Church Leaders And Ethics
1 Timothy 3:14-15 - These things I write to you….so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Ministerial ethics are the standards, principles, and broad guidelines that Christian leaders must observe. Ethical practices are upright, honorable, moral, lawful, above-board, and full of integrity.
The conduct and lifestyle of modern-day Christian leaders is always under scrutiny. Those who have been called to preach the Gospel should exhibit Godliness and integrity.
THE AUTHORITY OF CHURCH LEADERSHIP
The world watches those who claim to follow Jesus and the effectiveness in proclaiming the Gospel to reach souls for Jesus is at stake.
Ministry is a call to serve both God and people. They are firstly accountable to God, but also to church members and those who receive ministry.
The Old Testament is filled with stories about Biblical leaders who did not apply Godly ethics and thus brought shame upon themselves as well as to their nation.
Samson was appointed by God as a judge over Israel. He spent a lot of time with prostitutes in Philistine which led to his untimely death. Jacob was the father of the tribes of Israel. He cheated his brother and father-in-Law.
David was king over Israel. Yet he murdered Bathsheba’s husband Uriah so that he could take her as his wife. These are but a few examples of the failings of God-appointed leaders in the Old Testament.
Authority to minister comes from Jesus Christ and He is the head of the church. Christian leadership must never be manipulative or authoritarian. Ministers are servants of Christ, who should endeavor to become servant leaders as modeled by Jesus.
People enter ministry as a response to a call from God. It is this call that requires that all Christian leaders carry out their ministry in a professional and accountable manner.
Leadership in all its dimensions must always be accountable. It is essential that ministers act responsibly in the best interests of those they serve.
Pastors should be able to demonstrate some evident virtues that correspond and not contradict the message they try to communicate to others. Moral failures, so common among ministers, reveal a huge gap in the sphere of ethics. Ministerial ethics is an attempt to fill this gap.
Ministerial ethical misconduct mostly occurs in the areas of sex, money, and power. If integrity in one of these is compromised, the ministry is in danger.
The pressures of ministry are often the causes of improper behavior in a minister’s conduct and relationship with others. Pastors should lead by example and the flock always mirrors the spiritual state of the pastor.
Integrity, authenticity, credibility, and competence should be addressed if it is lacking in the life of the minister.
Ministry is fraught with difficulties, frustration, and even failure. The greatest failure, however, may be the failure to find the power for ministry in the spiritual rather than the physical realm.
RELATIONSHIPS
Christian leaders have a particular responsibility to respect and enable all who are parts of the creation of God to fulfill their calling as children of God. Ministry should bring encouragement and correction. Christian leaders are called to encourage, nurture and guide those who come under their leadership, recognizing the dignity of all made in the image of God.
Relationships between a minister and the members of a congregation are essential. Pastors are called to serve rather than to be served. Ministers also have relationships and responsibilities within the broader community which are based on their responsibilities within the faith community. They have a responsibility to their peers, to the local community of faith, to the wider church, and to society.
The pastoral relationship occurs within a faith community whose life and relationships are established by Jesus Christ. The pastoral relationship has its meaning as the church enables others to meet Jesus.
It is the seriousness of the pastoral relationship and the vulnerability of people in that relationship, which make it necessary for leaders to appreciate their unique position and the way they touch people’s lives.
They exercise considerable influence and power. It is essential that each individual minister recognizes the power they have and understand the boundaries that must be observed within their ministry.
Because the pastoral relationship occurs in a deeply intimate community, friendships will develop. These will, at times, challenge the capacity of the Christian leaders to provide the pastoral care that belongs to their role as pastor. They have the responsibility to discern the boundaries of the pastoral relationship, to offer professional pastoral care when it is required, and to discern when their relationships overstep the appropriate level of friendship and intimacy or when they are exercising power inappropriately in relation to others in the pastoral relationship.
All relationships should be characterized by the love, care, and compassion that are embodied in Jesus Christ. Pastors should embody integrity, trust, and compassion.
A Christian should strive to have good relationships with all and work towards the reconciliation of broken relationships. The pastor should not be complicit in weakening or breaking family ties.
All relationships in the Christian community are intended to nurture the church and people’s relationship with Christ who is Lord of the church.
Pastoral relationships are nurtured and guided through the vows of ordination. These vows should reflect the intention of ministers to exercise their ministry:
* Through faith in Jesus Christ and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.
* By being nourished and guided by the study of Scripture.
* Through announcing the Good News in Christ to those outside the community of faith.
* Through celebration of the sacraments (baptism and communion).
* In a mutual manner, offering pastoral care and nurturing people in faith, recognizing and valuing other peoples gifts, training them for ministry, and working cooperatively with their ministry.
* Through working for justice and peace.
* By striving for peace and unity among all Christian people.
* By engaging in ongoing study.
* By respecting the guidance and decisions of church leadership where applicable.
Ministers in churches of other denominations should not be considered competitors. In fact it is always beneficial when ministers of different congregations meet for fellowship and prayer.
THE SPIRITUAL STANDARD
Christian ethics differ from secular ethics because Christian ethics are linked to the Bible and determined by the unchanging truth of Scripture. Ministerial ethics is a religious code of behavior that is grounded in Biblical truth.
People determine what is right and wrong by their value system. The Christian’s value system is influenced by Scriptural standards and how it is applied to Scriptural truth to one’s life.
Today, there is much arrogance and self-centeredness in the ministry. It affects moral and ethical behavior. The church needs to return to sound Biblical doctrinal teaching, preaching, and living. For example,
Pastors must be willing to address sin without fear or intimidation. If they do not, people will not know what truth is.
Success is often placed above ethics. This is much the case in the world. Unfortunately, this has crept into the church and in the lives of Christian leaders as well.
Success should not be measured to the world’s standard but to the Biblical standard of integrity and ethics. When a minister behaves unethically it represents failure and it reflects on all other ministers as well as on the body of Christ.
The modern-day church often mirrors the world rather than the world mirroring the church. The church is not impacting society like society is impacting the church. If this is not corrected, it will become more of a social institution than a deeply spiritual, moral institution.
The church today deals with a lot of chaos because it is not grounded and rooted in Scripture. Modern society has defined sin rather than the church defining it. The result is that sin is no longer preached and repentance is not required. The social Gospel has affected the church morally negatively. The pastor must be unashamed of the Gospel.
Church leaders must be spiritual. Their own personal spiritual health is of vital importance. If the leader does not have a personal relationship with the Lord, this will manifest negatively on the congregation. A church should grow numerically and there should always be people giving their lives to God. This is an indication of a vibrant church. Ministry which is faithful to God never fails. Faithful ministry brings God's power to bear in this world and God promises increase as His Word never returns empty.
No preacher should stand in the pulpit unprepared. Great effort should be taken in preparing a word for the people that will equip them to face life’s uncertainties and difficulties. Teaching is not just for believing - it is for living. Preachers should be anointed and minister from an intimate walk they have with the Lord.
The positive influence of ethical behavior needs to be felt in the pulpit. Ministry is tough, demanding, and many times unfair.
Pastors can become calloused, selfish, and self-protecting to the point where they care more about their own success and security than they do about the message God originally called them to preach.
It is a privilege to honor the role of the Holy Spirit Who imparts spiritual gifts. There are a variety of gifts and the true exercise of these gifts should always be consistent with the fruit of the Spirit.
Ministers are public figures whose lives are on display and are viewed with considerable public scrutiny. A high degree of conformity is expected with the Biblical call to holiness. Accordingly, pastoral relationships are to be characterized by love, justice, care, and compassion.
A minister is firstly a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and as such ministry is grounded by prayer, Bible study, regular worship, and a readiness to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Christian leaders are called and empowered by the Holy Spirit to pattern their leadership on the example of Jesus, whose ministry of service was exercised in humility and marked by a deep spiritual love. The abuse of power and privilege has no place in the Christian community.
BETRAYAL AND MANIPULATION
Christian leaders should set an example for the believers and must persevere in every circumstance. Christian leaders exercise a special role within the Christian community and the community at large.
Society has become increasingly sensitive to matters of discrimination and vilification. A minister must show respect and godly care to all people, inside or outside the Christian community. Care must be taken in how ministers speak of the ministry of others in public since reputation is something highly valued in Scripture.
Care must be exercised when ministers express a personal opinion on controversial matters.
After retirement or resignation from a ministry, the minister must terminate existing pastoral relationships to allow their successor to assume responsibility.
It is unethical to resign from a church and then start a new work incorporating former church members. It is also unethical for a minister to do anything to encourage a member of another church to join his or her church.
A congregation can be harmed by the unethical behavior of its pastor and many churches never fully recover when its leader’s behavior is scandalous. Some churches have been betrayed so often by pastors that they never fully trust any spiritual leader again. This in turn affects the functionality of the entire leadership and congregation and continues its ripple effect within the body of Christ.
Freedom of choice is God given. All members are therefore free to leave the church at any time. If a member makes it clear that they wish to leave, this must be respected by the church community.
It is important that all members receive clear Biblical teaching and advice about marriage but that they remain free to choose their own partner.
The use of undue pressure, manipulation, or force has no place in the Christian community. No member should, by any form of undue pressure, whether physical, psychological, or moral, feel forced to do anything against their will. A free and informed choice is the norm for any religious decision.
Although Christian leaders may believe in divine healing by the power of God through prayer, they should not be opposed to medical science and should not go against the wishes of individuals who may want to consult a doctor.
CODE OF ETHICS
It is expected that every profession have a code of conduct that sets an example of excellence for the society in which it seeks to minister. Ministers are to be examples in the creation of healthy communities.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 - This is a true saying: if a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work. A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife, be sober, self-controlled and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach; he must not be a drunkard or a violent man, but gentle and peaceful; he must not love money; he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect. For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was. He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil’s trap. (Good News Bible: Today’s English Version)
Leaders in ministry should develop a code of ethics. A ministerial code of ethics is beneficial to ministers and communities they serve.
Every spiritual leader should conduct themselves according to a code of ethics which are Bible-based. The following are a few that can be applied by Christian leader to ensure success in ministry.
1. Private life
A Christian leader should:
* Strive to keep their private and public life above reproach.
* Accept responsibility for own emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health.
* Care for their own family.
* Communicate the values of the Gospel of Christ and a balance should be found between the need for mutual support and the need for accountability.
* Maintain chastity in singleness and faithfulness in marriage.
* Avoid pornographic material or places of commercialized sex.
* Avoid chat rooms or internet sites of a sexual nature.
* Be willing to take the lowest place.
* Not seek honor or popularity from man but in the first place seek God's approval and should not place themselves in a central position but point to Christ.
* Accept spiritual advice about life from other leaders and allow their own lifestyle to be tested by the Word of God.
* Continue to develop ministry skills through a variety of means including education, professional supervision, peer support, mentoring, and a regular ministry review.
2. Exploitation
A Christian leader should:
* Not take advantage of anyone to whom they are providing services in order to further their personal, religious, political, or business interests.
* Respect each individual as a creation of God without regard to economic status or degree of participation in church life and should not use their positions to exercise unreasonable power and authority.
* Not exploit those in their care for any reason, including emotional, spiritual, and financial reasons.
* Refrain from sexual exploitation or sexual harassment, recognizing that those exercising leadership are in a position of power relative to those subject to their leadership.
* Refrain from making sexual innuendos or compliments of a sexual nature because these are always inappropriate.
* Exercise caution when initiating or receiving physical contact including gestures of comfort that may be unwanted or misinterpreted.
* Refrain from using emotional or spiritual abuse.
* Refrain from encouraging members of another church to join the church.
* Not attempt to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit to manipulate or coerce a person.
* Earn respect, trust, and authority and should not demand it.
* Do not monopolize every situation but endeavor to stimulate others to develop their talents and to create opportunities for them to use their gifts.
3. Human rights
A Christian leader should:
* Respect all the fundamental human rights and freedoms for both adults and children which are contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Children.
* Avoid any harassment which encompasses a broad range of physical or verbal behavior such as physical or mental abuse, racial insults, derogatory ethnic slurs, sexual advances, unwelcome touching, sexual comments, or sexual jokes.
* Be sensitive to cultural differences among people and to appreciate the opportunities that diversity brings.
* Respect the dignity of all people, regardless of age, race, gender, and social standing.
* Advance the welfare of each person.
4. Confidentiality
A Christian leader should:
* Respect the right of those within their duty of care to confidentiality and privacy. Information divulged by people should not be discussed with others.
* Recognize and act on the need to refer matters beyond the level of their gifts and competencies or matters where there may be a conflict of interest, to an appropriately skilled colleague or professional.
5. Legal responsibilities
A Christian leader should:
* Recognize that membership of the body of Christ implies a partnership in ministry and agree to follow the proper counsel of those to whom they are accountable (church board, etc.).
* Refrain from making comments that may needlessly damage the reputation of fellow leaders.
* Seek mediation in the face of conflict with others.
* Act within the laws of society, ensuring that at all times their position is not used for personal gain.
* Be good citizens and obey the laws of the community.
6. Spiritual responsibilities
A Christian leader should:
* Maintain physical, spiritual, and emotional health.
* Embrace the teachings of Jesus and work to promote the Gospel.
* Exhibit a deep commitment to the church and the members of the church.
* Show a commitment not only to the local church but also to the larger community in which it is located.
* Conduct themselves in an honest and open manner, free from deception or corruption.
* Set a high moral standard and lead by example.
* Maintain a high level of professional competence through training, education, and work experience.
* Know their limitations and provide service only in those areas in which they are competent.
* Attend to their own human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral well-being.
* Be aware of the warning signs in behavior and moods that may indicate conditions that are detrimental to their health and immediately seek help when they identify warning signs in their professional or personal life.
* Participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops that are relevant to their current ministry.
* Address their own spiritual needs in order to remain focused in faith and in ministry.
* Nurture a pastoral heart necessary to lead people in word, worship, and service.
* Provide mutual support and affirmation in ministry but hold each accountable for his or her own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
* Abstain from alcohol or any other addictive habits such as illegal drugs, gambling, and smoking.
* Avoid the use of offensive language such as swear words, sexual connotations, and racial or religious slurs.
* Be the best example of all the moral rules which are preached from the Bible (honesty, justice, unselfishness, moral, and sexual purity, etc.).
* Aim to develop individuals rather than use them. The church will only flourish when all members develop their potential.
7. Ethics when counseling
A Christian leader should:
* Be careful in pastoral conversations when a person talks about sexual problems.
* Not step beyond their competence in counseling situations and should make it clear what role they can provide to the counselee. Generally this should be focused on spiritual assistance, particularly in cases where the individual is already in a therapeutic relationship with a counseling professional.
* Ensure that no individual is subject to needless trauma or abuse within these interactions.
* Not disclose information learned from counseling sessions. In the beginning of what is clearly a counseling relationship, the church leader must inform the counselee that confidentiality is limited when there is clear and imminent danger to the client or to others. In such cases, the church leader must contact the necessary authorities or other professionals.
* Avoid physical contact with the counselee. Great care should be taken in any physical contact beyond a handshake.
* Conduct counseling sessions in an environment that is not threatening or misleading to the counselee. Counselees should never be invited into the private living quarters of the counselor.
* Assume the full burden of responsibility for establishing and maintaining clear, appropriate boundaries in all counseling and counseling-related relationships.
8. Working with minors
A Christian leader should:
* Use appropriate judgment to ensure trusting relationships marked by personal and professional integrity.
* Should use appropriate judgment to ensure an open and trustworthy relationship.
* Be aware of their own vulnerability and should have a team approach to youth activities.
9. Ethics in administration
A Christian leader should:
* Maintain a proper record membership and sacramental.
* Treat employees and volunteers fairly.
* Be meticulously honest in their handling of church finances and church financial records.
* Not seek financial gain for themselves or their families from a pastoral relationship beyond recognized fees, stipends, and entitlements.
* Set an example and have integrity in all their financial dealings. This would include the timely payment of debts, the effective management of finances, as well as providing for their family.
* Ensure that all church and ministry accounts are independently audited.
* Avoid any potential conflict between personal finances and pastoral responsibilities.
* Avoid borrowing money from or lending money to a person with whom there is a pastoral relationship.
* Not seek additional personal advantage or financial gain because of a pastoral role.
* Never borrow or take church funds without proper authorization.
* Not expect a payment that is excessive, illegal, or by private arrangement.
10. Relationships
A Christian leader should:
* Relate to all people with respect, sensitivity, and reverence.
* Give adequate priority to their relationship with their family.
* Nurture personal relationships which can assist them in their wholeness.
* Have a healthy lifestyle and a balance of service, recreation, and family. This lifestyle should also be supported and encouraged for all members of church staff.
