What is the C12 Group's expectation regarding commitment, trust, and transparency from its franchisees?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WHEREAS, Franchisor and Franchisee enter into this Agreement before the Lord, for His purposes, with the expectation of this relationship modeling the attributes of a covenant which is made for mutual benefit and producing great eternal fruit. In doing so, Franchisor and Franchisee promise to fulfill this Agreement in harmony with the highest standards of Christian love and consideration as contained in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ, pledging to honor one another and to work together for the glory of God. Further, Franchisor and Franchisee openly submit all interaction subsequent to the execution of this Agreement to the scrutiny of God and our brothers and sisters in Christ, promising to do all in our power to treat each other and conduct our business affairs in love and honor toward one another and the Body of Christ;
Franchisee agrees to exercise best efforts to ensure that C12 members abide by Franchisor's code of conduct and support sound biblical doctrine.
Franchisee further agrees that, as leaders of leaders, C12 Area Chairs are required to abide by a covenant of "above reproach" conduct.
Behaviors that could be questionable or cause members/customers to stumble are to be avoided by Franchisee with a high degree of wisdom and prudence.
Specifically, Franchisee and its Area Chairs shall abstain from the use of all smoking products.
Franchisor and Franchisee agree that these are not biblical mandates or evil but rather represent areas of personal sacrifice and restraint that Franchisor expects of all franchisees out of service to C12 members and preservation of Christian witness (see Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9, 10:31-32; 2 Corinthians 6:3).
Breaches of this "above reproach" conduct, including moral turpitude, legal or illegal, are material grounds for immediate termination of thisagreement.
Franchisee agrees to comply with Franchisor's rules, regulations, methods, procedures, programs, policies, and standards, as may be modified in Franchisor's sole discretion from time to time, set forth in Franchisor's Operations Manual or as otherwise communicated to Franchisee in writing and to adhere to standards of Christian conduct as established in Scripture.
Franchisee shall engage with its members, reliably and according to Franchisor's model, and Franchisee shall serve as a facilitator, and not as a teacher or preacher, in engaging Franchisee's peer group members.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, C12 Group emphasizes a strong commitment to Christian values and ethical conduct from its franchisees. The franchise agreement is entered into "before the Lord" with an expectation that the relationship will model a covenant, emphasizing mutual benefit and "great eternal fruit." This indicates that C12 Group expects franchisees to conduct business with Christian love and consideration, honoring one another and working together for the glory of God. Franchisees are expected to openly submit all interactions to the scrutiny of God and fellow Christians, promising to treat each other and conduct business affairs with love and honor. This unique faith-based approach sets a high standard for trust and transparency within the C12 Group network.
C12 Group franchisees must also adhere to a covenant of "above reproach" conduct as leaders. This means avoiding behaviors that could be questionable or cause members to stumble, requiring wisdom and prudence in their actions. Specifically, franchisees must abstain from the use of all smoking products, representing a personal sacrifice and restraint expected by C12 Group to preserve Christian witness and serve C12 members. Breaches of this standard, including moral turpitude, whether legal or illegal, are considered material grounds for immediate termination of the franchise agreement. This underscores the importance C12 Group places on maintaining a high ethical standard among its franchisees.
Furthermore, C12 Group requires franchisees to comply with the franchisor's rules, regulations, methods, procedures, programs, policies, and standards, as outlined in the Operations Manual or communicated in writing. Franchisees must also adhere to standards of Christian conduct as established in Scripture. This includes offering and selling only those services and products approved by C12 Group in writing or as provided in the Operations Manual. Franchisees are expected to engage with members reliably, following C12 Group's model, and serve as facilitators rather than teachers or preachers. This level of compliance and engagement demonstrates the commitment, trust, and transparency C12 Group expects from its franchisees in upholding the brand's values and standards.