statement.
- Belmont’s posture is explicitly welcoming to people of all faiths and those of none, with kindness, respect, and care.
- Dignity is non-negotiable: every person is worthy of respect.
- Wisdom requires intellectual humility, collaboration, and respectful dialogue.
- Hope is active: we aim toward reconciliation, renewal, and shalom.
Portal implications
- Community guidelines should emphasize dignity, belonging, and respectful dialogue.
- “Welcome” copy should be warm, specific, and invitational — not coercive or exclusionary.
- When referencing calling, character, hope, hospitality, or wisdom, prefer the Identity Statement’s language.
- Avoid making promises the portal can’t guarantee. Emphasize invitation and opportunity, not outcomes.
Language guardrails
Use:
- “Christ-centered”
- “wisdom”
- “dignity”
- “belonging”
- “unleash hospitality”
- “hope in action”
- “character and calling”
Avoid:
- theological “extras” not present in the Identity Statement
- debating doctrine in platform copy
- language that implies insiders vs outsiders