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Standards of
Ethical Conduct [* The examples are intended to be illustrative">
Standards of
Ethical Conduct [* The examples are intended to be illustrative, not
exhaustive.] As an ordained officer in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in
obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture and guided by our Confessions,
I affirm the vows made at my ordination, confirm that Jesus Christ is the
pattern for my life and ministry and, relying on God's grace, commit myself to
the following standards of ethical conduct. Ordination vows--G-14.0405b [ministers]; G-14.0207
[elders and deacons]: "(1) Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge him Lord
of all and Head of the Church, and through him believe in one God, Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit? "(2) Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to
be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ
in the Church universal, and God's Word to you? "(3) Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the
Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church as authentic
and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads us to believe and do, and
will you be instructed and led by those confessions as you lead the people
of God? "(4) Will you be a minister of the Word and Sacrament [elders and
deacons: Will you fulfill your office] in obedience to Jesus Christ, under
the authority of Scripture, and continually guided by our confessions? "(5) Will you be governed by our church's polity, and will you abide
by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your colleagues in ministry,
working with them, subject to the ordering of God's Word and Spirit? "(6) Will you in your own life seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ,
love your neighbors, and work for the reconciliation of the world? "(7) Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the
church? "(8) Will you seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence,
imagination, and love?" Ordination vows--G-14.0405b(9) [ministers] "(9) Will you be a faithful minister, proclaiming the good news in
Word and Sacrament, teaching faith, and caring for people? Will you be
active in government and discipline, serving in the governing bodies of the
church; and in your ministry will you try to show the love and justice of
Jesus Christ?" Ordination vows--G-14.0207 [elders and deacons]: "i. (For elder) Will you be a faithful elder, watching over the
people, providing for their worship, nurture, and service? Will you share in
government and discipline, serving in governing bodies of the church, and in
your ministry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ? "j. (For deacon) Will you be a faithful deacon, teaching charity,
urging concern, and directing the people's help to the friendless and those
in need? In your ministry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus
Christ?" Jesus Christ as pattern for my life and ministry Matthew 20:26-28: ". . . whoever wishes to be great among
you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be
your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and
to give his life a ransom for many." See also G-6.0101. Philippians 2: 1-5: "If then there is any encouragement in
Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion
and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same
love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition
or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let
each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus . . . ." See also I
Peter 1:15-16. C-9:24 (The Confession of 1967): "The new life finds its
direction in the life of Jesus, his deeds and words, his struggles against
temptation, his compassion, his anger, and his willingness to suffer
death." G-14.0103: "The purpose and pattern of leadership in the
church in all its forms of ministry shall be understood not in terms of
power but of service, after the manner of the servant ministry of Jesus
Christ." Relying on God's grace C-9.22-23 (The Confession of 1967): "The new life takes
shape in a community in which men know that God loves and accepts them in
spite of what they are. They therefore accept themselves and love others,
knowing that no man has any ground on which to stand, except God's grace. "The new life does not release a man from conflict with unbelief,
pride, lust, fear. He still has to struggle with disheartening difficulties
and problems. Nevertheless, as he matures in love and faithfulness in his
life with Christ, he lives in freedom and good cheer, bearing witness on
good days and evil days, confident that the new life is pleasing to God and
helpful to others." Commit myself to the following ethical standards I Corinthians 10:31-11:1: "So, whether you eat or drink, or
whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews
or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in
everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that
they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." Philippians 1:27: ". . . live your life in a manner worthy
of the gospel of Christ . . . ." James 1:22: "But be doers of the word, and not merely
hearers who deceive themselves." James 3:1: "Not many of you should become teachers, my
brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with
greater strictness." C-5.167 (Second Helvetic Confession): "SYNODS. Nevertheless, there ought to be proper discipline among
ministers. In synods the doctrine and life of ministers is to be carefully
examined. Offenders who can be cured are to be rebuked by the elders and
restored to the right way, and if they are incurable, they are to be
deposed, and like wolves driven away from the flock of the Lord by the true
shepherds." G-2.0200: "These confessional
statements are subordinate standards in the church, subject to the authority
of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, as the Scriptures bear witness to him.
While confessional standards are subordinate to the Scriptures, they are,
nonetheless, standards. They are not lightly drawn up or subscribed to, nor
may they be ignored or dismissed. The church is prepared to counsel with or
even to discipline one ordained who seriously rejects the faith expressed in
the confessions. . . ." I will conduct my life in a manner that is faithful to the gospel and
consistent with my public ministry. Titus 2:7-8: "Show yourself in all respects a model of good
works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that
cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing
evil to say of us." Hebrew 13:7: "Remember your leaders, those who spoke the
word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate
their faith." C-4.032 (Heidelberg Catechism): "Q. 32. But why are you called a Christian? "A. Because through faith I share in Christ and thus in his
anointing, so that I may confess his name, offer myself a living sacrifice
of gratitude to him, and fight against sin and the devil with a free and
good conscience." G-6.0106a: "To those called to exercise special functions
in the church --deacons, elders, and ministers of the Word and
Sacrament--God gives suitable gifts for their various duties. In addition to
possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, natural and acquired, those
who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong faith,
dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their
manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the
church and in the world." G-6.0202a: ". . . When a minister of the Word and Sacrament
is called as pastor or associate pastor of a particular church or churches,
she or he is to be responsible for a quality of life and relationships that
commend the gospel to all persons and that communicate its joy and its
justice. . . ." G-6.0303: "Elders should be persons of faith, dedication,
and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the
Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world. (G-6.0106)" G-6.0401: "The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture
is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ.
Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly
and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for
this office." Therefore I will: Exodus 20:8: "Remember the sabbath day, and keep it
holy." Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Romans 12:11-13: "Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit,
serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in
prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to
strangers." Ephesians 6:18: "Pray in the Spirit at all times in every
prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in
supplication for all the saints." I Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without
ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus for you." C-5.164 (Second Helvetic Confession): "But in order that
the minister may perform all these things better and more easily, it is
especially required of him that he fear God, be constant in prayer, attend
to spiritual reading, and in all things and at all times be watchful, and by
a purity of life to let his light to shine before all men." W-2.2004: "...Those responsible for teaching and preaching
the Word have a special responsibility to ensure that in their personal
worship they observe a discipline of reading from the fullness of
Scripture." W-2.2007: "...Preaching requires diligence and discernment
in the study of Scripture, the discipline of daily prayer, cultivated
sensitivity to events and issues affecting the lives of the people, and a
consistent and personal obedience to Jesus Christ." W-5.1004: "The life of a Christian is empowered by grace,
is expressed in obedience, and is shaped by discipline. God has given as
means of grace the elements of worship to be used by households and by
individuals as well as by congregations." W-5.2001: "Daily personal worship is a discipline for
attending to God and accepting God's grace. The daily challenge of
discipleship requires the daily nurture of worship. Daily personal worship
may occur in a gathered community of faith (W-1.1006; W-1.3012; W-3.4000),
in households and families (W-5.7000), or in private. Scripture, prayer,
self-offering, and commitments to service are elements of daily personal
worship. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are by their nature communal, but
preparing for and remembering these Sacraments are important in daily
personal worship. An aspect of the discipline of daily personal worship is
finding the times and places where one can focus on God's presence, hear
God's Word, and respond to God's grace in prayer, self-offering, and
commitment to service." W-5.5004-.5005: "Giving has always been a mark of Christian
commitment and discipleship. The ways in which a believer uses God's gifts
of material goods, personal abilities, and time should reflect a faithful
response to God's self-giving in Jesus Christ and Christ's call to minister
to and share with others in the world. Tithing is a primary expression of
the Christian discipline of stewardship. (W-1.3030; W-2.500) "Those who follow the discipline of Christian stewardship will find
themselves called to lives of simplicity, generosity, honesty, hospitality,
compassion, receptivity, and concern for the earth and God's creatures.
(W-7.500)" W-6.2006: "The primary standard and resource for the
nurture of the church is the Word of God in Scripture. The central occasion
for nurture in the church is the Service for the Lord's Day, when the Word
is proclaimed and the Sacraments are celebrated. All members of the
community, from oldest to youngest, are encouraged to be present and to
participate. . . ." - An elder always takes his ten-year-old daughter
to Sunday School and returns home to read the Sunday paper and drink a cup
of coffee. - A minister becomes so wrapped up in church
responsibilities that she drops her daily personal time for prayer and
study. + A deacon who teaches the high school Sunday
School class leads the class in establishing a recycling program. + When an elder's son asks why they say prayers
every night before they go to sleep, she explains why Christians pray and
the variety of prayers she says each day. I.2. Be honest and truthful in my relationships with others; Exodus 20:16: "You shall not bear false witness against
your neighbor." Ephesians 4:15: "...speaking the truth in love, we must
grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ...." Ephesians 4:25: "So then, putting away falsehood, let all
of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one
another." Colossians 3:9-10: "Do not lie to one another, seeing that
you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed
yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according
to the image of its creator." G-1.0304: "That truth is in order to
goodness; and the great touchstone of truth, its tendency to promote
holiness, according to our Savior's rule, 'By their fruits ye shall know
them.' And that no opinion can be either more pernicious or more absurd than
that which brings truth and falsehood upon a level, and represents it as of
no consequence what a man's opinions are. On the contrary, we are persuaded
that there is an inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth
and duty. Otherwise, it would be of no consequence either to discover truth
or to embrace it." - When a conflict arises in a church, the minister
tells only partial truths and withholds some of the relevant facts to avoid
taking appropriate responsibility for his actions. - An elder with access to the church's tax exempt
identification number uses it for his personal benefit. + A minister puts the wrong date in publicity for a
church-wide dinner. Instead of blaming the error on the church secretary,
she accepts responsibility for her mistake. + A deacon discovers an error in his favor on his
bill at the hardware store and returns to the store to correct the mistake. I.3. Be faithful, keeping the covenants I make and honoring marriage
vows; Genesis 21:22-34: Story of the covenant of Abraham with
Abimelech. Exodus 20:14: "You shall not commit adultery." Exodus 20:17: ". . . you shall not covet your neighbor's
wife. . . ." Matthew 19:4-6: "He answered, 'Have you not read that the
one who made them at the beginning "made them male and female,"
and said, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and
be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"? So they are
no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no
one separate." Hebrews 13:4: "Let marriage be held in honor by all, and
let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and
adulterers." C-6.123 (Westminster Confession of Faith): [Re: keeping
covenants] C-9.47 (Confession of 1967): ". . . Man's
perennial confusion about the meaning of sex has been aggravated in our day
by the availability of new means for birth control and the treatment of
infection, by the pressures of urbanization, by the exploitation of sexual
symbols in mass communication, and by world overpopulation. The church, as
the household of God, is called to lead men out of this alienation into the
responsible freedom of the new life in Christ. Reconciled to God, each
person has joy in and respect for his own humanity and that of other
persons; a man and woman are enabled to marry, to commit themselves to a
mutually shared life, and to respond to each other in sensitive and lifelong
concern; parents receive the grace to care for children in love and to
nurture their individuality. The church comes under the judgment of God and
invites rejection by man when it fails to lead men and women into the full
meaning of life together, or withholds the compassion of Christ from those
caught in the moral confusion of our time." G-6.0106b: "Those who are called to office in the church
are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the
historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the
requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage
between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons
refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions
call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or
ministers of the Word and Sacrament." [An amendment is before the presbyteries that would revise the language
of this section. This reference will reflect the current constitutional
language.] - A minister regularly promises to do more than is
humanly possible, undercutting the credibility of the office and
leading people to see her interest in them as shallow and short-lived. + An elder who finds himself attracted to a member
of a committee begins marriage counseling with his wife in order to
strengthen his marriage. + A single minister discusses with her session the
need for an office door with a window so that counseling sessions can be
confidential yet observed. + A Stephen Ministries Committee decides to make
home visits in teams after one of their Stephen Ministers is met by
parishioner wearing a swimming suit. I.4. Treat all persons with equal respect and concern as beloved
children of God; Exodus 23:9: "You shall not oppress a resident alien; you
know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt." Leviticus 19:15: "You shall not render
an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the
great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor." Matthew 25:37-40: "Then the righteous will answer him,
'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and
gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and
welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw
you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them,
'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are
members of my family, you did it to me.'" Mark 12:28-31: "One of the scribes came near and heard them
disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked
him, 'Which commandment is the first of all?' Jesus answered, 'The first is,
"Hear O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your
mind, and with all your strength." The second is this, "You shall
love your neighbor as yourself." There is no other commandment greater
than these." See also Matthew 19:19 and 22:39, Romans 13:9,
Galatians 5:14, James 2:8-9. Acts 10:34-35: "Then Peter began to
speak to them: 'I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in
every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to
him.'" I Corinthians 11:19-22: "Indeed, there have to be factions
among you, for only so will it become clear who among you are genuine. When
you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord's supper. For when the
time comes to eat, each of you goes ahead with your own supper, and one goes
hungry and another becomes drunk. What! Do you not have homes to eat and
drink in? Or do you show contempt for the church of God and humiliate those
who have nothing?" C-7.232 (Larger Catechism): "Q.122. What is the sum of the six Commandments which
contain our duty to man? "A. The sum of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man
is, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to do to others what we would
have them to do to us." C-8.19-.20 (Barmen Declaration): "'You know that the rulers
of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority
over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among
you must be your servant.' (Matt. 20:25, 26) "The various offices in the Church do not establish a dominion of
some over the others; on the contrary, they are for the exercise of the
ministry entrusted to and enjoined upon the whole congregation." C-9.44 (Confession of 1967): "God has created the peoples
of the earth to be one universal family. In his reconciling love, he
overcomes the barriers between brothers and breaks down every form of
discrimination based on racial or ethnic difference, real or imaginary. The
church is called to bring all men to receive and uphold one another as
persons in all relationships of life: in employment, housing, education,
leisure, marriage, family, church, and the exercise of political rights.
Therefore, the church labors for the abolition of all racial discrimination
and ministers to those injured by it. Congregations, individuals, or groups
of Christians who exclude, dominate, or patronize their fellowmen, however,
subtly, resist the Spirit of God and bring contempt on the faith they
profess." C-9.46 (Confession of 1967): ". . . A church that is
indifferent to poverty, or evades responsibility in economic affairs, or is
open to one social class only, or expects gratitude for its beneficence
makes a mockery of reconciliation and offers no acceptable worship to
God." G-6.0304: "It is the duty of elders, individually and
jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation
committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they should encourage
the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their
tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and
comfort and care for the people, with special attention to the poor, the
sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed." - A minister spends so much time with members whom
he particularly enjoys that he neglects pastoral care for the part of the
congregation towards whom he feels less affinity. - A session makes decisions favored by more
wealthy/active/powerful members of the church at the expense of less
noticeable members. + A minister makes an effort to talk with other members
of presbytery with whom she disagrees. + An elder on the personnel committee meets weekly for
coffee with the congregation's obnoxious custodian to provide moral support
during the custodian's divorce. I.5. Maintain a healthy balance among the responsibilities of my
office of ministry, my commitments to family and other primary relationships,
and my need for spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual renewal; Exodus 20:8-10: "Remember the sabbath day, and keep it
holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is
a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work . . ." Exodus 20:12: "Honor your father and your mother, so that
your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving
you." Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is
the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect." C-9.47 (Confession of 1967): See I.3. above. - A minister becomes so absorbed in local school
politics that he stops giving adequate pastoral care and leadership in
developing church programs. + A deacon negotiates with her family to schedule
one dinner hour a week organized around Scripture, prayer, and reflection on
family life before anyone flees to the Internet. + A session discusses the balance of
responsibilities the minister carries, so that the session understands her
work and the demands on her time and attention. The elders covenant to share
in the ministry more fully, expanding their understanding of ordination and
providing the minister adequate time to have meals with family, engage in
regular exercise, participate in a hobby or sport, and maintain a Sabbath. + A church secretary asks the session for
permission to take a church administration course offered by the continuing
education department at a local seminary in order to update her skills and
get some new ideas. I.6. Refrain from abusive, addictive, or exploitative behavior and
seek help to overcome such behavior if it occurs; Exodus 20:15: "You shall not steal." Proverbs 20:1: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
and whoever is led astray is not wise." Proverbs 23:29-35: "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has
strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness
of eyes? Those who linger late over wine, those who keep trying mixed wines.
Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes
down smoothly. At the last, it bits like a serpent, and stings like an
adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind utter perverse
things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one
who lies on the top of a mast. 'They struck me,' you will say, 'but I was
not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I will
seek another drink.'" I Corinthians 3:16-17: "Do you not know that you are God's
temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple,
God will destroy that person. For God's temple is holy, and you are that
temple." Galatians 5:13-15: "For you were called to freedom,
brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for
self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the
whole law is summed up in a single commandment, 'You shall love your
neighbor as yourself.' If, however, you bite and devour one another, take
care that you are not consumed by one another." C-7.251-.252 (Larger Catechism): "Q.141. What are the duties required in the Eighth
Commandment? "A. The duties required in the Eighth Commandment are: truth,
faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man;
rendering to everyone his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from
the right owners thereof; giving and lending freely, according to our
abilities, and the necessities of others; moderation of our judgments,
wills, and affections, concerning worldly goods; a provident care and study
to get, keep, use, and dispose of those things which are necessary and
convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our
condition; a lawful calling, and a diligence in it; frugality; avoiding
unnecessary lawsuits, and suretyship, or other like engagements; and an
endeavor by all just and lawful means to procure, preserve, and further the
wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own. "Q.142. What are the sins forbidden in the Eighth
Commandment? "A. The sins forbidden in the Eighth Commandment besides the neglect
of duties required, are: theft, robbery, man-stealing, and receiving
anything that is stolen; fraudulent dealing; . . . injustice and
unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, or in matters of trust; . .
. all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbor
what belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; covetousness, inordinate
prizing and affecting worldly goods; distrustful and distracting cares and
studies in getting, keeping, and using them; envying at the prosperity of
others; as likewise . . . we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate; and
defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God
hath given us." G-6.0106a: "Their manner of life should be a demonstration
of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world. They must have the
approval of God's people and the concurring judgment of a governing body of
the church." cf: Freedom and Substance Abuse. Adopted by the 205th General
Assembly (1993), 2f, (Minutes, 1993, Part I, p. 762): "Three principles guide this exploration of substance abuse. "(1) God wills wholeness for each person, and wills the healthy
interdependence of family and friends, congregation and community;
rather than the loneliness and alienation of dependency. "(2) The use of mind-altering substances is to be judged by
their effect on health, creativity, reason, conscience, and respect for
self and others. "(3) Reformed theology calls on believers as individuals,
households, congregations, denomination, and participant in society to
accept social responsibility for substance dependency and its public
consequences." - A minister continually yells at his inexperienced
secretary when she doesn't "read his mind" and do exactly what he
thought she should do. - An elder logs onto a sexually explicit web site
each night, gradually increasing his time online. + A minister takes education opportunities to develop
supervision skills to foster growth and professionalism in the staff. + A personnel committee of a session organizes an
intervention for an alcoholic minister of music in which members of the
committee, family, and choir participate. I.7. Refrain from gossip and abusive speech; and Exodus 20:16: "You shall not bear false witness against
your neighbor." Leviticus 19:16: "You shall not go around as a slanderer
among your people . . ." Proverbs 20:19: "A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not
associate with a babbler." II Timothy 2:16-17: "Avoid profane chatter, for it will
lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like
gangrene . . ." James 4:11-12: "Do not speak evil against one another,
brothers and sisters. Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another,
speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law,
you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge
who is able to save and to destroy. So who, then, are you to judge your
neighbor?" I Peter 2:1: "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and
all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander." C-7.254-.255 (Larger Catechism): See also C-4.112
(Heidelberg Catechism). "Q. 144. What are the duties required in the Ninth
Commandment? "A. The duties required in the Ninth Commandment are: the preserving
and promoting of truth between man and man, and the good name of our
neighbor, as well as our own; appearing and standing for the truth; and from
the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and
only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other things
whatsoever; a charitable esteem of our neighbors, loving, desiring, and
rejoicing in their good name; sorrowing for, and covering of their
infirmities; freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, defending their
innocency; a ready receiving of good report, and unwillingness to admit of
an evil report concerning them; discouraging talebearers, flatters, and
slanderers; love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need
requireth; keeping of lawful promises; studying and practicing of whatsoever
things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report. "Q. 145. What are the sins forbidden in the Ninth
Commandment? "A. The sins forbidden in the Ninth Commandment are: all prejudicing
of the truth, and the good name of our neighbors as well as our own,
especially in public judicature; . . . speaking untruth, lying, slandering,
backbiting, detracting, talebearing, whispering, scoffing, reviling; . .
." G-1.0304: See I.2 above. - A minister repeats a story about the mayor
without checking the facts. - An elder perpetuates an unverified rumor about
misuse of money by the denomination. - A member yells, swears, and calls the minister
names in order to intimidate the minister into a particular action. - A minister talks negatively about the chair of a
committee who won't acquiesce to the minister's wishes. + A recently ordained elder attempts to dispel
unfounded rumors about the personal life of the moderator of the property
committee when a conflict develops over a building renovation. I.8. Maintain an attitude of repentance and humility, responsive to
God's reconciling will. Psalms 51: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, blot out my
transgressions," et seq. Proverbs 28:13: "No one who conceals transgressions will
prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." Matthew 18:21-22: "Then Peter came and said to him, 'Lord,
if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive?
As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'Not seven times, but, I tell
you, seventy times seven.'" Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or
conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves." See
also Proverbs 22:4, I Peter 5:5-6. James 1:21: "Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and
rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that
has the power to save your souls." James 5:16: "Therefore confess your sins to one another,
and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the
righteous is powerful and effective." I John 1:8-9: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is
faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness." C-4.088-.089 (Heidelberg Catechism): See also C-4.090-.091. "Q. 88. How many parts are there to the true repentance or
conversion of man? "A. Two: the dying of the old self and the birth of the new. "Q. 89. What is the dying of the old self? "A. Sincere sorrow over our sins and more and more to hate them and
to flee from them." C-7.254-.255 (Larger Catechism): See I.7.
above. C-6.086 (Westminster Confession of Faith): "As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to
God, praying for the pardon thereof, upon which, and the forsaking of them,
he shall find mercy: so he that scandalizeth his brother, or the church of
Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession and sorrow
for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended; who are
thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him." C-9.21 (Confession of 1967): "The reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the life of
mankind. His cross and resurrection become personal crisis and present hope
for men when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. In this experience, the
Spirit brings God's forgiveness to men, moves them to respond in faith,
repentance, and obedience, and initiates the new life in Christ." - A minister threatens to sue whenever she disagrees with
the actions of presbytery concerning her behavior in the pastorate and the
possible dissolution of her pastoral relationship. - A trustee refuses to acknowledge mistakes,
blaming them on the financial secretary. + A minister organizes a feedback group to assist
in his growth and development and help him see past his blind spots. + A member apologizes for unkind words, mistaken
statements, or failure to follow through on task. I will conduct my ministry so that nothing need be hidden from a
governing body or colleagues in ministry. Joshua 7:19: "Then Joshua said to Achan, 'My son, give
glory to the Lord God of Israel and make confession to him. Tell me now what
you have done; do not hide it from me.'" Psalms 69:5: "O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have
done are not hidden from you." I John 1:5-7: ". . . God is light and in him there is no
darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are
walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in
the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one
another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." See
also Ephesians 5:8-12. G-1.0303: "That our blessed Savior,
for the edification of the visible Church, which is his body, hath appointed
officers, not only to preach the gospel and administer the Sacraments, but
also to exercise discipline, for the preservation of both truth and duty;
and that it is incumbent upon these officers, and upon the whole Church, in
whose name they act, to censure or cast out the erroneous and scandalous,
observing, in all cases, the rules contained in the Word of God." Therefore I will: II.1. Preach, teach and bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ
with courage, speaking the truth in love; Leviticus 19:15: See I.4.
above. II Samuel 12: Story of Nathan's encounter with David, the king
regarding Bathsheba, at v. 7: "Nathan said to David, 'You are the man!
Thus says the Lord . . .'" Jeremiah 26: "Jeremiah's Prophecies in the Temple."
See especially vs. 14-15: "But as for me, here I am in your hands. Do
with me as seems good and right to you. Only know for certain that if you
put me to death, you will be bringing innocent blood upon yourselves and
upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to
speak all these words in your ears." See also Jeremiah 28,
story of Jeremiah and the yokes of wood and iron. Acts 10:34: See I.4.
above. See also James 2:8-9. Acts, Chapters 24-26: Story of Paul's trial in Jerusalem and
imprisonment in Caesarea. See especially 26:22-23: "To this day I have
had help from God, and so I stand here, testifying to both small and great,
saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would take place: that
the Messiah must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead,
he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles." I Peter 3:13-18: "Now who will harm you if you are eager to
do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are
blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your
hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to
anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet
do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that,
when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ
may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering
should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also
suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order
to bring you to God." C-7.269 (Larger Catechism): "Q.159. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that
are called thereunto? "A. They that are called to labor in the ministry of the Word are to
preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season, and out of season, plainly,
not in the enticing word of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the
Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God. . .
." G-6.0304: "It is the duty of elders, individually and
jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation
committed to their charge. . . . They should cultivate their ability to
teach the Bible and may be authorized to supply places which are without the
regular ministry of the Word and Sacrament." G-6.0402: "It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to
minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to
any who may be in distress. They shall assume such other duties as may be
delegated to them from time to time by the session." G-14.0801c: "When a presbytery, in consultation with the
session or other responsible committee, determines that its strategy for
mission in a local church requires it, and after additional instruction
deemed necessary by the presbytery has been provided, a presbytery may
authorize a commissioned lay pastor to perform any or all of the following
functions described in (1)-(6) below." - A minister fails to address a particular issue from the
pulpit even though the text and context warrant it because she knows it will
offend a member of the congregation. - A minister does not express his opinion openly
regarding local pollution because he pastors a church in a small company
town. + A deacon risks addressing racism and poverty in
his affluent Anglo congregation even though he suspects the challenge will
not be welcome. + An elder defends a person under her supervision
from racist attacks from the elders's own supervisor. II.2. Honor the sacred trust of relationships within the covenant
community and observe appropriate boundaries; Genesis 38: Story of Judah and Tamar. Genesis 39: Story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife. Psalms 55:20: "My companion laid hands on a friend and
violated a covenant with me. . . ." Matthew 26:48-49: "Now the betrayer had given them a sign,
saying, 'The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.' At once he came up to
Jesus and said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed him." C-4.105: "Q.105. What does God require in the sixth commandment? "A. That I am not to abuse, hate, injure, or kill my neighbor,
either with thought, or by word or gesture, much less by deed, whether by
myself or through another, but to lay aside all desire for revenge; and that
I do not harm myself or willfully expose myself to danger. This is why the
authorities are armed with the means to prevent murder." G-3.0101b: "God liberated the people of Israel from
oppression; God covenanted with Israel to be their God and they to be God's
people, that they might do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the
Lord; God confronted Israel with the responsibilities of this covenant,
judging the people for their unfaithfulness while sustaining them by divine
grace." Cf: Sexual Misconduct Policy and Its Procedures.
Adopted by the 205th General Assembly (1993) (Minutes, 1993, Part
I, p. 572), Section II.B.2, Standards of Conduct: "Sexual misconduct is a misuse of authority and power that breaches
Christian ethical principles by misusing a trust relation to gain advantage
over another for personal pleasure in an abusive, exploitative, and unjust
manner. If the parishioner, student, client, or employee initiates or
invites sexual content in the relationship, it is the pastor's, counselor's,
officer's, or supervisor's responsibility to maintain the appropriate role
and prohibit a sexual relationship." - A single minister has sexual relationships with a
single member of his congregation. - A minister of pastoral care whose primary role is
counseling fails to arrange for regular supervision. - A male head of staff begins each staff meeting with a
brief devotional period, then transitions into the business of the meeting
by telling an off-color joke. The nervous laughter of the staff (both male
and female) registers their disapproval of this behavior. The head of staff
considers the laughter as reinforcement and refuses to stop the behavior. - A single minister who desires to date a member of
the congregation arranges for spiritual direction and counseling to explore
the meaning of that desire. + A church's youth director arranges for an
adequate number of male and female adult chaperones for every youth trip
event. II.3. Be judicious in the exercise of the power and privileges of my
office and positions of responsibility I hold; II Samuel, Chapters 11 and 12: Story of David and Bathsheba. Matthew 20:25-28: "But Jesus called them to him and said,
"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their
great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever
wishes to be great among you must be your servant; and whoever wishes to be
first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be
served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." Matthew 23:8, 10-12: "But you are not to be called rabbi,
for you have one teacher, and you are all students. . . . Nor are you to be
called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest
among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled,
and all who humble themselves will be exalted." I Peter 5:1-3: "Now as an elder myself and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed,
I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your
charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God
would have you do it--not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over
those in your charge, but be examples to the flock." C-5.157 (Second Helvetic Confession): "THE POWER OF MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH. Now, therefore, it is fitting
that we also say something about the power and duty of the ministers of the
Church. Concerning this power some have argued industriously, and to it have
subjected everything on earth, even the greatest things, and they have done
so contrary to the commandment of the Lord who has prohibited dominion for
his disciples and has highly commended humility (Luke 22:24 ff.; Matt. 18:3
f.; 20:25 ff.) There is, indeed, another power that is pure and absolute,
which is called the power of right. According to this power all things in
the whole world are subject to Christ, who is Lord of all, as he himself has
testified when he said: 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given
to me' (Matthew 28:18), and again, 'I am the first and the last, and behold
I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Hades and Death' (Rev.
1:18); also, 'He has the key of David, which opens and no one shall shut,
who shuts and no one opens' (Rev. 3:7)." C-9.40 (Confession of 1967): ". . .
Different orders have served the gospel, and none can claim exclusive
validity. A presbyterian polity recognizes the responsibility of all members
for ministry and maintains the organic relation of all congregations in the
church. It seeks to protect the church from exploitation by ecclesiastical
or secular power and ambition." G-1.0307: "That all Church power,
whether exercised by the body in general or in the way of representation by
delegated authority, is only ministerial and declarative; that is to say,
that the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners; that no
Church governing body ought to pretend to make laws to bind the conscience
in virtue of their own authority; and that all their decisions should be
founded upon the revealed will of God. Now though it will easily be admitted
that all synods and councils may err, through the frailty inseparable from
humanity, yet there is much greater danger from the usurped claim of making
laws than from the right of judging upon laws already made, and common to
all who profess the gospel, although this right, as necessity requires in
the present state, be lodged with fallible men." G-6.0102: "One responsibility of membership in the church
is the election of officers who are ordained to fulfill particular
functions. The existence of these offices in no way diminishes the
importance of the commitment of all members to the total ministry of the
church. These ordained officers differ from other members in function
only." G-11.0403b: "The ministry shall be one that serves others,
aids others, and enables the ministries of others." G 14.0405b(5), G-14.0207e: See ordination
vows above at Introduction. W-7.4002: "Reconciliation: Justice and Peace: "Justice is the order God sets in human life for fair and honest
dealing and for giving rights to those who have no power to claim rights for
themselves. The biblical vision of doing justice calls for "a. dealing honestly in personal and public business, "b. exercising power for the common good, "c. supporting people who seek the dignity, freedom, and respect
that they have been denied, "d. working for fair laws and just administration of the law, "e. welcoming the stranger in the land, "f. seeking to overcome the disparity between rich and poor, "g. bearing witness against political oppression and
exploitation, "h. redressing wrongs against individuals, groups, and peoples
in the church, in this nation, and in the whole world. - A head of staff calls upon others to take assignments
without giving time to prepare, changes schedule without warning, does tasks
that fall in others' areas of responsibilities. + The chair of the nominating committee keeps before the
committee and the session the importance of extending opportunities to
serve, to be looking for "Who is not here." + A minister sees that the new chair of the property
committee is insecure with her new responsibility and devotes special time
for leadership training, enabling her to do this job well. + A minister gathers information for the session and
invites outside resource persons to assist the session regarding how to
invest a large bequest. 43.0074 II.4. Avoid conflicts of interest that might
compromise the effectiveness of my ministry; Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters; for a slave
will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and
despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." See also Luke
16:13. G-6.0202a: ". . . When a minister of the Word and Sacrament
is called as pastor or associate pastor of a particular church or churches,
she or he is to be responsible for a quality of life and relationships that
commend the gospel to all persons and that communicate its joy and its
justice." - An elder recommends buying insurance coverage
whose premiums are higher than those of another agent because she is related
to the first agent. - A minister tries to persuade an auto mechanic
member of the congregation to provide free service for her car. - A minister has a joint discretionary bank account
with the church that no one is permitted to review. + A minister whose spouse owns a local business
encourages her not to solicit business or clients from the congregation. + A Committee on Ministry member recuses himself
from the committee's discussion of a conflict in the congregation where he
is pastor. II.5. Refrain from exploiting relationships within the covenant
community for personal gain or gratification, including sexual harassment and
misconduct as defined by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) policy; II Samuel 11: David and Bathsheba story. Psalms 55:20: "My companion laid hands on a friend and
violated a covenant with me." C-5.157 (Second Helvetic Confession): "THE POWER OF MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH." See II.3.
above. C-9.47 (Confession of 1967): See I.3.
above. D-10.0401: "b. Sexual abuse of another person is any offense involving sexual
conduct in relation to "(1) any person under the age of eighteen years or anyone over
the age of eighteen years without the mental capacity to consent; or "(2) any person when the conduct includes force, threat,
coercion, intimidation, or misuse of office or position." Cf: Sexual Misconduct Policy and Its Procedures at II.2.
above. - A minister requests loans and gifts from a
parishioner, i.e., an auto loan, tickets to sports events, or use of a
vacation home. - A minister uses a church member's business
connections to lobby the chairperson of a pastor nominating committee in
another church where the minister is seeking a new call. + A tent-making minister refrains from soliciting
business for his secular employment from members of the church. + An elder, acting as youth group sponsor,
sensitively declines sexual invitation by teenager from an abusive home and
assists teen to find counselor. II.6. Respect the privacy of individuals and not divulge information
obtained in confidence without express permission, unless an individual is a
danger to self or others; Proverbs 11:13: "A gossip goes about telling secrets, but
one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence." Proverbs 25:9-10: "Argue your case with your neighbor
directly, and do not disclose another's secret; or else someone who hears
you will bring shame upon you, and your ill repute will have no end." C-7.254-.255 (Larger Catechism): See I.7.
above. cf: A Resolution on Clergy Confidentiality. Adopted by the 199th
General Assembly (1987) ". . . the 199th General Assembly (1987) of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.): "1. Reaffirms the historic position of the Presbyterian Church
that it is a spiritual and professional duty of clergy to hold in
confidence matters revealed to them in their counseling, caring, and
confessional ministries, and that being called to testify in a court of
law does not negate this sacred obligation, the law of God being prior
to the laws of human courts." D-9.0101: "A member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who
feels injured by rumor or gossip may request an inquiry for vindication by
submitting to the clerk of session or stated clerk of the presbytery a clear
narrative and statement of alleged facts." - A minister uses confidential information as
thinly veiled sermon illustrations. - An elder tells a church member about the personal
problems shared during a session's prayer time. + At the presbytery's request, a session maintains
confidentiality concerning allegations of embezzlement by the pastor until
the presbytery's investigation process is complete. + A minister breaks the bond of confidentiality
when he knows a child is abused and at risk for suicide. II.7. Recognize the limits of my own gifts and training, and refer
persons and tasks to others as appropriate; Romans 12:3-8: "For by the grace given to me I say to
everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to
think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of
faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and
not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one
body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have
gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in
proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the
exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in
diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness." Ephesians 4:7, 11-12: "But each of us was given grace
according to the measure of Christ's gift. . . . The gifts he gave were that
some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and
teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the
body of Christ, . . ." See also I Corinthians 3:6-7. C-5.151(Second Helvetic Confession): "ORDINATION. And those who are elected are to be ordained by the
elders with public prayer and laying on of hands. Here we condemn all those
who go off of their own accord, being neither chosen, sent, nor ordained (Jer.
ch 23). We condemn unfit ministers and those not furnished with the
necessary gifts of a pastor." G-6.0105: "Both men and women shall be eligible to hold
church offices. When women and men, by God's providence and gracious gifts,
are called by the church to undertake particular forms of ministry, the
church shall help them to interpret their call and to be sensitive to the
judgments and needs of others. As persons discover the forms of ministry to
which they are called, and as they are called to new forms, they and the
church shall pray for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit upon them
and upon the mission of the Church." W-1.1005a.: ". . . The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, orders
and empowers the new community of the covenant. To each member, that Spirit
gives gifts for building up the body of Christ and for equipping it for the
work of ministry." W-6.3003-.3004: "Some in the community of faith who have
special gifts and appropriate training are called in the church to the
particular ministry of pastoral counseling with individuals and with groups
formed for this purpose. "In certain circumstances the ministry of pastoral care may call for
referral to specialized ministers or others qualified by credentials and
faith-perspective to provide appropriate counseling or therapy." - A minister advises members on their financial
investments and retirement planning. - A minister continues to counsel a member even
though the person's needs are beyond the minister's level of competence. + A minister declines to serve as executor of a
member's estate. + A church preschool director refers parents of
deeply troubled toddler to child psychologist. II.8. Claim only those qualifications actually attained, give
appropriate credit for all sources used in sermons, papers, music, and
presentations, and observe copyrights; Exodus 20:15: "You shall not steal." Proverbs 20:17: "Bread gained by deceit is sweet, but
afterward the mouth will be full of gravel." Romans 13:7: "Pay to all what is due them--taxes to whom
taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is
due, honor to whom honor is due." Galatians 6:3: "For if those who are nothing think they are
something, they deceive themselves." C-7.251-.252 (Larger Catechism): See I.6.
above. See also C-4.110 (Heidelberg Catechism). - A minister purchases books of published sermons
and preaches them as her own, and uses prayers for worship published by
others without citing the source. - A music director photocopies music for the
choir's use. - A minister censured by presbytery for sexual
misconduct deletes the final page required page of his personal Information
Form (certifying no sexual misconduct findings or charges) as he seeks a new
call. - A church member who is a therapist is found to
have misrepresented his professional qualifications. + An elder who is a church educator gives proper
credit for copyrighted intergenerational materials and lesson plans instead
of using them as if they are her own. II.9. Refrain from incurring indebtedness which might compromise my
ministry; Exodus 20:15: "You shall not steal." Proverbs 22:7: "The rich rules over the poor, and the
borrower is the slave of the lender." Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13: See II.4.
above. Luke 12:29-31: "And do not keep striving for what you are
to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the
nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father
knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things
will be given to you as well." Romans 13:8: "Owe no one anything, except to love one
another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." Hebrews 13:5: "Keep your lives from the love of money, and
be content with what you have; for he has said, 'I will never leave you or
forsake you.'" C-7.251-.252 (Larger Catechism): See I.6.
above. - A minister with heavy seminary debts and
undergraduate guaranteed student loans defaults on the student loans and is
later embarrassed by being pursued by the government for defaulting. - A minister buys expensive furniture from a church
member who owns a furniture store. When the minister moves to a new call,
none of the debt has been satisfied and the store owner pursues collection
through the new presbytery. + Presbytery's Committee on Ministry makes
financial management counseling and assistance with debt available as a part
of its service to ministers. A minister with large debts seeks and accepts
financial management counseling. II.10. Be a faithful steward of and fully account for funds and
property entrusted to me; Exodus 20:15: "You shall not steal." Luke 16:1-3, 10-13: "Then Jesus said to the disciples,
'There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him
that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to
him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your
management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.'. . . Whoever is
faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest
in a very little is dishonest also in much. . . . if you have not been
faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?
No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and
love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot
serve God and wealth." I Corinthians 4:1-2: "Think of us in this way, as servants
of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. Moreover, it is required of
stewards that they be found trustworthy." C-7.251-.252 (Larger Catechism): See I.6. above. - A wealthy church member learns that the
minister has been enriching his family for five years with frequent
thousand dollar gifts that the member had intended for the church's
emergency fund. - An elder who serves as treasurer pays her
personal bills with church funds. + At the end of the year, a minister discovers
that she was overpaid for continuing education expenses and returns the
money to the church. + A minister starts an accounting system for the
pastor's discretionary fund with accountability to the finance committee. II.11. Observe limits set by the appropriate governing body for honoraria,
personal business endeavors, and gifts or loans from persons other than
family; Exodus 23:8: "You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds
the officials, and subverts the cause of those who are in the right." Ecclesiastes 7:7: "Surely oppression makes the wise
foolish, and a bribe corrupts the heart." Acts 4:32-5:11: See story of Ananias and Sapphira's sale of
land, concealing their holdback of part of the proceeds forwarded to the
congregation. I John 2:15-16: "Do not love the world or the things in
the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for
all that is in the world--the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes,
the pride in riches--comes not from the Father but from the world." C-7.251 (Larger Catechism): See I.6.
above. G-10.0102n: [The session . . . has the responsibility and
power] "to provide for the administration of the program of the
church, including . . . personnel policies, and the annual review of the
adequacy of compensation for all staff . . ." G-11.0103f: [The presbytery . . . has the responsibility and
power] "to provide encouragement, guidance, and resources to its
member churches in the areas of . . . equitable compensation, personnel
policies, and fair employment practices;" G-12.0102f: [Synod . . . has the responsibility and power]
"to consult with its member presbyteries with regard to . . .
equitable compensation, personnel policies, and fair employment
practices;" G-13.0201i: [. . . General Assembly . . . Council . . . shall
have the following responsibilities:] "to consult with the synods
with regard to equitable compensation, personnel policies, and fair
employment practices;" - Without disclosing his sources, a minister
accepts expensive gifts from wealthy members and friends of the church,
such as season tickets to sports events, membership in the local country
club, all-expenses paid cruises, use of vacation houses, new cars, and
payment of private school or college tuition for his children. + A minister receives two frequent flier tickets
as a gift from a church member in order to take a winter vacation in a
warm climate. When negotiating with the session for the time away, the
minister discloses the gift of the tickets. + A presbytery staff member trained as a
certified leader in a program area is asked to help a congregation in
another presbytery. He discusses with the personnel committee whether an
honorarium may be received, and what limitations should apply. + A tent-making minister entering a new
presbytery negotiates the secular part of employment with the Committee on
Ministry and shares the details with the session so that all parties are
aware of the extent of this employment and its compensation. II.12. Accept the discipline of the church and the appropriate guidance of
those to whom I am accountable for my ministry; Joshua 7: Story of Achan. See especially vs.19-20: "Then
Joshua said to Achan, 'My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and
make confession to him. Tell me now what you have done; do not hide it
from me.' "And Achan answered Joshua, 'It is true! I am the one who sinned
against the Lord God of Israel. This is what I did.'" II Corinthians 5:19-20: ". . . in Christ God was
reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against
them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are
ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we
entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." I Thessalonians 5:12-13: "But we
appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you,
and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very
highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves." C-5.165 (Second Helvetic Confession): "DISCIPLINE. And since discipline is an absolute necessity in the
Church and excommunication was once used in the time of the early fathers,
and there were ecclesiastical judgments among the people of God, wherein
this discipline was exercised by wise and godly men, it also falls to
ministers to regulate this discipline for edification, according to the
circumstances of the time, public state, and necessity. At all times and
in all places the rule is to be observed that everything is to be done for
edification, decently and honorably, without oppression and strife. For
the apostle testifies that authority in the Church was given to him by the
Lord for building up and not for destroying (II Cor. 10:8). And the Lord
himself forbade the weeds to be plucked up in the Lord's field, because
there would be danger lest the wheat also be plucked up with it. (Matt.
13:29f.)." C-5.167
(Second Helvetic Confession): See Above, Introduction, "Commit
myself to the following ethical standards." C-6.109 (Westminster Confession of Faith): "God alone is
Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and
commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside
it in matters of faith or worship. So that to believe such doctrines, or
to obey such commandments out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of
conscience; and the requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and
blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason
also." See also G-1.0301. G-1.0302: "That, in perfect consistency with the above
principle of common right, every Christian Church, or union or association
of particular churches, is entitled to declare the terms of admission into
its communion, and the qualifications of its ministers and members, as
well as the whole system of its internal government which Christ hath
appointed; that in the exercise of this right they may, not withstanding,
err, in making the terms of communion either too lax or too narrow; yet,
even in this case, they do not infringe upon the liberty or the rights of
others, but only make an improper use of their own." G-1.0305: ". . . while under the conviction of the above
principle we think it necessary to make effectual provision that all who
are admitted as teachers be sound in the faith, we also believe that there
are truths and forms with respect to which men of good characters and
principles may differ. And in all these we think it the duty both of
private Christians and societies to exercise mutual forbearance toward
each other." See also G-1.0307 at II.3.
above. G-2.0200:
See Introduction above, "Commit myself to the following ethical
standards." G-6.0108: "a. It is necessary to the integrity and health of the church that
the persons who serve in it as officers shall adhere to the essentials of
the Reformed faith and polity as expressed in The Book of Confessions
and the Form of Government. So far as may be possible without serious
departure from these standards, without infringing on the rights and views
of others, and without obstructing the constitutional governance of the
church, freedom of conscience with respect to the interpretation of
Scripture is to be maintained. "b. It is to be recognized, however, that in becoming a candidate
or officer of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) one chooses to exercise
freedom of conscience within certain bounds. His or her conscience is
captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church
so long as he or she continues to seek or hold office in that body. The
decision as to whether a person has departed from essentials of Reformed
faith and polity is made initially by the individual concerned but
ultimately becomes the responsibility of the governing body in which he or
she serves. (G-1.0301; G-1.0302)" G-14.0405b(3) (5), G-14.0207c, e: See ordination
vows above at Introduction. D-1.0101: "Church discipline is the church's exercise of
authority given by Christ, both in the direction of guidance, control, and
nurture of its members and in the direction of constructive criticism of
offenders. Thus, the purpose of discipline is to honor God by making clear
the significance of membership in the body of Christ; to preserve the
purity of the church by nourishing the individual within the life of the
believing community; to correct or restrain wrongdoing in order to bring
members to repentance and restoration; to restore the unity of the church
by removing the causes of discord and division; and to secure the just,
speedy, and economical determination of proceedings. In all respects,
members are to be accorded procedural safeguards and due process, and it
is the intention of these rules so to provide." - An elder whose viewpoint does not prevail at a
session meeting threatens to resign unless the decision is reversed. - In a triennial visit, the Committee on Ministry
discovers that a minister is making improper use of a pastor's
discretionary fund. The minister refuses to discuss this matter with COM,
insisting that this is purely between the minister and the session. + A minister refuses to leave the session meeting
during a triennial visit, seeing no value in giving the elders a chance to
discuss anything on their minds which they might be uncomfortable saying
in her presence. + When asked to conduct a private baptism for the
grandchild of a church member, a minister uses The Book of
Confessions to explain that baptism is an act of the covenant
community to be conducted in the context of corporate worship. Even when
the member suggests that no one needs to know about the baptism
and offers a substantial honorarium, the minister holds firm. II.13. Participate in continuing education and seek the counsel of
mentors and professional advisors; Psalms 32:8-9: "I will instruct you and teach you the way
you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Do not be like a
horse or a mule without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit
and bridle, else it will not stay near you." Proverbs 9:9: "Give instruction to the wise, and they will
become wiser still; teach the righteous, and they will gain in
learning." Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in
your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God." Titus 1:9: "He must have a firm grasp of the word that is
trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to
preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it." Re mentoring: Note especially Paul's relation to Timothy, as
expressed in I Timothy: 4:16: "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching;
continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself
and your hearers." 6:20-21: "Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid
the profane chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called
knowledge; by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the
faith. "Grace be with you." II Timothy 3:10-11; 14-17: "Now you have observed my
teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my
steadfastness, my persecutions and suffering the things that happened to me
in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. . . . But as for you, continue in what you
have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how
from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct
you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired
by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for
training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be
proficient, equipped for every good work. C-9.49 (Confession of 1967): ". . . effective preaching,
teaching, and personal witness require disciplined study of both the Bible
and the contemporary world." G-10.0102k: [re: the session's responsibility and power]:
"to engage in a process for education and mutual growth of the members
of the session;" G-11.0103f: "The presbytery is responsible for the mission
and government of the church throughout its geographical district. It
therefore has the responsibility and power . . . to provide encouragement,
guidance, and resources to its member churches in the areas of leadership
development, church officer training, . . ." G-14.0305j(2): "By the end of the candidacy phase, each
candidate to be ordained shall demonstrate readiness to begin ministry of
the Word and Sacrament by . . . presenting evidence of readiness to
participate in a calling presbytery's plan for transition and of plans for
continuing study and growth . . ." G-14.0801d: "The commissioned lay pastor shall work under
the supervision of the presbytery through the moderator of the session of
the church being served or through the committee on ministry. A minister of
the Word and Sacrament shall be assigned as a mentor and supervisor." Cf. Minutes of the 204th General Assembly (1992), ACC Opinion L,
paragraphs 21.257-.258, p. 323. "Request 89-6 asks whether elders and deacons who have been
previously ordained and, at a later time, reelected to be active officers
may be required by session to be trained or examined for their new service. "Session may require such training or examination under Book of
Order, G-10.0102j that lists as one of the responsibilities and powers
of a session 'to engage in a process for education and mutual growth of the
members of the session.'" - A minister fails to participate in any continuing
education program, merely spending his study leave money on books for his
library. - A minister diverts continuing education funds to
vacation activities. + An elder participates in presbytery-sponsored lay
spirituality training events. + A presbytery designs a mentoring program for
every pastor entering the presbytery. II.14. Deal honorably with the record of my predecessor and upon
leaving a ministry or office, speak and act in ways that support the ministry of
my successor; Deuteronomy 34:9: "Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit
of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites
obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses." II Kings 2:1-14: Elisha inherits Elijah's mantle. Romans 13:7: "Pay to all what is due them--taxes to whom
taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is
due, honor to whom honor is due." I Corinthians 3:3-9: ". . . For as long
as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and
behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, 'I belong to
Paul,' and another, 'I belong to Apollos,' are you not merely human? "What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came
to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but
God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is
anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one
who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to
the labor of each. For we are God's servants, working together; you are
God's field, God's building." C-5.155 (Second Helvetic Confession): "THE NATURE OF THE MINISTERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Paul explains
simply and briefly what we are to think of the ministers of the New
Testament or of the Christian Church, and what we are to attribute to them.
'This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the
mysteries of God' (I Cor. 4:1). Therefore, the apostle wants us to think of
ministers as ministers. Now the apostle calls them uphretaV, rowers, who
have their eyes fixed on the coxswain, and so men who do not live for
themselves or according to their own will, but for others--namely, their
masters, upon whose command they altogether depend. For in all his duties
every minister of the Church is commanded to carry out only what he has
received in commandment from his Lord, and not to indulge his own free
choice. And in this case it is expressly declared who is the Lord, namely,
Christ; to whom the ministers are subject in all the affairs of the
ministry." G-14.0405b(5), (7), G-14.0207e and g: See ordination
vows above at Introduction. - A minister talks openly about the mistakes her
predecessor made and characterizes him as a poor pastor and administrator. + A new minister takes his predecessor to a lunch
at which they agree that when a family in the church asks that previous
pastor to conduct a wedding or funeral, the new pastor will conduct
the service, assisted by the previous pastor. + A congregation celebrates the accomplishments of prior
ministries at anniversaries of the church. + A former pastor is approached by members of the
congregation complaining about the new pastor. The former refers the members
back to their new pastor for candid conversation. **II.15. Participate in the life of a ministry setting I left or from
which I have retired only as directed by presbytery; [** These standards apply only to pastors; they also apply to Commissioned
Lay Pastors when they are performing pastoral functions.] I Corinthians 3:3-9: See II.14.
above. C-5.155 (Second Helvetic Confession): See II.14.
above. G-11.0502: (Re: Committee on Ministry) "f. It shall counsel with sessions regarding stated supplies,
interim pastors, interim co-pastors, interim associate pastors, and
temporary supplies when a church is without a pastor, and it shall provide
lists of pastors, commissioned lay pastors, and qualified lay persons who
have been trained and commissioned by the presbytery to supply vacant
pulpits. Concurrence of the presbytery through its committee on ministry is
required when a session invites an interim pastor, interim co-pastor, or
interim associate pastor as provided for in G-14.0513b and c. . . . "i. It shall serve as an instrument of presbytery for promoting the
peace and harmony of the churches, especially in regard to matters arising
out of the relations between ministers and churches. . . ." G-14.0405b(7), G-14.0207g: See ordination
vows above at Introduction. G-14.0605: "When any pastor or associate pastor retires,
and the congregation is moved by affection and gratitude to continue an
association in an honorary relationship, it may, at a regularly called
congregational meeting, elect him or her as pastor emeritus or emerita, with
or without honorarium, but with no pastoral authority or duty. This action
shall be taken only after consultation with the committee on ministry of the
presbytery concerning the wisdom of this relationship for the peace of the
church. This action shall be subject to the approval of presbytery, and may
take effect upon the formal dissolution of the pastoral or associate
pastoral relationship or anytime thereafter." - A minister who moves from one church in a
metropolitan area to another undermines the continuing ministry of her
former parish by encouraging persons from that church to transfer their
memberships to her new church. - A minister moves seven hundred miles away from
his former parish, but five years later continues to accept telephone calls
from elders and to comment on issues before the session. + A minister whose retirement date is six
months away declines to recommend names of interim pastors to the session as
his replacement, telling the session that Committee on Ministry will provide
them with such names. + On the last Sunday prior to leaving a call to
become chaplain at a nearby hospital, a minister reads to the congregation
the presbytery's ethics policy for ministers who leave a call. The departing
minister assures the members of his love for each of them and indicates that
all member contact by him will cease. **II.16. Provide pastoral services for a congregation I previously
served only as directed by the presbytery and provide pastoral services to
members of other congregations only with the consent of their pastors; and [** These standards apply only to pastors; they also apply to Commissioned
Lay Pastors when they are performing pastoral functions.] I Corinthians 3:3-9: See II.14.
above. C-5.155 (Second Helvetic Confession): See II.14.
above. G-14.0405b(5): See ordination vows at Introduction. [Part IV,
first section] G-14.0606: "Former pastors, associate
pastors, and assistant pastors may officiate at services for members of a
particular church, or at services within its properties, only upon
invitation from the moderator of the session or, in case of the inability to
contact the moderator, from the clerk of session." - A minister leaves youth work in a Presbyterian
church to work for a nearby church of another denomination in direct
competition for the youth of the community. - A minister agrees to do wedding for charter member's
granddaughter without first talking with his successor and being invited to
participate. + A minister from a small town is in the city making
hospital calls when she discovers that an elder whom she knows from a
presbytery committee is in the hospital. She contacts the elder's pastor
before stopping in for a brief pastoral visit with the elder. + A minister calls her successor before agreeing to
participate in the funeral of a close friend in that congregation. **II.17. Consult with the committee on ministry in presbytery of
residence regarding my involvement in any ministry setting during my retirement. [** These standards apply only to pastors; they also apply to Commissioned
Lay Pastors when they are performing pastoral functions.] I Corinthians 3:19-23: "For the wisdom of this world is
foolishness with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their
craftiness,' and again, 'The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they
are futile.' So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are
yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or
the present or the future--all belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and
Christ belongs to God." G-11.0412b: "Honorably retired ministers are encouraged to
transfer their membership to the presbytery in which they live and the
presbytery is encouraged to receive them. If they are active in presbytery,
additional elders may be elected to keep a proper balance between ministers
and lay persons at the presbytery meetings. (G-11.0101b) Presbyteries should
encourage honorably retired ministers to use their experience and skills in
creative and meaningful ways. Those who are able and willing to reengage in
ministry and service to others should relate to a particular church or
presbytery. For those who do not or cannot, the presbytery should provide
nurture and support." G-14.0606: See II.16.
above. - A retired minister moves to a new community and
strikes up a friendship with the associate pastor of the church where he
worships. He is drawn into becoming the associate's advocate as the
Committee on Ministry and the session negotiate with the Associate Pastor
about leaving the call. - A retired minister joins a holistic health clinic
as its "spiritual advisor" without contacting the Committee on
Ministry. + A retired minister who moved to a new presbytery
approaches Committee on Ministry to offer his services for supply preaching
and for moderating sessions of churches without an installed pastor. + A retired minister requests permission to act as
the chaplain in a retirement home located within a presbytery that is not
his presbytery of membership. I will participate as a partner with others in the ministry and
mission of the church universal. Galatians 6:9-10: "So let us not grow weary in doing what
is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. So then,
whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and
especially for those of the family of faith." C-5.127 (Second Helvetic Confession): "PARTS OR FORMS OF THE CHURCH. The Church is divided into different
parts or forms; not because it is divided or rent asunder in itself, but
rather because it is distinguished by the diversity of the numbers that are
in it." G-4.0200-.0203: "The unity of the
Church is a gift of its Lord and finds expression in its faithfulness to the
mission to which Christ calls it. The Church is fellowship of believers
which seeks the enlargement of the circle of faith to include all people and
is never content to enjoy the benefits of Christian community for itself
alone. "There is one Church. As the Bible speaks of the one body which is
the Church living under the one Spirit of God known through Christ, it
reminds us that we have 'one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father of us all.' (Ephesians 4:5-6) "Visible oneness, by which a diversity of persons, gifts, and
understandings is brought together, is an important sign of the unity of
God's people. It is also a means by which that unity is achieved. Further,
while divisions into different denominations do not destroy this unity, they
do obscure it for both the Church and the world. The Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.), affirming its historical continuity with the whole Church of Jesus
Christ, is committed to the reduction of that obscurity and is willing to
seek and to maintain communion and community with all other branches of the
one, catholic Church. (G-15.0000)" G-15.0101: "The Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) seeks to manifest more visibly the unity of the Church of Jesus
Christ and will be open to opportunities for conversation, cooperation, and
action with other ecclesiastical bodies and secular groups." Therefore I will: III.1. Participate in the mission and governance of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) and work for the unity of the holy catholic church; Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as
you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in
all." C-5.126 (Second Helvetic Confession): "ONLY ONE CHURCH FOR ALL TIMES. And since there is always but only
one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, Jesus the Messiah,
and one Shepherd of the whole flock, one Head of this body, and, to
conclude, one Spirit, one salvation, one faith, one Testament or covenant,
it necessarily follows that there is only one Church. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
We, therefore, call this Church catholic because it is universal, scattered
through all parts of the world, and extended unto all times, and is not
limited to any times or places. . . ." C-9.40
(Confession of 1967): See II.3. above. G-1.0303:
See II, Introduction above. G-4.0200-.0203: See
Introduction to Section III, above. G-15.0101: See
Introduction to Section III, above. G-14.0405b (7), (9), G-14.0207g, i: See ordination
vows above at Introduction. - A minister votes in favor of the presbytery's
budget, then recommends to the session that it withhold funds from the
presbytery. + A minister who serves as interim pastor in
churches around the country changes presbytery membership each time in order
to have closer accountability and better relationship with the presbytery in
which each church is located. + A retired elder spends three months as a
volunteer in mission. + An elder agrees to represent the presbytery at
the regional council of churches meetings. III.2. Show respect and provide encouragement for colleagues in
ministry; I Corinthians 12: 26-30: "If one member suffers, all suffer
together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And
God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third
teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance,
forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. . . . Are all prophets? Are
all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all
speak in tongues? Do all interpret?" I Thessalonians 5:12-13: See II.12.
above. C-6.186 (Westminster Confession of Faith): "By the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit all believers being vitally united to Christ,
who is the head, are thus united one to another in the Church, which is his
body. He calls and anoints ministers for their holy office, qualifies all
other officers in the Church for their special work, and imparts various
gifts and graces to its members. He gives efficacy to the Word and to the
ordinances of the gospel. By him the Church will be preserved, increased,
purified, and at last made perfectly holy in the presence of God." G-14.0405b(5), G-14.0207e: See ordination
vows above at Introduction. - Some ministers develop a negative climate in
presbytery by competing with, judging, and demeaning their colleagues. + A presbytery sponsors cluster support groups for
ministers, elders, and other lay leaders. + Retired ministers and members-at-large in a
presbytery voluntarily step forward to preach on occasion without honorarium
so that each installed minister can have an occasional Sunday off. + An elder takes time to listen to the pain felt by
a fellow elder over the direction of the congregation's evangelism program. III.3. Recruit church members responsibly, respect existing
congregational relationships, and refrain from exploiting persons in vulnerable
situations; Exodus 20:17: "You shall not covet your neighbor's house;
you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or
donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Matthew 7:12: "In everything do to others as you would have
them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." C-7.256-.257: "Q.146. Which is the Tenth Commandment? "A. The Tenth Commandment is, 'Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
house, thou shalt not covet they neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor
his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy
neighbour's.' "Q.147. What are the duties required in the Tenth
Commandment? "A. The duties required in the Tenth Commandment are: such a full
contentment with our own condition, and such a charitable frame of the whole
soul towards our neighbor, as that all our inward motions and affections
touching him, tend unto and further all that good which is his." G-4.0104: "Each particular church of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) shall be governed by this Constitution. Its officers are
ministers of the Word and Sacrament, elders, and deacons. Its government and
guidance are the responsibility of the session. It shall fulfill its
responsibilities as the local unit of mission for the service of all people,
for the upbuilding of the whole church, and for the glory of God." - A minister calls on persons who are members of
other congregations when they are hospitalized, develops a relationship with
them, then encourages them to join his church. + An elder encourages an active member of another
congregation to assume volunteer leadership positions in the church where
that person is a member. + A minister leads session in cooperating with
presbytery in new church development in nearby community, inviting members
to transfer to the small organizing congregation. + A minister provides pastoral care for a member of
a colleague's congregation while the colleague is on vacation. She then
gently discourages the member's interest in transferring her membership, and
consults with her colleague about the request. III.4. Cooperate with those working in the world for justice,
compassion, and peace, including partners in ministry of other faith traditions. Micah 6:8: [The Lord] "has told you, O mortal, what is
good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love
kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" C-9.41-.42 (Confession of 1967): "The church in its mission
encounters the religions of men and in that encounter becomes conscious of
its own human character as a religion. God's revelation to Israel, expressed
within Semitic culture, gave rise to the religion of the Hebrew people.
God's revelation in Jesus Christ called forth the response of Jews and
Greeks and came to expression within Judaism and Hellenism as the Christian
religion. The Christian religion, as distinct from God's revelation of
himself, has been shaped throughout its history by the cultural forms of its
environment. "The Christian finds parallels between other religions and his own
and must approach all religions with openness and respect. Repeatedly God
has used the insight of non-Christians to challenge the church to renewal.
But the reconciling word of the gospel is God's judgment upon all forms of
religion, including the Christian. The gift of God in Christ is for all men.
The church, therefore, is commissioned to carry the gospel to all men
whatever their religion may be and even when they profess none." C-9.46 (Confession of 1967): "The reconciliation of man
through Jesus Christ makes it plain that enslaving poverty in a world of
abundance is an intolerable violation of God's good creation. Because Jesus
identified himself with the needy and exploited, the cause of the world's
poor is the cause of his disciples. The church cannot condone poverty,
whether it is the product of unjust social structures, exploitation of the
defenseless, lack of national resources, absence of technological
understanding, or rapid expansion of populations. The church calls every man
to use his abilities, his possessions, and the fruits of technology as gifts
entrusted to him by God for the maintenance of his family and the
advancement of the common welfare. It encourages those forces in human
society that raise men's hopes for better conditions and provide them with
opportunity for a decent living. A church that is indifferent to poverty, or
evades responsibility in economic affairs, or is open to one social class
only, or expects gratitude for its beneficence makes a mockery of
reconciliation and offers no acceptable worship to God." G-3.0401: "The Church is called: "a. to a new openness to the presence of God in the Church and in
the world, to more fundamental obedience, and to a more joyous celebration
in worship and work; "b. to a new openness to its own membership, by affirming itself as
a community of diversity, becoming in fact as well as in faith a community
of women and men of all ages, races, and conditions, and by providing for
inclusiveness as a visible sign of the new humanity; "c. to a new openness to the possibilities and perils of its
institutional forms in order to ensure the faithfulness and usefulness of
these forms to God's activity in the world; "d. to a new openness to God's continuing reformation of the Church
ecumenical, that it might be a more effective instrument of mission in the
world." G-15.0104: "The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will seek new
opportunities for conversation and understanding with non-Christian
religious bodies in order that interests and concerns may be shared and
common action undertaken where compatible means and aims exist." G-15.0105: "The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will initiate
and respond to approaches for conversation and common action with movements,
organizations, and agencies of the business, educational, cultural, and
civic communities that give promise of assistance toward accomplishing the
mission of the Church in the world." W-7.4003: "There is no peace without justice. Wherever
there is brokenness, violence, and injustice the people of God are called to
peacemaking "a. in the Church universal fragmented and separated by histories
and cultures, in denominations internally polarized by mutual distrust, and
in congregations plagued by dissension and conflict; "b. in the world where nations place national security above all
else, where the zealotry of religion, race, or ideology explodes in
violence, and where the lust for getting and keeping economic or political
power erupts in rioting or war; "c. in communities racked by crime and fear, in schools and
workplaces marked by vicious competition and rebellion against order, and in
households and families divided against themselves, scarred by violence and
paralyzed by fear." - A minister refuses to participate in
ministerial groups and community projects that include persons outside
the Christian faith. - An elder makes disparaging, negative comments
about other Christian groups and other faith traditions. + A minister takes her turn as the volunteer
police chaplain in her community. + An elder participates in a
Presbyterian-related mission trip to the Middle East, visiting with both
Muslim and Jewish communities. * The examples are intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive. ** These standards apply only to pastors; they also apply to
Commissioned Lay Pastors when they are performing pastoral functions. + Indicates example of appropriate conduct. - Indicates example of inappropriate conduct. Abbreviations for Sources and References: The Book of Confessions: C Form of Government: G Directory for Worship: W Rules of Discipline: D |