What standard of conduct does C12 Group expect of its franchisees, beyond legal ethics?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee acknowledges that being a C12 franchisee and Area Chair represents a unique role and Kingdom responsibility and agrees that Franchisee will work in a manner consistent with biblical principles in order to contribute to the unity, peace, mutual trust, hope, love, and respect of those engaged in C12 at all levels.
Franchisee agrees to respect the uniqueness of this Agreement, made before God, and adhering to a higher standard than even our society's legal ethics, which is intended for the mutual benefit of brothers and sisters in the Lord and for the extending of the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth.
Franchisee agrees to exercise best efforts to ensure that C12 members abide by Franchisor's code of conduct and support sound biblical doctrine.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to C12 Group's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are expected to adhere to a higher standard than legal ethics, rooted in biblical principles. C12 Group emphasizes that being a franchisee and Area Chair carries a unique Kingdom responsibility. Franchisees must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with biblical principles, contributing to unity, peace, mutual trust, hope, love, and respect within the C12 Group community. This commitment is considered a covenant made before God, intended for the mutual benefit of those involved and for the extension of God's Kingdom.
C12 Group franchisees must also exercise their best efforts to ensure that C12 members abide by the franchisor's code of conduct and support sound biblical doctrine. 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.
Breaches of this "above reproach" conduct, including moral turpitude, legal or illegal, are material grounds for immediate termination of the franchise agreement. This underscores the importance C12 Group places on franchisees upholding these standards. Franchisees must recognize that their actions reflect not only on the C12 Group brand but also on their Christian witness, necessitating personal sacrifice and restraint in service to C12 Group members.
This emphasis on biblical conduct and moral standards is a distinctive aspect of the C12 Group franchise, setting it apart from many other franchise systems. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this commitment and ensure they are aligned with these values before investing in a C12 Group franchise. The requirement to avoid even questionable behaviors and abstain from smoking highlights the depth of this commitment.