{"id":29727,"date":"2026-01-20T18:15:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T16:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/clone\/?page_id=29727"},"modified":"2026-09-03T15:28:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T13:28:38","slug":"publishing-policies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/publishing-policies\/","title":{"rendered":"Publishing Policies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DisciplesToday.org (DT) serves as the official communications platform for the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) family of churches. This policy and procedure document outlines comprehensive guidelines to ensure consistency, fairness, and alignment with the ICOC&#8217;s values in all publishing, operational, and administrative activities. These policies aim to cover a wide range of scenarios, including content creation, affiliations, event promotions, leadership management, and benevolence support. All DT staff, contractors, board members, and volunteers are expected to adhere to these guidelines. Policies will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors (BOD) or as needed to address emerging issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>General Publishing Guidelines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DT is the official media arm of the ICOC and maintains neutrality on controversial topics to foster unity within the global church family. The following guidelines apply to all content published on DT platforms, including articles, videos, podcasts, social media posts, and newsletters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Neutrality on controversial topics:<\/strong> DT does not take official positions on divisive issues such as theological debates, political matters, or social controversies. Content must avoid endorsing any side unless it represents an official ICOC consensus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Disciples Today strives to maintain neutrality and balance in our content to foster unity within the ICOC family, we recognize that thoughtful articles on spiritual matters may occasionally spark reaction, reflection and growth, much as Jesus himself shared teachings that challenged conventions and provoked deep consideration without endorsing division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Balanced presentation of debates:<\/strong> When covering topics with differing viewpoints, arguments from all relevant sides must be presented equally. Triggering or inflammatory language must be edited out. For example, in a debate on church governance, differing congregational models should receive comparable space and neutral framing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Review process for sensitive topics:<\/strong> Articles involving theological implications, race and culture, gender roles, sexuality issues, conflicts, mental health, or abuse must be reviewed by relevant editorial groups (e.g., theology experts, relevant Service Teams, diversity committees) before publication. Scenarios include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Theological articles: Sent to ICOC elders or teachers for doctrinal accuracy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Race\/culture-related content: Reviewed by multicultural representatives to ensure sensitivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gender\/sexuality topics: Consulted with Teachers, Elders, Evangelists Service Team Chairs to avoid unnecessary controversy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conflict resolution stories: For example, churches that had left the ICOC returning. Relevant RFC or conflict resolution team to approve wording and content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Event coverage:<\/strong> DT prioritizes events with national, regional, or global significance organized by ICOC-affiliated churches. Local events may be featured if they demonstrate broader impact. Scenarios:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>National conferences: Full articles with photos and recaps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regional workshops: Brief highlights on the events page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global initiatives: Promoted across all platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-ICOC official events: (Eg. Teleios conferences) Only covered if they align with ICOC values and receive Catalyst Team approval.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Affiliate agreements for funding:<\/strong> To supplement DT funding, the BOD may enter affiliate or advertising agreements with organizations sharing ICOC values (e.g., Christian publishing houses, Christian coaches). Affiliates must be labelled as &#8220;DT Affiliate&#8221; in all marketing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Agreement process: Proposals reviewed for alignment, financial terms, and potential conflicts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advertising: DT will negotiate a fee for advertising products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Termination: Agreements end if values diverge or complaints arise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Publicizing non-affiliate services:<\/strong> For-profit organizations without affiliate agreements may request publicity only if their services benefit the ICOC community (e.g., Christian counseling services). Requests are evaluated case-by-case by the editorial team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Approved: Brief mentions in newsletters or articles. No more than twice per year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Denied: If services compete with ICOC initiatives or raise ethical concerns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No compensation: DT does not accept payment for publicity to avoid bias.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Publishing articles about disciples&#8217; media content<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DT does promote books and music produced by ICOC disciples to encourage spiritual growth, subject to a verification process outlined below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Endorsement requirements: Publish only with a ministry verification (e.g., from local church leader) and endorsement from a variety of disciples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotional limits: No more than one promotion per piece to avoid favoritism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disputes: If the book is about a sensitive topic, see previous section \u201cReview process for sensitive topics.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Additional scenarios:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>User-generated content: Submissions from disciples must receive verification from their church leaders and be fact-checked and edited for tone; anonymous posts will not be published.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crisis communications: In scandals or emergencies (e.g., court cases or church splits), DT does not comment unless directed by the Catalyst Team.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Retirement and obituary announcements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DT honors retiring leaders to celebrate their service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Publication criteria: Announce retirement from full-time ministry roles. Include bio, achievements, and well-wishes. We don\u2019t publish retirement or obituary announcements for members or leaders that did not have some level of international recognition \/ service in global roles (Service Teams etc.). We do not publish retirement or obituary announcements of internationally recognized leaders that have outstanding moral failure accusations hanging over them (repentance did not occur).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Travel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DT focuses on DT travel to promote fellowship. We publish detailed articles only for DT-organized trips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pre-event: Promotional posts with itineraries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post-event: Recaps with testimonials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-DT Travel events<strong>:<\/strong> We will list dates and basic info on the Events page only; no full articles.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Images for articles<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Images enhance DT content but must respect intellectual property and ethical standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sourcing and rights verification:<\/strong> Always inquire about the image&#8217;s origin and confirm rights. Scenarios:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stock images: Use licensed sources (e.g., free from Unsplash with attribution).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Event or article photos: Obtain consent from minors (parental approval required).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AI-generated: Requires an AI caption. Allowed if disclosed and no copyrighted elements are used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In addition:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cultural sensitivity: Avoid images that could stereotype races or cultures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removal requests: Honor requests to remove images or articles promptly, with documentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Disciples Today Heart &amp; Soul (DTHS)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DTHS facilitates connections within the ICOC community, emphasizing safety and verification. Membership verification requires email confirmation from a ministry or church leader verifying good standing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Former ICOC Churches: Members from formerly affiliated churches may participate if they affirm ICOC core beliefs and provide leader verification.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There will be a case-by-case review for ongoing alignment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exclusion: If Regional Family Chair is experiencing divisive behaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Privacy: All data handled per GDPR\/CCPA; no sharing without consent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Misconduct: Immediate suspension for violations (e.g., harassment); reporting to authorities if needed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benevolence support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Donations to benevolence situations within the ICOC fellowship and with DT team: DT supports its team while directing broader needs to appropriate channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Support for DT Team:<\/strong> Provide aid to contractors, part-timers, board members, or employees in crises (e.g., illness, loss). Scenarios:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financial: One-time grants up to BOD-approved limits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-financial: Counseling referrals, prayer support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Broader ICOC Support:<\/strong> Refer disciples to local church benevolence teams, HOPE <em>worldwide<\/em>, Chance for Africa, or First the Family for exceptional needs. DT does not provide direct aid outside its team.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Referrals: List resources in communications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fundraising: DT may promote ICOC-wide campaigns but not manage funds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparency: All benevolence decisions documented and audited.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limits: No ongoing support; focus on short-term relief.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ethical guidelines: Avoid favoritism; prioritize based on need.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction DisciplesToday.org (DT) serves as the official communications platform for the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) family of churches. This&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ghostkit_customizer_options":"","ghostkit_custom_css":"","ghostkit_custom_js_head":"","ghostkit_custom_js_foot":"","ghostkit_typography":"","footnotes":""},"folder":[],"class_list":["post-29727","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"featured_image_src":null,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/PhsvEw-7Jt","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9215,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/dt-boards\/","url_meta":{"origin":29727,"position":0},"title":"Meet Our Boards","author":"dtadmin","date":"December 14, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Our mission: To inform, inspire, unify and grow the International Churches of Christ. 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