In C12 Group's dispute resolution process, what is the significance of Matthew 18:15?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Consistent with scriptural commands for those in the body of Christ to resolve such disputes with a commitment toward mutual love, truth, unity, and God's eternal purposes, Franchisor has defined a process which incorporates these principles (see Matthew 5:23-26, 18:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 6:1-7). Specifically, Franchisee agrees to not pursue public legal action, which serves to generate great expense, compromises the parties' joint stewardship responsibilities before the Lord, and negatively impacts the parties' joint
ability to cost-effectively resolve disagreements biblically. Franchisee agrees to submit disputes, conflicts or disagreements relating to Franchisee's role as franchisee to Franchisor's three-step dispute resolution process, as follows:
Step One: Address Franchisee's concern directly to the individual(s) with whom Franchisee has the disagreement, approaching him/her in a spirit of humility and reconciliation (see Matthew 18:15).
If the disagreement involves a peer or Franchisor's office staff member, the next step would involve engaging Franchisor's President or Chairman.
If the disagreement involves Franchisor's President or Chairman, the next step would include engaging in an expanded discussion with the one which is not involved, much as one would in bringing the matter before an elder in the church.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to C12 Group's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Matthew 18:15 is referenced in the first step of the dispute resolution process. This verse emphasizes addressing concerns directly with the individual involved in a spirit of humility and reconciliation.
For a C12 Group franchisee, this means that if a dispute arises, the initial step involves a direct, personal approach to resolve the issue amicably. If the disagreement involves a peer or a member of C12 Group's office staff, the next step involves engaging C12 Group's President or Chairman. If the disagreement involves C12 Group's President or Chairman, the next step includes an expanded discussion with the one which is not involved, much as one would in bringing the matter before an elder in the church.
This approach reflects C12 Group's commitment to resolving disputes biblically, prioritizing mutual love, truth, unity, and God's eternal purposes. The franchisee also agrees not to pursue public legal action, which C12 Group believes generates great expense and compromises stewardship responsibilities. This initial step underscores the importance of direct communication and reconciliation before escalating the matter further within the organization.