Ethically Speaking...

For my ethics class, we had an assignment to write a code of ethics. All the students signed each others code of ethics as a practice of accountability. I submitted it to the deacons before the ordination council. It brought up some good conversations that had not been really addressed before.

There are some ethical issues that free church traditions (like my Baptist one) overlook. I hope by giving the deacons this, I can be transparent and accountable for my actions.

The inspiration for this code of ethics is Trull & Carter's Ministerial Ethics: Moral Formation for Church Leaders.

How we think ethically ultimately plays out in how we witness and how we act. To what extent should church leaders have & make a code of ethics? Would this be a violation of a non-creedal position that the free church tradition usually holds, or would it be the best expression of it?

I am thankful for this assignment and my peers for keeping me accountable. Here is my code of ethics:

I have been called by God to represent Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, with the affirmation and blessing of the church. This code of ethics will help me minister most effectively and be the best witness of Christ as possible. I willingly live by these ethics.

Section 1: Personal and Family Relationships
I am God’s child and called to be a Christ-follower regardless of where I minister, my vocational setting, or status in life.
I will strive to work toward a healthy marriage and healthy family. My marriage and family will not be secondary to the church.
I will live a life of prayer, devotion, and awareness to the Triune God.
I will seek self-care, including keeping the Sabbath Command, counseling when necessary, and vacation time. This includes caring properly for my body by resting and enjoying exercise.
I will be responsible with my finances and be a good steward.
I will avoid sexual or emotional relationships with parishioners. I will avoid using my authority as a minister to be abusive. I will maintain healthy boundaries with congregants.

Section 2: Congregational Relationships
I will remain impartial and fair.
I will strive to learn more and grow so I may grow in Christ and as a minister.
I will keep confidences except in the case of child abuse or imminent harm to another individual (including suicide).
I will make every attempt to speak truth and not plagiarize. If I do not know the source of something in which I refer, I will freely admit that, or not use the illustration at all.
I will attempt to model conflict management and transformation in a positive way, respecting the dignity of every person.
I will respect lay leaders and staff as valuable partners in ministry.
I will be a good steward of my time, understanding that the church entrusts its finances to me in the form of a salary.
I will not seek compensation for care provided, or favors because of my setting. I will not regularly engage in paid activities that take me away from my primary responsibility as a minister.
I will prepare ministry to continue after I leave, regardless of circumstances.
I will treat everyone with dignity and respect, modeling my behavior after Jesus, in public and private settings.
I will maintain a presence whereby persons are free to express their thoughts, feelings, and doubts.
I will engage in missional efforts, and support laypersons that do so.

Section 3: Collegial Relationships
I will advocate for fair pay for my position and other colleague’s positions.
I will not “steal sheep”, or attempt to gain parishioners from congregations. Transfer from another church will be initiated and led by the parishioner.
I will respect other ministers and their calling, even in the midst of theological difference.
I will consider ministers as colleagues worthy of respect and mutual support. I will support their work and their ministry by not talking negatively about them in public and by not competing with them.
I will consider fellow ministers as peers. I will engage with them so we can learn from one another and grow together.
I will treat predecessors and successors with respect, and provide encouragement and advice when and if needed.
I will not perform pastoral duties or advice for a former church without the blessing of the current pastoral staff. I will not interfere with the duties of a successor so he or she can minister fully.
I will value and respect retired ministers.
If I realize misconduct by another minister, I will report it the appropriate authorities.

Section 4: Community Relationships
I will engage in community service, provided that it doesn’t interfere with my ministries in the church. When I engage in community service, I realize I am a representative of my church and Christ.
I will engage in causes that merit social action and social justice. I will advocate for all persons as being made in the Image of God.
I will work together with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and support the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s causes, understanding that I have received a scholarship through them, and could not be a minister without their support.
I will support and encourage laypersons to pursue in community service, regardless if it affiliated with the church or not.
I will respect the vocations of all persons.
I will not engage in politics, or use my ministerial position to promote a political candidate. I will encourage my parishioners to vote and be good citizens, but I will not encourage them to support a particular candidate or party. In situations where an issue may be unjust, or may have a negative impact on the community, I may speak on whether to vote for or against the issues, but not from the pulpit. I will respect the opinions of persons who differ from me in politics.