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June 29, 2012
Will You Sign the NAE Clergy Code of Ethics?
Rampant issues like plagiarism and pornography led the National Association of Evangelicals to address pastoral conduct.
Do you know the difference between right and wrong? If you don't, the National Association of Evangelicals is here to help. Luder Whitlock, chairman of the committee for the NAE that created the new clergy code of ethics, says we can no longer assume that pastors have not succumbed to moral ambiguity in the current culture.
The code, released earlier this week, focuses on trust, integrity, purity, fairness, and accountability. Read the full document at NAECodeofEthics.com.
David Neff, editor in chief of Christianity Today, interviewed Whitlock about the code. Here's an excerpt. Read the full interview here.
Neff: Why do clergy need a code of ethics? Won't they do the right thing if they are walking with the Lord?
Whitlock: Clergy intend to do the right thing, but given the eroding moral standards of recent years in our country, in many instances there isn't adequate clarity and a strong enough sense of obligation to what's right.
Pastors need to be paragons of moral integrity for other believers and examples of moral integrity to the world. As Chaucer put it, "If gold rust, what shall iron do?"
Leith Anderson, president of the NAE, deserves the credit for this code of ethics because he saw the need for it and organized a blue ribbon committee to produce a document to serve the evangelical world, not just one or two denominations. Evangelical organizations have no such written guide. The NAE has a widely accepted statement of faith and has produced statements regarding other issues like sexuality and the environment. This ethics statement was overdue.
Comments
I signed it, and I find it helpful, sort of like NAE's statement of faith. It's a "Creed" of appropriate behavior and attitude. It's what we all affirm as the core of our understanding of proper conduct for a minister in this culture.
It doesn't resolve all the specific situaitons you face, but it's really helpful to agree on the essential foundation.
Ethics is more than just what's legal. And more specific than just what's "biblical." It's what's right for those serving in this specific role of leadership.
Posted By: Rev. Ken | June 29, 2012 12:27 PM
I love some of the phrasing in the Code:
"Be honest, not exaggerating or overpromising." Not sure I ever heard anyone tell me not to "overpromise"--but that is indeed a temptation for us preachers.
"Care for the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical dimensions of your person." Wow. That demands a self-awareness that is often lacking. And what it means for those of us who are a bit overweight is daunting.
And items like "Refuse gifts that could compromise ministry" and "Avoid interfering in the ministry of a previous congregation" are clearly not biblical per se, yet they are wise--but they could sure use some elaboration.
Posted By: Jarrod | June 29, 2012 12:59 PM
I'm wondering about the phrase "Encourage good citizenship" as part of our community role. Really? That's the moral obligation of a pastor? What about when citizenship in the kingdom of earth conflicts with the kingdom of God?
Is spending to stimulate the economy good citizenship?
Posted By: SallyG | June 29, 2012 1:07 PM
/ I ran across this little snippet on the net. Any reaction? /
David Jeremiah Charged with Stealing !
This isn't a joke or malicious gossip! To see the shocking details, Google "Plagiarism Galore in a David Jeremiah Book - June 22, 2012." If you want to see which other well-known evangelical leaders are guilty of the same crime, Google "Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty" and "Deceiving and Being Deceived" - both by journalist/historian Dave MacPherson.
Posted By: Jason | July 13, 2012 1:37 AM
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