Calvin Synod Herald, 2000 (101. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2000-01-01 / 1-2. szám

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

5

IDic pastor’s Code of ithics

As a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, called to God to proclaim the Gospel of his love,

I subscribe to the following principles in order that I may set a more worthy example for those whom I seek to lead and serve:

MY PERSONAL CONDUCT

I will observe times of quietness for reading the scriptures, meditation and prayer.

I will endeavor to keep physically and emotionally fit.

I will remember my obligations to the members of my family to give them the time and consideration to which they are entitled.

I will endeavor to be a student at all times, through comprehensive reading and study and attendance at conferences and institutes.

I will be honest and responsible in my stewardship of money.

I will seek to be Christlike in my attitudes and conduct toward all people.

MY RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH I SERVE

I will remember that a minister is also a servant. I will love the people I serve with the love of Christ, exercising conviction with patience, guidance with understanding.

In preaching, I will be diligent in my preparation, scriptural in my presentation, speaking the truth in love.

I will be diligent in the discharge of my responsibilities as pastor, preacher, and teacher, observing proper work habits and responsible schedules.

In administrative and pastoral duties I will endeavor to be impartial and objective.

I will strive with evangelistic zeal to build up the church I serve, but will not proselyte the members of other religious groups.

I will not violate confidences which come to me as a minister.

I will not seek special gratuities or privileges as a clergyman.

MY RELATIONSHIP TO MY FELLOW MINISTERS

I will endeavor to be a brother in Christ to my fellow ministers, and to offer and receive counsel in times of difficulty.

I will not speak disparagingly about the work of either my predecessor or my successor, nor encourage members in their real or imagined grievances.

I will refrain from visits to a former field for professional services, such as baptisms, weddings, funerals and anniversaries, except upon invitation of the resident pastor.

I will, upon retirement from the active ministry, give my pastor my loyal support.

MY RELATIONSHIP TO THE COMMUNITY

I will consider my primary duty to be the pastor, but will also accept reasonable responsibilities which the community may call upon me to assume.

I will not set aside convictions and ideals to win popular favor.

MY RELATIONSHIP TO MY DENOMINATION

I will recognize that I am a part of the larger fellowship which is the United Church of Christ and will strive to fulfill my obligations to it, accepting my responsibility both to support and to constructively criticize its efforts to extend the Kingdom of God.

MY RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL

Recognizing that the United Church of Christ is a part of the Church Universal, I will participate in the work of the Ecumenical Church, supporting, as my convictions and energy permit, whatever measures may be proposed toward the strengthening of the fellowship of Christians everywhere.