y Life Christian Vriverstt ‘COURSE SYLLABUS MINISTERIAL ETHICS COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide a theological-ethical framework for the moral responsibilities of those in pastoral ministry 2. To study the foundational values of character, vision, and virtues of the minister 3. To explore the moral obligations and professional duties of a mi 4. To assess the use of the power in pastoral relationships 5. To show the need for professional accountability among ministers 6. To expose common ethical problems faced by ministers and provide preventive strategies COURSE TEXT: Title Author Ministerial Ethics Trull & Carter! COURSE REQUIREMENTS: All Students 1. Read the required text. 2. Attend all classes or listen to recordings of any missed classes if absent excused. 3. Write your own personal code of ethics. Then explain why each of these points is important to you. Draw from the examples in the back of your book. Use scriptures to support your choices. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Level 5 and 6 Students In addition to the above requirements: 1. Read Why Great Men Fall by Wayde Goodal?. 2. Write an additional 6-page paper on some aspect of ministerial ethics. *avallable from Baker Books 1-800-877-2665 isan: 0-20201-622.0 © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial EthicsLa fe. Christian Us twersly Y COURSE SYLLABUS MINISTERIAL ETHICS 1. To provide a theologicakethical framework for the moral responsibilities of those in pastoral ministry To study the foundational values of character, vision, and virtues of the minister To explore the moral obligations and professional duties of a minister To assess the use of the power in pastoral relationships To show the need for professional accountability among ministers To expose common ethical problems faced by ministers and provide preventive strategies oe eon COURSE TEXT: Author Trull & Carter! COURSE REQUIREMENTS: All Students 1, Read the required text. 2. Attend all classes or listen to recordings of any missed classes if absentee is excused. 3. Take required “open book” exam. ‘COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Level 5 and 6 Students In addition to the above req ments: 1. Read Why Great Men Fall by Wayde Goodall. 2. Write an additional 6-page paper on some aspect of ministerial ethics. ‘Available from Baker Books 1-800-877-2605 ISBN: 0-89221-622-0 © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial EthicsSTUDENT COURSE COMPLETION AFFIDAVIT Course Tiles Complete ALL of the following course requirements before turning in this affidavit. Do not sign this unless you have completed all 4 of the following requirements: 1. T have read all of the required reading. 2. Ihave attended all classes or listened to recordings of any missed lectures. 3. I have turned in the required course exam andior course research paper. 4. Ifa research paper is required for this course, | have included a Research Paper Affidavit after the title page of my research paper. Print Name: Signature: — Date: = Coursework and affidavit are to be completed within one week of the last class meeting tudent will receive a grade of “Incomplete.” LATE WORK POLICY — See your Student Handbook. “F" three weeks after the last class meeting, Note: A grade of “Incomplete” becomes an “ sista © 2013 Life Christian University Form: StudRESEARCH PAPER AFFIDAVIT This affidavit, completed and signed, mast accompany EVERY research paper you turn in. PLACE IT IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR TITLE PAGE. In this paper, every opinion from someone else has been indicated by a reference placed at the end of that information. I realize that the mere presence of a reference does not avoid plagiarism, If Thave used the exact words, phrases, clauses, or sentences of someone else, I have enclosed that information in quotation marks. If Thave paraphrased the opinions of someone else, I have not enclosed the paraphrase in quotation marks, but I have stated those ‘opinions in my own words. Thave introduced the paraphrase and put a reference at the end of it. Factual information (common knowledge or uncontested knowledge) has not been credited with a reference unless I have used somcone clse’s organization of these facts. This paper is my own work. No one has helped me in the preparation or writing of this paper except for typing or final proofreading. (Adapted from Chapman 312) | Thave reviewed plagiarism org and I understand and comply with these guidelines. | Tunderstand it is very easy for my instmactor to check this paper for plagiarism, | THEREBY CONFIRM THAT THIS PAPER IS NOT PLAGIARIZED*. ‘STUDENT SIGNATURE: DATE: PRINTNAME: (COURSE TITLE: * Peualty for plagiarism: the student will be subject to dismissal. ©2013 Lite Chnstian University LoUONLINE®MINISTERIAL ETHICS Student Outline Theological & Ethical Framework — The Moral Respon: ities of Pastoral Ministry as Both a Calling and a Profession Z. Theological Foundation — Essential Elements in Ministerial Ethics A. God must occupy the fixed point of reference for what is morally right and wrong. 1, Situational ethics have no place in a Christ-centered life. 2. Our ethical standards must be related to our convictions about God and rooted in His Word. II. Pastoral Ministry as a Calling or Vocation A. Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called (Ephesians 4:1b). B. _ Asa vocation, the ministry is a free (voluntary) response to God’s call to serve others, II. Pastoral ministry as a profession A. Definition of a professional: one belonging to a learned or skilled profession B. The emergence of the professions Professions have standards and procedures as guides. D. Asa profession, the ministry is similar to other professions. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 1E. There are also differences between the ministry and other professions. F, _ Beinga “professional clergyman” can have negative connotations. IV. The theological-ethical framework for professional responsibilities in the ministry is based on our covenant with God. A. A covenant - based on God’s Word - determines the relationship between a minister and his God and between a minister and his congregation. B. Ministers take a covenant view of their professional responsibilities and ations — rather than a contractual view. C. The minister's covenant responsibilities and obligations L. Feeding the flock of God and having the oversight — Acts 20:28 a. Feed [Greek] poimaino 4155 {poy-mah'-ce-no}: to feed, to rule, to tend to as a shepherd, i. to supervise; from poimen 41¢¢ {Pey-mane']: meaning a shepherd or pastor b, To oversee [Greek] episkopos jos {ep-is'-Kop-os}: a superintendent in charge of the church (bishop, overseer) 2. Titus 1:7... a bishop is ealled “the steward of God” a, Steward [Greek] oikonomos so, {oy-kon-om'-os}: steward, chamberlain, governor; one in charge of the administration of a household or estate; an employee in that capacity b, Assteward is an economic manager, D. ‘The congregation’s covenant responsibilities and obligations 1. Obey them that have the rule over you, and be submissive - Heb. 13:17. a. Obey [Greek] peitho sos9 {pi-tho}: to pacify (bring to peace and quiet, i.e. calm) or conciliate by other fair means: to assent (to evidence or authority) to rely (by inward certainty); to believe, have confidence make friends with, trust, yield fo, and obey © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 2b. Submit yourselves to the rulership of the leaders. 2. Financially bless those who rule over you. a. 1 Timothy 5:17 b. Galatians 6:6 The theological-ethical framework for professional responsibilities in the ministry is based on the life of Jesus Christ. A. Jesus was the primary example of what it means to be made in the image of God. B. _Jesus Christ is the ultimate norm for the ministry and for the moral life. 1. We should seek to be like Him. a. Be disposed to hear the teachings, obediently following the commandment and hold fast to the very person of Jesus. b. Believe everything He says, obey everything He commands, receive everything He promises, ©. Be conformed to Jesus’ suffering and death in giving yourself over to the service of others with love. ‘The Holy Spirit has been given to us (Romans 5:5) and instills in us the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). 3. Jesus demonstrated servant leadership — leading without seeking position or dominating others. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 3L H. The Mini Moral CI Ch Cond ay Being Good — A Minister's Character A G Definition of character: collective qualities or characteristics, especially ‘mental or moral, that distinguish a person or thing Character remains the single most important factor in ethical decision making. 1. Jesus set forth the standard for Christian character in Matthew 5:3-48. a. Matthew 5:3-11 b, Matthew 5:13 cc. Matthew 5:14 dd. Matthew 5:20 e. Matthew 5:21 f, Matthew 5:44, 45 Good moral character leads to actions which a promote goals beyond self glory. m human welF-being and 3, Bad moral er is based on destructive egotism. Strength of character - a person’s sense of self ~ has a major role in determining his behavior. 1, Strong character 2. Weak character The Formation of Character A Natural inclinations or sensitivities are the raw material for the development of character. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 4B. __Virtues- the habits of the heart - are qualities of character acquired through repeating virtuous actions. Virtuous action comes from the heart ~ Proverbs 4:23. 2. Atest of virtue is what a person does when no one is looking C. Role models and mentors can influence character. 1. Jesus is the supreme mentor and role model. . God will provide others whose godly influence will impact your character. 3. The Gospel should be our standard for perceiving the world and judging what todo. D. An individual's character development is determined by how that person chooses to deal with the issues of life. 1. Concealing 2. Confronting IH. The Centrality of Character A. Character is central to the minister’s role. 1, “The Christian minister must be something before he can do anything... work depends on his personal character.” - Nolan Harmon “Tdo not just perform a ministry; Lam a minister.” - David Switzer 3. “What the minister is will be his greatest sermon,” — Dudley Strain © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 5Session IT ‘The Minister’s Moral Choices: Character, Conduct and Integrity (continued) z. Doing Good —A Minister’s Conduct A. Due to the nature of the profession, ministerial ethical misconduet seems to major on three things—money, sex, and power. 1. The three are uniquely related a. Money b. Power c. Sex 2. The minister's world can become full of greed, lust, and power. B. The minister’s behavior is a cruci ingredient in the performance of ministry. C. “Doing good” centers around values. 1, Values defined: ideals and concepts a so: 'y considers to be of great worth ‘Values are moral ideals expressed outwardly. 3. God's people have always had values that differ from the values of the cultures around them. a, What is good? 1) Good [Hebrew] towb aay {tobe}: a good thing; that whi that which pleases God is best; b. Micah 6:8 D. Our values are based on an understanding of the moral nature of God. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 61. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). a. Holy [Hebrew] gadowsh goig {kaw-doshe’}: sacred (ceremonially or morally) as God; distinguishably as a saint b, Our God is holy, righteous and just. 2, Man was created in the image of God ~ Genesis 1:27. a, Image [Hebrew] fxelem g7sq {tseh'-lem): to shade; a phantom, i. illu- sion, resemblance; hence a representative figure 3. Jesus, the Word of God, became flesh and dwelt among us (Joha 1:14). a. One statement captures the ethical ideas of Jesus Christ ~ Matthew 22:36-39, 4. God, whose nature is steadfast love (Hosea 11:1-4), expects His covenant people to love as He loves. E. __ Biblical values emphasize the reason behind the rules, 1. Love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10). Avoiding legalism a, Legalism was the “ditch” of the Pharisees ~ they knew the rules, but never knew God b. Legalism is an inadequate approach to decision making c. Legalism hinders moral maturity and stimulates egoistic pride (Luke 18:10,11) 3. Aperson can do the right things for the wrong reasons -- and never ful will of God (See Isaiah 58) 4. Doing good is a matter of following after love and doing what Jesus would do, © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 7II. Living Good — the Ethics of Integrity A. Defining integrity 1, The soundness of moral principles and character; uprightness; honesty. The slate of being whole, entire, or undivided a. James 1:4 b, “When one has integrity, there is an absence of hypocrisy. He or she is personally reliable, financially accountable, and privately clean...innocent of impure motives.” ~ Charles Swindoll 2, The expectation for a minister of God to model integrity is much greater than for any other profession, 3. Integrity includes both who you are and what you do, 4. Itincludes the way you think as well as how you act — I Timothy 3:1-7, B. The practical question: HOW? 1. How does the minister put conduct, character, and integrity (being good, living good, doing good) into practice? a. By being consistent (holding to moral or ethical principles) and not hypocritical — Matthew 23:2,11-17 b. The basis for integrity is found in one’s character, i.c. being precedes doing — Romans 12:2. c. Identify personally with Jesus Christ and His Word 2. We write a new life story — we are living episiles (2 Corinthians 3:2,3). a. Our God is a God of stories. b. We are a people of stories. c. Anew way of life calls us to make Jesus’ story our own story. 3. How do we follow the example of Jesus? © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 8a. We learn to imitate the Master. b. Itis not a matter of following rules or doing our duty, but of living His story. 1) The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:20,21). 2) For to me, to live is Christ (Philippians 1:20.21). 3) Tam the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (John 15:3,7,8). c. We receive Christ, not only as Savior, Lord, Baptizer, Healer, Provider and Redeemer, we also receive Him as our LIFE! d. As we do, we will receive moral guidance and hear the moral demands of the gospel. e. Itis acall to radical obedience. Rather than reducing Jesus’ teachings to principles or values, we live in liberty, empowered by the Holy Spirit. 1) Tests will come that will shake everything that can be shaken. 2) You will be tempted to bend the rules - to compromise from what you know to be the right thing to do 3) As you fervently seek God, you will discover unconquerable faith and strength on the inside of you - a deposit of the Holy Spirit. 4). You will learn to tap into His presence, His power, His resources. 5) Even when the devil's lies make sin so attractive that it’s a struggle to resist it, you still have the power of choice. a) You can resist the devil. (See James 4:7.) b) You can boldly say, “T choose life and blessing.” (See Deut, 30:19.) ©) You can boldly say, “I love God and I hate sin.” i) You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked (Psalm 97:10). © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 9ii) The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. (Proverbs 8:13). d) You can boldly say, “God, Your grace is enough. It’s all I need. Your power comes into its own in my weakness.” (See 2 Cor. 12:9), 4. As the minister makes the story of the Bible his own, his character is reformed according to the character of God. a, Romans 8:29a b, Romans 12:2 c. Ephesians 4:17-24 4, The Holy Spirit is constantly working within the believer as well. (Philippians 2:12,13) 5. Your life and ministry must be modeled after the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. II. Strengthening your integrity in relation to self A. Self-esteem 1. Your identity should rest in who you are in Christ more than on what you do asa minister. B. Health 1. Physical and emotional upkeep 2. Lear from the example of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25-30. 3. Nutrition, rest, exercise and recreation combine to enrich your health. C.Life-style 1, Should not contradict but rather confirm the life that you claim as a believer © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 10D. 2. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Spiritual growth 1. Take time to strengthen your relationship with God through an active prayer life. 2. Read and study the Bible - it is spiritual food. a. Matthew 4:4 b. Psalm 119:9 IV. Strengthening your integrity in relation to family A ‘The minister’s family life 1.1 Timothy 3:1-11 2. Titus 1:6-9 3. Factors that can cause less satisfaction in a minister's marriage: a. The disruption of time together b. Anxiety c. Loneliness A model for others 1. 1 Timothy 4:12 Key ingredient 1. Time together ‘The major factor 1, Commitment: to be entrusted one to another © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 11E. The single minister 1, Still a part of a family (All believers are a part of the family of God.) 2. Should be paid according to job description and not according to marital status V. Strengthening your integrity in relation to finances A. Managing money 1. Many ninisters are significantly underpaid. 2. Yet nceds are similar to other families in the community, 3. Faith in God for wisdom concerning finances is essential. B. The minister must be disciplined concerning money. 1, Plan and live within a budget. 2. Pay your bills. 3. Balance your checkbook. 4, Failure to handle finances properly has diminished the witness of too many ministers. C.— Money matters 1, The light and dark side of money a. Money can be used to enhance our relationship with God and bless humankind. 1) Deuteronomy 8:18 2) 1 Timothy 6:17-19 b. Money can be a threat to our relationship with God. 1) Mark 10:23-25 2) Luke 12:15-21 © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 122. Be wise in the use of credit, 3. Aminister should not perfect the art of begging. a. Seek God. b. Learn — and walk by ~ the principles of divine prosperity and wealth 4, The importance of an adequate salary D. Practice what you preach 1. Be a good steward. 2. Stewardship involves money. In fact, is usually defined oniy in terms of money. a. Luke 16:1,2 3. Stewardship also involves the minister’s entire self, in the sense that all that the minister is as well as all the minister has is entrusted to him by God. a. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 b. 1 Peter 4:10 4. ‘Tithing and offerings are taught as the biblical standard for Christian stewardship, 5. The minister should practice what he or she preaches and teaches. 6. “If you do not have enough faith to trust God with your material possessions, you do not have enough integrity to make it in the ministry.” ~ Landrum Leavell II © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 13Session IT VL. Strengthening your integrity in relation to sexuality A. Sexuality is part of the makeup of every human being’s personality — it is God given. 1. Amarriage relationship makes needs and sensitivities. +r keenly aware of human emotional It draws us out of ourselves, motivates us to lear to relate to the opposite sex, and ultimately draws us into a committed relationship with our spouse. 3. It creates a yearning, longing for communion and wholeness that is fulfilled in marriage through intimacy, and it is.a type of our spiritual bond and fellowship with God 4, In the professional setting, it creates a vulnerability that can breach the boundaries and can lead to sexual misconduct. B. God's will for sexual conduct 1, God's will for the believer is that he abstains from sexual immorality (fornication) which is sexual activity outside the marriage covenant, a, Fornication [Greek] porneia 499 (por and inces!); figuratively, idolatry. ah): harlotry (including adultery b. From the Greek word porneuo oq, {porn-yoo'-0): to act the harlot or to indulge unlawful lust (of either sex) or (fig.) practice idolatry 2. ‘That each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honour (1 Thessalonians 4:4), a, Don’t follow the habits of those who do not know God. b. Don’t defraud your brother. c. The believer has been introduced to a life of purity and holiness. ‘To despise (reject) this commandment is to despise (reject) Goo. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 14C. The importance of maintaining proper sexual boundaries 1. Violation of professional boundaries can cause great harm. a. Physical harm b._ Spiritual and psychological harm c. Victims may feel betrayed by God. 2. Power in the pastoral relationship a, The pastoral minister is responsible for maintaining the sexusl boundaries. b. Say no towards any sexualized behavior. 3. When sexual boundaries are violated, justice and restoration must be provided for the vietim. D. Definitions in sexual misconduct 1. Sexual harassment a. Creating an intimidating, offensive working environment through unwelcome verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature 1). Risqué jokes 2) Verbal innuendoes: 3) Physical-sensual displays 4) The use of pornography b. Unwanted or inappropriate physical touch outside of a marriage covenant 2. Sexual exploitation or entrapment a. Using personal, professional, or physical power to develop a romantic relationship with someone under their care for their own sexual satisfaction b. A fundamental betrayal of trust in the professional relationship 3. Sexual abuse © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 15a. Occurs when a person responsible for the care of others takes advantage of those individuals who lack the will or ability to protect themselves for his/her own sexual satisfaction b. Any form of sexual contact 4, Ministers are challenged to the highest level of ethical conduct. E. Good Toueh/Confusing Touch/Bad Touch 1, Jesus used physical touch in His ministry to heal and comfort others. a. His touch was unambiguous in the meaning it conveyed. 2. There the potential for a pastor's touch being misinterpreted. 3. Ask yourself, "Is there any chance at all of this gesture being misunderstood?” F. The incidence of sexual misconduct 1. Results of studies among pastors in four major denominational groups showed 37.15% had engaged in sexual behavior inappropriate for a minister 2. This percentage exceeds the client-professional rate for bath physicians and psychologists! 3. Why are ministers more vulnerable than other professionals? G. Causes of sexual misconduct 1. Physical and emotional attraction plus marital dissatisfaction often equals sexual misconduct. 2, Seduction: there are intentionally seductive people who attempt to lure their minister into sexual acti 3. Transference: ministerial counselors don’t understand transference and how to deal with it. a. Transference — the person seeking help projects onto the pastor unmet needs and unresolved conflicts that are rooted in prior relationships. b. They feel affection, warmth, romantic feelings, and dependency on the one in the role of “minister © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 16€. Transference results in an unconscious emotional connection (soul ties), while the real relationship is misperceived. d, Countertransference — the unmet needs, feelings, or unresolved conflicts, of the minister gets superimposed on those of the one seeking help. 1) The person needing help begins to be used. 4, Sexual predators: there are sexual predators who prey on people in the church, H. Consequences of sexual misconduct, 1. Rarely is @ minister able to conceal sexual misconduct indefinitely. a. Numbers 32:23 b. God protects His sheep. 2. Possible consequences of irresponsible sexual behavior include: a. Loss of self-esteem b. Loss of his partner and children ©. Loss of position 4. Loss of respect in the community €. Loss of financial security £, Damage to the local church and the ministry at large g Hindranee to the work of Christ h. Emotional pain 3. Sexual misconduct could cost the pastor his ministry. L. Preventive Strategies 1. Begin these preventative strategies during your preparation for ministry. 2. Be aware of your boundaries and maintain them. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 173. Understand your authority and power. 4, Recognize these warning signs: a. Feeling sexual arousal b. Spending extra time together €. Sexual innuendoes d. Preoccupation with sexual fantasies €. Inappropriate or prolonged touching £. Exchanging personal gifts g. Sharing intimacies Vhat would others think?” 5. Self-Care a, Build a strong marriage b. Develop friendships outside of ministry duties. ¢. Focus on your primary commitment to God to find direction in your life. d. Refer person to another professional when you are becoming sexually attracted and involved. 6. Accountability —a must for those who feel vulnerable a. Having an open, accountable relationship with a trusted confidant is a help in neutralizing sexual temptations. b. Consult with a counselor from time to time, ine 7. Prayer and spiritual disc 8. Adhere toa biblical ministerial code of ethics. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 18Session IV I. The Nature and Sources of Leadership Power A. Power and the Nature of Power 1, Power is the capacity to influence others. 2. Authority is legitimate power. 3. The perception of power is increased by: a. Structures and environment b. ‘Trappings of power in professional life B. Legitimate Sources of Power 1, Institutional Source 2, Personal Source 3. Supematural Source ~ “God-appointed” a. God-appointed authority carries with it the all-important supernatural influence of the anointing (I John 2:20,27). 1) Anointing [Greek] chrisma 554s (khris-mah}: an endowment from the Holy Spirit a) From anoint [Greek] chrio ssa (khree'-o}: to smear or rub with oil: (0 consecrate to office or a particular service b) Luke 4:18 4, Those in the ministry are perceived because of the anointing of God on their lives. being more than just themselves © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 19II. Power in Pastoral Relationships A. The Inequality of Power 1, The nature of the pastor/flock relationship ensures an imbalance of power and status. 2. To entrust one’s self to another is to leave one’s self vulnerable. B. Models for Pastoral Leadership 1. Political Dictator Model a, Authoritative — uses the “will-of-God” approach to carry out his or her own desires. b. Dictatorship leaves out the will of the governed. 2. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Model a. Makes things happen no matter what it takes b. Directs ministry rather than actively doing ministry 3. The Friendship Model a. Can reduce or hide the difference in power b. Can blur relationships and create the opportunity for unethical behavior c. Seven facets of friendship are in conflict with what ministry demands: 1) Choice ~ friends choose each other. a) Conflict: Choice connotes favoritism and exclusion, 2) Similarity ~ friends have certain things in common (same school, taste in food, interest in sports). ) Conflict: Members often come from different backgrounds, 3) Mutuality — friends hold certain things in common (beliefs, commit- ment, vision, goals). © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 20a) Conflict: Members have a variety of motivations and goals. 4) Equality ~ friends are equal in power and status. a) Conflict: Roles in the community can be very diverse 5) Reciprocity ~ friends give and receive equally. a) Conflict: Pastors should not expect to be repaid in kind. 6) Benevolence ~ friends love the other for themselves and not for utilitarian benefit, a) Conflict: Pastors must love the unlovely. b) Conflict: Members need the benefit that comes from having @ pastor. 7) Knowledge ~ friends invite truthful self-disclosure. a) Conflict: The flow is mostly in one direction in the pastoral rela- tionship. However, pastors can share details of their lives pub- Ticly as testimony of what the Lord has done 4d. Pastoral and friendship relationships can coexist. 1) Mustethically know when to draw the line - never mix the two. 2) Make referrals when necessary 4, Pastor/Shepherd Model a. The Bible reveals that the pastor and his flock do not share the same level of power. b. The flock is to be submitted to the pastoral leadership (Romans 13:1,2,4). 1) Be subject [Greek] huporasso 3993 (hoop-ot-as-So}: to subordinate: to obey; to submit one’s self to c. The leader must understand that the congregation is entrusting its spiritu- al well-being over to him as God has instructed. d. The use of pastoral power (I Peter 5:2-3) 1) Lead willingly and with a ready mind. 2) “.nor as being lords over those entrusted to you” (1 Pet. 5:3). © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 21©. The minister should use creative power. 1) The power that restores relationships 2) The power that brings unity to the Body of Christ 3) The power that heals hurts 5. Jesus s the model for the right use of power in ministry. a. He rejected the use of self-serving, dominating power. b, He sought to include and love all, in spite of their sins. TH. Dual Relationships A E. Dual relationships — interacting with others in more than one capacity 1. Examples: a pastor acting as marriage counselor for the church secretary (employer/boss vs. sympathetic counselor) 2. Usually prohibited or discouraged in the helping professions Pastors - out of necessity - often have an overlapping of roles. Helpful ways for the pastor to monitor the state of his relationships: 1. Being honest with himself 2. Paying attention to his own needs 3. Satisfying personal needs in scripturally appropriate ways 4. Keeping the pastor's role as the primary role 5. Having a system of accountability in place to monitor relationships ‘The pastor has the responsibility to set and keep clear boundaries. Dual relationships have the potential for inappropriate behavior. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 22F. _ Pastors should seek deep relationships with peers. IV. Confidentiality A. What is confidentiality? 1. Defining the Scope a. In general, any information that is communicated in private while people are seeking spiritual or religious advice, aid or comfort from a representative of the Church should be considered confidential. b, The context in which the information is exchanged can confuse the issue: 1) Unlike other professionals, ministers and pastors often interact with their people in casual as well as official ways. 2. Ethical Foundations a. Personal dignity b, Benetits to self and society c. Fidelity and Trustworthiness 1) Allows a greater degree of disclosure because trust is assured. B. The Limits of Confidentiality 1. Civil Law: Statutes of Religious Privilege 2. “Privileged communication’ is recognized by the law as the public having an interest in holding inviolable the confidentiality of communication between people in special relationships a. The clergy-counselee relationship is called the “religious privilege.” b. Information given to a minister by those seeking counseling, religious guidance, comfort or aid cannot be used against them in court. A strong ease for privileged communication involves the following factors: ordained clergy, in their official capacity, giving spiritual advice. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 234. Non-ordained ministers, religious and lay s administrators, youth ministers, campus mi nized under "religious privilege. ritual directors, pastoral isters, etc. may not be recog- ©. "Religious privilege" has not been defined by federal law, so each state has its own statutes. Ethical Limits to Confidentiality 1. Balancing Trustworthiness and Jus ce a. Trustworthiness b. Justice 1) Looks beyond the interest of one person when the welfare of others is threatened, especially in the interest of the innocent and vulnerable a) Examples: child abuse, clder abuse, abuse of the disabled 2) Requires disclosure without permission if serious harm might occur if the information is suppressed 3). May be required by law in some states D. Professional Duties in Confidentiality 1, The success of the pastoral relationship depends on people’s trust that their privacy will be respected. 2. Pastors in dual relationships may find themselves with conflicts both real and perceived. E. Conflicts over Confidentiality 1. Conflicts over confidentiality are conflicts over power. 2. In ambiguous situa ns over confidentiality issues -- favor silence. When confidentiality must be broken because of the risk of great harm: a, Try to elicit a voluntary disclosure first b. If there is the possibility of great harm being done, disclose without per- mission © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 24€. Inform only those who have a need to know, d, Disclose only necessary information. F._ Betraying the Boundaries 1, Invasion of Privacy a, Doctors, lawyers, therapists acquize knowledge of clients in well-defined formal settings b. The lines are more blurred for ministers and pastors who see their charges under many circumstances, both formal and informal G. Gossip 1. Gossip is informal personal communication about people who are absent or treated as absent 2. This a form of invasion of privacy. 3. It causes moral and ethical problems. H. Suggestions for Maintaining Ethical Behavior Concerning Confidentiality 1. The presumption is always in favor of keeping the confidence of a pastoral relationship. Take necessary steps to ensure confidentiality in office procedures and record keeping. 3. Establish the boundaries and limits of what will be considered confidential and circumstances of disclosure. 4, Do not offer a blanket promise of confidentiality 5. Before promising to keep a secret, hear what it is about 6. Do not participate in gossip or assume the truth of another's opinion without establishing the foundation (Deuteronomy 19:15). 7. When the need for disclosure overrides confidentiality, try to elicit self disclosure 8. If we must disclose, tell only those with a need to know. © 2012 Life Christian University Ministerial Ethics Page 25