The Necessity of a Ministry Code of Conduct

The Church today has a crisis of credibility in the world owing to near-constant news of misconduct among Christian leaders. When we should have been living lives that exemplify the gospel, many of us have instead led lives that bring the faith into disrepute. We must be more conscious and intentional about how we live our lives as the Apostle Peter said, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Pet 2:12)

Here I propose a short and simple, but comprehensive, code of conduct, which I myself aim to follow, inspired by the National Association of Evangelical’s “Code of Ethics for Pastors”. Here is a PDF version.

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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, I will:

1.      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. Display the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Maintain integrity, regardless of company.

• 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). Earnestly seek the Holy Spirit for guidance and 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 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.
  

2.      Be Trustworthy

It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:2)

• in leadership.
  Use power and influence wisely and humbly. Treat everyone fairly. Keep promises. Appreciate the ideas and work of others. Give others opportunities for growth and mentor them. Work with excellence: "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. 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 regarding personal and ministry resources. Refuse gifts that could compromise ministry. Ensure that all funds and gifts are used for their intended purpose. Use good accounting practices: "If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" (Luke 16:11).

3.      Maintain 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)

• from sexual immorality.
  Maintain faithfulness in marriage or purity in singleness. Avoid anything that could give a hint of sexual impropriety. "Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality" (Ephesians 5:3a).

• from unnecessary controversy.
  Avoid anything that can be misconstrued to be an approval of sin, cause a believer to stumble, or cause controversy in the church, regardless of personal opinions or intentions. Instead, set an example for holiness and humility: “If food causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall” (1 Corinthians 8:31).
  
  

4.      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 pursing 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 ministry.
  Identify a mentor who can provide counseling and advice. Be aware of your vulnerabilities. Do not take advantage of the vulnerabilities of others through exploitation or manipulation. Address the misconduct of others quickly and directly or, if applicable, through appropriate persons.

As a servant of Christ and a minister of the gospel, I freely commit to follow the standards set forth in this Ministry Code of Conduct.