Code of Conduct Guide

Session 4: Pastoral Leadership

As a ministry leader, I will, to the best of my ability, commit to the following:

  1. I will promote truthfulness, transparency, and honesty in all of my work.
  2. I will use my power, authority, and position to build up the community of believers and seek first the kingdom of God.
  3. I will work within my trained competence, especially in counseling situations, and I will refer individuals to other professionals as appropriate.
  4. I will preach, teach, admonish, or discipline in ways that are biblical and Christlike, promoting the shalom and flourishing of those to whom I am ministering (2 Tim. 3:16).
  5. I will refrain in my pastoral care and counseling from using references to Scripture or God to manipulate, coerce, or threaten another person.
  6. I will disclose any perceived or actual conflict of interest.
     

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4

"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

For Discussion:

  1. According to 1 Peter 5:1-4, what are the marks of a good shepherd?
  2. What is the difference between church discipline and spiritual abuse?
  3. When you reflect on the role of an elder, deacon, pastor, or ministry leader, what falls within the scope of the role? What is beyond the role? What is theirs to do? What is not theirs to do? In what situations should a person be referred?

Prayer for Leaders

In these moments of silence, we think about the office we have been called to, and about the people we have been entrusted to serve. We hold these tenderly in our hands.

<cupped hands>

God, we ask for wisdom to know what is ours to hold on to and what is ours to let go of.  We ask for humility to know our own limits and humbly remain within them.

<pause>

With open hands we offer ourselves to you, O God. It is you who have called us to serve, and only you will equip our hands and our hearts to do so for the glory of your kingdom and the flourishing of your church. May we, with humility, shepherd your people.
Amen.