This is a little collection of thoughts from previous senior ops, which go a little way towards explaining how opping in #Christian is more than just being a channel policeman.

They are commended to you as useful reading if you are a new op, and for us oldies it never hurts to do a refresher from time to time.

<grin>.

We get complaints from time to time about some of our ops allegedly "abusing" their power in the channel. Perhaps we could think along these lines, in the most gentle terms...

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... [Who] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
- Philippians 2:5, 7 NIV

With that in mind, here are some guidelines for all of us to follow. Hopefully, these will help each of us to become mature in our Ministry...

LET'S CHECK OUR HEARTS:
Each of us should check their heart while in the channel. Ask yourself, "Why am I here?" You should be in the channel for no other reason but to minister to people.

If we feel the need to kick someone out of the channel along with a snide comment attached, then we probably already know that we are not operating according to the Holy Spirit. Please show people respect even when it is necessary to remove them.

DON'T OP IF YOU FIND YOURSELF FRUSTRATED
If you find yourself frustrated, try to find a way to resolve the frustration through communication with those who seem to be the source of your frustration.

If that isn't possible, leave the channel (even if it means leaving the channel without an op present). Frustration is not one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Lord can handle things with you gone, but the enemy will delight in handling things if you are present with the wrong attitude.

A) Also, if your frustration is the result of the actions of another Op... talk to them about it. Be gentle, but be honest. Let them know of your frustration.

B) If you are the Op who has frustrated another, be open to criticism. You may not be aware you have done anything to upset someone else.

Hear what they have to say with an open heart and mind. Pride will destroy a relationship. If we take criticism with a defensive posture, it is our pride that is being defensive. Don't let pride get in the way!!!

ALLOW MORE EXPERIENCED OPS TO HANDLE SITUATIONS:
It's important to work together as a team. Whenever possibe, communicate with the other Ops about specific circumstances that come along.

If you are a fairly new Op and there is another Op present who has been around longer, allow that Op to handle the rough situations.

There is a heirarchial chart of Ops on this website to let everyone know who has seniority among our team. In any case, let us all make sure communication is strong between us.

IT'S OK IF OUR GUESTS DISAGREE WITH US: There have been specific complaints that some Ops are quick to moderate the channel and devoice someone, or kick them out of the channel at any sign of disagreement with the Op.

We should remind each other that though we are in positions of authority, everyone has a right to disagree with us, provided it is done in a civil manner.

The only time it is appropriate for us to use measures that prevent a user from participating in the conversation is when that user is showing blatant disrespect for others or is somehow abusive. Disagreeing with others shouldn't be considered abusive unless it is done in a disrespectful way.

DON'T GET INTO DEBATES:
There is an expression for the kind of arguing that has no significance in the long term. It is called a "PRESTIGE argument." It is the kind of situation where two or more people will bicker back and forth without any real reason except to not let the other person have the last word, or "win" the argument.

Usually, this kind of banter is the result of pride... so "LET OTHERS HAVE THE LAST WORD."

Example: An Op removes a user for being abusive. If someone wants to argue with an Op in private about a kick, or ban, or something the Op has done, let them blow off steam without feeding their anger. Remember this:

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

- Proverbs 15:1

In closing, we need to be reminded that as Ops we are in the channel to serve people, and to MINISTER to them (and the latter should always take priority). We mustn't let our ability to moderate, kick, and ban be considered a position of superiority to our visitors. It isn't! We should try to see ourselves as servants to them.

So, let us all try to remember that every person that comes into the channel, christian or pagan, friend or lamer, is to be shown the utmost respect even if they do not return that respect to us. If you feel the need to remove someone from the channel, do it in as non-confrontational and non-abusive way possible.