Does the C12 Group franchise agreement require adherence to standards of Christian conduct?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In accordance with the terms of this Agreement, Franchisor grants Franchisee the right to operate a Franchised Business within the Territory described in the map and list of zip codes attached hereto. 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.
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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 C12 Group Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific standards of Christian conduct. The franchise agreement states that franchisees agree to comply with C12 Group's rules, regulations, methods, procedures, programs, policies, and standards, and to adhere to standards of Christian conduct as established in Scripture.
Furthermore, the agreement emphasizes that C12 Group and the franchisee enter the agreement "before the Lord, for His purposes," expecting the relationship to model Christian attributes. Both parties promise to fulfill the agreement in harmony with Christian standards of love and consideration as contained in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. They pledge to honor one another and work together for the glory of God, submitting their interactions to the scrutiny of God and fellow Christians, promising to conduct business affairs in love and honor.
C12 Group also requires franchisees to ensure that C12 members abide by the franchisor's code of conduct and support sound biblical doctrine. As leaders, C12 Area Chairs must maintain "above reproach" conduct, avoiding questionable behaviors that could cause members or customers to stumble. Franchisees and Area Chairs must abstain from using all smoking products, representing a personal sacrifice and restraint expected by C12 Group to preserve Christian witness. Breaches of this conduct, including moral turpitude, legal or illegal, are grounds for immediate termination of the agreement.