RESPONDING TO GOD’S SACRED CALL, AND RECOGNIZING HIS CLAIMS UPON ME AND MY WORK AS A CHURCH LEADER, I PLEDGE THAT:
1. I shall spend sufficient time in personal study of the Scriptures and in personal prayer and meditation to maintain a continually growing relationship with my God.
2. I shall avoid anything that will weaken me mentally, physically, or spiritually.
3. I shall not abuse the authority given me by the Word of God, but will ever remember the apostle Peter's warning against lording it over the flock.
4. I shall not cheapen my calling by seeking special privileges, gratuities, or ministerial discounts.
5. I shall keep in the strictest integrity all confidences that come to me as a church leader.
6. I shall refuse to prostitute myself by using information about or from members for personal advantage.
7. I shall not go into the pulpit unprepared, nor shall I use it as a platform to expound my personal views on society, politics, or matters unrelated to the gospel.
8. I shall not play favorites nor ally myself with factions within the church.
9. I shall give prompt aid to members or co-leaders in time of distress or need.
10. I shall consider seriously the counsel of colleagues.
11. I shall spurn to speak disparagingly of my predecessor and shall not advise members of former congregations regarding their relationship with their present minister.
12. I shall not encourage nor perform professional services in a former parish except upon invitation of the present minister.
13. I shall be alert to the physical and/or spiritual needs of a retired colleague who may be a member of my church or who may live in the community.
Paul H. Olm, writing in an issue of The Christian Ministry, suggests that just as attorneys (and other professionals) have a clearly defined code of ethics that governs their responsibilities, so church leaders could profit from similar standards of professional conduct. Elder’s Digest has adapted this for the benefit of our readers.
