Importance of a Code of Ethics

“Few things harm a congregation or ministry more than the profound moral failure of a trusted leader.”

Trull and Creech, 2017

Here are some examples of moral failure:

• Using your position of power to sexually harass children and members of your congregation.
• Lying and cheating.
• Borrowing money from congregants.
• Failing to keep time and promises.
• Hot temper
• …and so many others.

As a ministry professional, we want you to be aware of the importance of ethical behavior and understand why ministers must be held accountable to a written code, or standard for living. 

Find samples of ministerial codes of ethics in your textbook, Ethics for Christian Ministry, Moral Formation for Twenty First Century Leaders, p.199-222. 

Each minister should develop their own code of ethics, covering the following: 

• Personal standards
• Responsibility to my family
• Congregational code
• Relations with the profession
• Relationship with fellow ministers
• Relationship and responsibility to the community
• Relationship and responsibility to your denomination
• Relationship and responsibility to the church universal, all Christians.

In future modules, you will explore these ideas further and develop a code of ethics for your behavior as you complete your work and practical modules.

Formative Assessment *