GROUPER RULES
Grouper exists to foster thoughtful Christian study and genuine fellowship in a shared space marked by respect, humility, and care. Our mission is to provide a calm, focused environment where Scripture is taken seriously, questions are welcomed, and faith is explored with both joy and reverence. We believe Christian learning is strengthened in community. While our members come from different backgrounds, traditions, and experiences, we commit ourselves to one purpose: growing together in understanding and love. This means listening before responding, seeking wisdom over winning arguments, and building one another up rather than tearing one another down.
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By participating in Grouper, members enter into a shared covenant. This covenant is not about perfection, but about posture. We agree to engage Scripture honestly, to treat one another with dignity, and to approach discussion with maturity and grace. We commit to protecting the safety of the community, honoring boundaries, and valuing fellowship as a gift.
Grouper is more than a platform—it is a gathering place. A place to learn, to grow, and to walk together in faith, trusting that God works through shared study, faithful presence, and thoughtful conversation.
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CONDUCT & BEHAVIOR A. CLEAN EXPRESSION Please do not use foul language or acronyms in place of the words. We encourage our users to think of new, clean ways to express themselves while using the communities. We entertain families and learners, help us teach the gold standard of communication and expression. For this reason, we see the groups as a place to practice excellence we might not do in private. ​ B. PRACTICE NEIGHBORLY LOVE While no one is perfect and social media conduct on other sites allows people to type what they think, we invite our users to use our community to practice being their best by typing something nice when they are thinking the opposite, or locking away bias and division and replacing it with listening or choosing not to speak. This is a learning platform, not just in text but behavioral habits. The conclusion of this is being slow to speak, showing patience and mercy when normally you may have said something different. If we don't practice being better, we won't be. Everyone benefits from this standard. And taking it a step further, we encourage our users to focus on being friendly, inquisitive, and positive. ​ C. SHED DIVISION AND OPINION The spiritual realm has been dividing humans for a long time. This is especially true with the body of Christ. It's okay to not agree with someone's beliefs, opinions, or life choices, but if that is the case, do not see this as your opportunity to correct them or point out flaws. We practice a different posture in this community we challenge you to join in on: pray for that person and against what is holding them back between you and God. This can be transformative. Meanwhile, also avoid sharing details about yourself that open yourself to criticism or make people uncomfortable- it's a two-way street. The result will be building friendships off positive experiences. ​ D. NO POLITICS OR WORLD DRAMA ALLOWED This is not the place to talk about political alignment, musing on evil, people who are corrupt or worldly conspiracies. It's not to diminish these things if they are important to you, but to invite you to ponder an invitation we are offering: we are here to elevate learning about the bible, the teachings of Jesus and heavenly things. We invite you to leave that talk aside to catch up on learning with us by keeping the communities more focused on God. Help us by not giving the devil any airtime here. Grow with us by focusing on the things of God and goodness. Perhaps that other stuff gets enough time as it is when we are not on this platform. You are a significant asset to this group and we want to unite through learning. ​ E. HARASSMENT When we speak without a filter, it can get us in trouble. Chasing after someone in a dialogue to prove you are right is not productive. Name-calling is absolutely not something we ever do as followers of Jesus Christ. Singling anyone out because you don't like them, or because they don't think the same way you do is never acceptable. Anyone who promotes negativity or uses negativity directed towards other members is harassing members. Aggressive behavior, pressuring or intimidation has zero tolerance in our community and will result in eviction from the community without warning.
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ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS A. COME WITH AN OPEN MIND Part of learning is stepping out of your comfort zone. You absolutely will be presented with new ideas here that might taste bitter to you- such as Christians who like AI, born-again Nigerians, LGTQ+ Christians, or other students who are Catholic, Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), former Satanists, etc. Remember the only reason we are gathering is to learn the Christian bible and discuss the courses on this site. The social platform is neutral, non-denominational. Anyone can learn here who has a genuine passion for Jesus Christ. Don't feel intimidated by anyone, or other doctorines or ideals if they are not your own. But if this is something that makes you uncomfortable, you should not join this platform. ​ B. YOU MUST BE HERE TO STUDY This is not a place for Christians who have no interest in bible study or learning. This is not a place to "Chat Christianity" because they were raised in the church and go every Sunday. That does not suffice for "actively reading the bible". The reason we are strict on this is because actively reading and studying the bible is not the same as learning by arguing theology. Learning triggers renewal of the mind, questions that come up that build on thinking, and excitement in discovery. These are two different kinds of thinkers and two different kinds of communities. You will need to enroll in our courses or be actively reading your own bible to benefit from our communities. We hope you understand that this is what makes our social platform's goals unique from the hundreds of others you can join instead. ​ You may: (1) Join to just listen and read what people are saying, if you are not yet reading your bible or able to commit. (2) Join with the hope to be inspired to read or find topics that will guide your own study. (3) Join to just ask genuine academic questions, but not on a reading plan. These are forms of study which can still be beneficial to you by using our platform. ​ To clarify what is not allowed: Using this group as "Christian Chat" to argue theology; and debating with no interest in the truth; meanspirited opinions that come from doctrine; or experts in Christianity who haven't read the bible for themselves. These individuals will be invited to join a reading plan with us, enroll in a course or be removed from the community.
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PRIVACY AND SECUITY Grouper is designed to be a safe, respectful space for Christian study, fellowship, and conversation. To protect the privacy and well-being of all members, we ask everyone to observe the following guidelines: A. Protecting Personal Information For your safety, please do not share sensitive personal information within group discussions or public posts. This includes home addresses, phone numbers, financial details, government identification, or other private data. Email addresses may be shared at your own discretion, but we encourage care and wisdom when doing so. B. Social Media and External Pages Members may share social media accounts or external pages for the purpose of continued conversation or ministry, provided the intent is respectful and appropriate. Sharing Bible study pages, teaching resources, or faith-related content is welcome. Personal outreach for direct messaging is allowed, but participation is always voluntary and should be approached with discernment. C. Connecting Beyond the Platform Grouper is not opposed to friendships forming or relationships growing beyond this platform. However, we cannot guarantee privacy, safety, or conduct outside of Grouper. Any communication that moves beyond this site is done at your own discretion and responsibility. D. Age Awareness and Romantic Interaction Grouper is intended for adults engaged in Christian study. While minors are not invited or encouraged to join without parental permission, we do not have the ability to verify the age of participants. For this reason, the exchange of contact information with the intent to pursue romantic or dating relationships is not permitted on this platform. E. Respectful Conduct and Boundaries All interactions should reflect Christian maturity, kindness, and respect. Harassment, pressure to share personal details, or repeated unsolicited messages are not acceptable. Members are encouraged to report concerns to moderators so they can be addressed promptly and discreetly. F. Shared Responsibility Privacy and security are a shared responsibility. Grouper provides a moderated environment focused on learning and fellowship, but users are encouraged to exercise discernment, wisdom, and caution in all interactions. Our goal is not to limit connection, but to protect the community so that conversation, learning, and fellowship can flourish in a space marked by trust, care, and integrity.
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MODERATION & ENFORCEMENT Grouper is moderated to preserve a respectful, focused environment for Christian study and fellowship. Moderation exists to serve the community, not to control it. A. Role of Moderators Moderators are responsible for guiding conversations, addressing concerns, and ensuring that group spaces remain aligned with Grouper’s purpose and standards. Their role is to protect healthy dialogue, learning, and community well-being. B. Content Review and Intervention Moderators may review posts, comments, or interactions that appear to violate community guidelines. When needed, they may remove content, close threads, or redirect discussion to maintain clarity, safety, and respect. C. Warnings and Escalation Most issues are handled through gentle correction or private communication. Repeated or serious violations may result in temporary restrictions or removal from specific groups. In rare cases, access to the platform may be revoked to protect the community. D. No Public Discipline Moderation actions are handled privately whenever possible. Public shaming, call-outs, or arguments about moderation decisions are discouraged, as they undermine trust and unity. E. Appeals and Communication Members may respectfully contact moderators if they believe a moderation action was misunderstood or requires clarification. While not all decisions are reversible, questions are welcome and will be considered thoughtfully. F. Shared Responsibility Healthy moderation depends on shared responsibility. Members are encouraged to report concerns, avoid escalating conflict, and engage with one another in a spirit of grace, patience, and maturity.
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POSTING GUIDELINES Grouper exists to support thoughtful Christian study, learning, and fellowship. To help conversations remain meaningful and accessible, the following content standards apply across all groups. A. Stay On Purpose Posts and discussions should relate to Scripture, Christian faith, theology, or the content of our courses. Questions, insights, and respectful exploration are encouraged. Content that consistently derails conversations away from study or fellowship may be redirected or removed. B. Respectful Use of Scripture Scripture should be engaged with reverence and care. Quoting, discussing, and wrestling with biblical texts is welcome, but using Scripture to provoke, mock, dominate, or dismiss others is not appropriate for this space. C. Tone and Communication Grouper values clarity, humility, and kindness. Disagreement is allowed, but sarcasm, hostility, personal attacks, or dismissive language are not. Members are encouraged to listen well, ask sincere questions, and respond thoughtfully. D. No Spam or Self-Promotion Repeated posting of links, advertisements, fundraising appeals, or unrelated content is not permitted. Sharing personal projects or external resources is allowed when relevant to study and discussion and when done sparingly and transparently. E. Quality and Clarity Members are encouraged to post with intention. Thoughtful questions, reflections, and responses help foster meaningful dialogue. Low-effort, repetitive, or disruptive posting may be moderated to preserve the quality of discussion. F. Use of External and AI-Generated Content External articles, media, or AI-assisted content may be shared when relevant and clearly identified. Members should ensure such content supports discussion rather than replaces personal engagement or misrepresents Scripture. G. Moderator Guidance Moderators may suggest revisions, move posts, or guide conversations when clarity or focus is needed. These actions are intended to support healthy discussion, not limit participation.
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PLATFORM DISCLAIMER Grouper is a learning and fellowship platform designed to support Christian study, discussion, and community. While it provides a moderated environment, there are important limitations to what this platform can offer. A. Not Professional or Pastoral Counseling Grouper is not a substitute for pastoral care, professional counseling, legal advice, medical guidance, or crisis support. Discussions within groups reflect personal perspectives and shared learning, not professional services or official positions. B. Shared Learning, Not Authoritative Teaching Content shared by members represents individual understanding and interpretation. While respectful study is encouraged, Grouper does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of peer-to-peer discussion. C. No Guarantee of Outcomes Participation in Grouper does not guarantee spiritual growth, agreement, or resolution of theological questions. Growth often involves wrestling, reflection, and time. D. External Interactions Grouper cannot oversee or be responsible for interactions that occur outside the platform. Any communication, collaboration, or relationship that continues beyond Grouper is undertaken at the user’s discretion. E. Emotional and Sensitive Topics Some discussions may involve personal experiences or difficult topics. Members are encouraged to exercise discernment in what they share and how they engage, and to seek appropriate support outside the platform when needed. F. Platform Availability and Changes Grouper may evolve over time. Features, group structures, and guidelines may be updated to better serve the community. Access to the platform may be modified, paused, or discontinued as needed.