Developing a personal code of ethics and having an intentional implementation plan are important for ministerial leadership. Such a code and its corresponding plan can function like a compass to help navigate the ethical dilemmas ministry leaders encounter in their service.
After reading the topic Resources, complete the provided “Development and Implementation of a Personal Code of Ethics” document.
In the document, you will need to interact directly with (recognize, understand, interpret, and cite) the Bible and at least four academic or scholarly sources to support your responses, in the areas of:
- Personal life and family relationships
- Ministerial leadership team relationships
- Congregational relationships
- Community relationships
- Personal code of ethics
While Turabian style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using Turabian formatting guidelines, which can be found in the Turabian Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Resources:
1.Ethical Dilemmas in Church Leadership: Case Studies in Biblical Decision Making
Read Chapters 10 and 11, as well as Appendices 1-3, in Ethical Dilemmas in Church Leadership: Case Studies in Biblical Decision Making.
2. Ethics for Christian Ministry: Moral Formation for Twenty-First Century Leaders
Read Chapter 8 in Ethics for Christian Ministry: Moral Formation for Twenty-First Century Leaders.
3. The Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America
Read Chapters 16-18 in The Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America, published by The Office of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (2021).
As you read, focus on the connection between Scripture and ethical principles.
4. Code of Ethics for Pastors
Read “Code of Ethics for Pastors” from National Association of Evangelicals (2012). https://www.nae.org/code-of-ethics-for-pastors/
5. Curbs on the Road: Creating Ethical Guidelines for Pastors and Church Leadership Teams
Read “Curbs on the Road: Creating Ethical Guidelines for Pastors and Church Leadership Teams,” by Gonzales, from National Association of Evangelicals (2015).
6.Ethical Principles for Those Serving in Vocational Ministry in the ECC
Read the “Ethical Principles for Those Serving in Vocational Ministry in the ECC” document, which all credentialed clergy must agree to abide by.The Ethical Principles were approved by the Board of Ordered Ministry in June 2010.
As you read, focus mainly on the seven principles under “Ethical Principles” and the relevant connection to theological and biblical truths discussed under the “Foundational Premises” section. Ethical Principles for Those Serving in Vocational Ministry in the ECC
7. Ordination: The Recognition of a Call to Ministry
Read “Ordination: The Recognition of a Call to Ministry,” located on the General Council of the Assemblies of God website (2020).