Code of Ethics for Ministry News
We
put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will
not be discredited. (2 Corinthians 6:3)
Whatever
happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of
Christ. (Philippians 1:27)
All
who are called by God to the ministry of the gospel solemnly commit
to a life of joyful obedience and selfless service in order to
glorify God and enrich his people. Therefore, a minister will:
Pursue Integrity
I
know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.
All
these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. (1
Chronicles 29:17)
•
in
personal character.
Exalt
Christ, not self. Be honest, not exaggerating or over-promising;
peace-loving, not contentious; patient, not volatile; diligent, not
slothful. Avoid and, when necessary, report conflicts of interest and
seek counsel.
•
in
personal care.
Care
for the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical dimensions of your
person, for “your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” (1
Corinthians 6:19).
•
in
preaching and teaching.
Interpret
the Bible accurately and apply it discerningly: “In your teaching
show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be
condemned” (Titus 2:7-8). Speak the truth in love. Give due credit
when using the words or ideas of others.
Be Trustworthy
It
is required that those who have been given a trust must prove
faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:2)
•
in
leadership.
Model
the trustworthiness of God in leadership to encourage and develop
trustworthiness in others. Use power and influence prudently and
humbly. Foster loyalty. Demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of
the entire congregation. Keep promises. Respond sensitively and
appropriately to ministry requests and needs: “Whoever can be
trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever
is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much”
(Luke 16:10).
•
with
information.
Guard
confidences carefully. Inform a person in advance, if possible, when
an admission is about to be made that might legally require the
disclosure of that information. Communicate truthfully and discreetly
when asked about individuals with destructive or sinful behavior
patterns. Tell the truth, or remain discreetly silent: “A gossip
betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret”
(Proverbs 11:13).
•
with
resources.
Be
honest and prudent in regard to personal and ministry resources.
Refuse gifts that could compromise ministry. Ensure that all
designated gifts are used for their intended purpose: “If you have
not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you
with true riches?” (Luke 16:11).
Seek Purity
Don’t
let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example
for the believers
in
speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
•
in
maintaining sexual purity.
Avoid
sinful sexual behavior and inappropriate involvement. Resist
temptation: “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual
immorality” (Ephesians 5:3a).
•
in
spiritual formation.
Earnestly
seek the help of the Holy Spirit for guidance and spiritual growth.
Be faithful to maintain a heart of devotion to the Lord. Be
consistent and intentional in prayer and scriptural study: “Take
captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians
10:5).
•
in
theology.
Study
the Bible regularly and carefully to understand its message, and
embrace biblical doctrine. In forming theology, consider biblical
teaching authoritative over all other sources.
•
in
professional practice.
Identify
a minister/counselor who can provide personal counseling and advice
when needed. Develop an awareness of personal needs and
vulnerabilities. Avoid taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of
others through exploitation or manipulation. Address the misconduct
of another clergy member directly or, if necessary, through
appropriate persons to whom that member of the clergy may be
accountable.
Embrace Accountability
Be
shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over
them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God
wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not
lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the
flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3)
•
in
finances.
Promote
accepted accounting practices and regular audits. Ensure that
ministry funds are used for their intended ministry purposes.
•
in
ministry responsibilities.
Ensure
clarity in authority structures, decision-making procedures, position
descriptions, and grievance policies. Model accountability at the
highest organizational levels.
•
in
a denomination or a ministry organization.
Ensure
compliance with ministry standards and expectations, including
regular reports.
Facilitate Fairness
Believers
in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a
man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and
a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special
attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good
seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or
“Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among
yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:1-4)
•
with
staff.
Follow
approved ministry practices in staff selection processes. Advocate
for equitable pay and benefits for staff. Provide regular staff team
building, affirmation, training, evaluation, and feedback. Be honest
with staff regarding areas to celebrate as well as those needing
improvement.
•
with
parishioners.
Ensure
appropriate access to staff by parishioners. Preach and teach to meet
the needs of the entire ministry. Assume responsibility for ministry
health. When asked for help beyond personal competence, refer others
to those with requisite expertise.
•
with
the community.
Build
God’s Kingdom in cooperation, not competition, with other local
ministries. Provide Christian ministries to the public as possible.
Encourage good citizenship.
•
with
a prior ministry.
Do
not recruit from a previous ministry without permission. Avoid
interfering in the ministry of a previous organization.
As
a minister of the gospel, I commit to abide by the standards set
forth.
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