What specific actions are C12 Group franchisees expected to avoid to maintain an 'above reproach' conduct?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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, particularly as leaders of leaders, are expected to maintain an "above reproach" conduct. This covenant requires franchisees to avoid behaviors that could be questionable or cause members or customers to stumble, demanding a high degree of wisdom and prudence in their actions.
Specifically, C12 Group franchisees and their Area Chairs must abstain from using all smoking products. The FDD clarifies that these expectations are not necessarily biblical mandates but rather represent areas of personal sacrifice and restraint that C12 Group expects of its franchisees. This is intended as a service to C12 Group members and to preserve Christian witness, aligning with biblical principles of avoiding causing others to stumble.
Breaches of this "above reproach" conduct, including any form of moral turpitude, whether legal or illegal, constitute material grounds for immediate termination of the franchise agreement. This underscores the importance C12 Group places on maintaining a high standard of ethical and moral behavior among its franchisees, reflecting the organization's values and commitment to its members.