Ethical Conduct and Manners in Ministry

Men and women in ministry are expected to hold to the highest standards of this high and noble calling. Unfortunately, we do hear of the failings of leaders in small and large ministries. An important focus of this program is ethics and guiding you to a deeper understanding of that in your life as a person.

Terry King in his study-guide, Ministry Functions (1988: 42-44) discusses ministerial ethics with special attention to: a. The Sheep; b. Travelling Ministries; c. New Pastors and d. Former Pastors. (Duplicated, with permission.)

Proper ministerial manners are related to ethics and an important reflection on our work and on the Lord Jesus whom we serve.

a. Concerning the sheep

Commitment to your flock: Sunday belongs to your church. Always be hesitant to take ministry in another church on Sunday.

When believers wish to transfer to your church:

• Always ask why. Is there a problem? What is the problem? (the real problem!)
• Ask permission from the person to speak with the pastor from the former church unless there is a letter of referral.
• Always respect the discipline of another church or group. If you do not respect theirs, they will not respect yours.
• Beware of goats and wolves in sheep’s clothing.

“All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”

Matthew 25:32

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” 

Matthew 7:15

When preaching:

• Never use preaching to make a point in an argument you are having with a member or leader of the church.
• Never use preaching to make a point to a single person or group in the church.
• Always ask permission before using an illustration from someone else’s life, even if you do not use their name.

b. For travelling ministries

• The pastor is the leader of the church where you are ministering. Always remember to give him proper respect and allow him to make final decisions.
• When you honour the pastor’s ministry you will eventually bring respect to your own.
• The guest preacher should be careful about entering into counselling or visiting with church members.
• The pastor of a host church should feel responsible for the needs of a visiting minister whom he has invited. The workman is worthy of his hire.
• The travelling minister should not look upon support staff as personal servants but give equal opportunity for advancement in ministry.
• Beware of pride! A travelling ministry often is reaping the seed that has been sown carefully by others. Do not take credit for results, give the glory to God!

c. When you are a new pastor

• Be patient with existing leadership. If you move too fast to make changes you can lose the entire congregation. Beware of giving quick criticism.
• Be patient with criticisms and challenges to your ministry. If you sow you will reap.
• It takes time to earn respect.
• Avoid comparisons with the former pastor.
• Usually, it takes at least two years to begin to see lasting fruit from your ministry in a new place.

d. When you are the former pastor

• When is it time to leave a church, to resign?
• When you leave a pastorate, leave! Beware of attempting to maintain some kind of control from a distance. This is particularly difficult when you are the founder of the assembly or you have been the pastor for a long time.
• Beware of being caught up in disputes that occur after you leave. It is not your business to take sides.
• Do not feel it is your right to remove property from the church building, or parts of the church building when you leave. The house of God belongs to God and his people.