Ethical Conduct for Pastors
I. Every pastor needs to consider the issue
of ethics in the work of the ministry.
A. What do we mean by “ethics”?
1. Ethics – “The study and philosophy of
human conduct, with emphasis on the
determination of right and wrong”
(Funk & Wagnall’s)
2. Ethical – “In accordance with right
principles, as defined by a given
system of ethics or professional
conduct” (Funk & Wagnall’s)
3. Ethic – “The standard of character set
up by any race or nation” (Funk &
Wagnall’s)
B. Why are one’s ethics so important?
1. Your ethical standards shape your
reputation.
2. Your ethical standards become your
testimony.
3. Your ethical standards determine
your ultimate success or influence.
C. What are some words or concepts
that relate to the area of ethics?
Positive
Negative
Honesty
Dishonesty
Uprightness
Deceitfulness
Virtue
Malice
Morality
Immorality
Straightforward
Deceptive
Above board
Crafty
Fair
Unjust
D. What serves as the underlying basis
for biblical ethics?
Integrity!
Integrity implies such honesty “that
one is incorruptible or incapable of
being false to a trust or a
responsibility or to one’s own
standards.” (Webster’s)
II. What are some areas of ethical conduct
that pastors should consider?
A. There are ethical conduct issues in the
way we relate to other leaders and
pastors.
1. Speak to them and about them in a
positive way.
2. Be willing to work with them on joint
efforts even when you are not in
charge.
3. When they are speaking, give them
your attention and visible support.
4. Answer mail and return phone calls
promptly.
5. Return borrowed books.
6. Keep lines of communication open
over straying members.
7. Be careful not to proselytize, but
respect lines of authority.
B. There are ethical conduct issues in the
way we relate to members of the
congregation.
1. Remain impartial in your dealings with
people.
2. Keep confidence inviolate.
3. Maintain discreet conduct toward
members of the opposite sex.
a. Do not counsel alone.
b. Do not travel alone.
c. Show courtesy without undue
familiarity.
d. Avoid physical contact denoting
affection.
e. Love, admire and honor your spouse
in public.
4. Do not demand the use of a certain
title.
5. Take criticism without reacting. Don’t
get defensive and especially do not
retaliate.
6. Be true to convictions, yet easy to
entreat.
7. Do not use the platform to beat people
or adjust a few.
8. Be honest in the use of your time.
9. Do not constantly talk about how busy
you are.
10. Beware of accepting those who
disqualified themselves elsewhere.
11. Do not borrow from church members.
12. Do not enter into business practices
that exploit members of the
congregation.
C. There are ethical conduct issues in the
way we relate to society at large.
1. Do not violate laws in the work of the
church.
2. Avoid the “privileged character”
image.
3. Obey the traffic laws.
4. Keep appointments.
5. Keep the church and its properties
attractive.
6. Be courteous at all times.
7. Work towards good relations with
neighbors and neighboring
businesses.
8. Always pay bills on time.
9. Leave large tips in restaurants.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and
stature, and favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52