Paul’s first qualification of overseers is that they are to “be above reproach” (1 Tim. 3:2 [ESV]). While no ministry leader is perfect, they are called to be continually and increasingly conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). For this reason, ministry leaders should be growing in their moral character and integrity.
After reading the materials for this topic, be as concise as possible when answering the prompts below. Be sure to interact directly with the topic material, the Bible, and two to four scholarly sources in your responses.
In 250 words, explain why it is important for ministry leaders to grow in their moral character and integrity.
The Church is one of the most scrutinized bodies of organizations around the world. The integrity and moral code of church leaders are often under question. One of the key reasons for this is that the Church is supposed to be the world’s light. Ministry leaders should be of moral standing, displaying integrity and other traits stipulated in the Bible because they hold the responsibility of leading the flock. However, over the past few decades, the Church has faced what can be described as an integrity crisis. According to a study by Milo (1987)1, some ministry leaders’ conduct has gone against the moral guidelines provided in the Bible. In this study, various cases outline instances in which the Church goes against God’s word and moral ethics. The exposure of the lack of moral character and integrity within the Christian community’s leadership has negatively affected the standing of the Church in the community. The Church has lost influence and the ability to influence society. All the ethical scandals and integrity crisis issues that have plagued the Church and showed the deteriorating moral conduct of Christian leaders have led to a loss of trust within and outside the community. For these reasons, there is a great desire to have leaders who have upstanding moral character and integrity. In line with the needs of the people and the stipulations of the Bible, leads should be trustworthy and can act as a link between the people and God. In addition to that, growth is an important value. Learning from experience allows the leadership to grow in spirit and present a better understanding of Scripture, strengthening their moral character and maintaining integrity.
In 250 words, describe what are the biblical and theological bases for growth in moral character and personal integrity.
The Christian faith is based on the teaching provided in the Bible. Integrity can be described as the practice of having a moral code of ethics, values, and morals described by the Word of God. In the Bible, the desired characteristics of a Christian is well documented. The following passages outline the conduct of a Christian’s integrity; Psalm 15; 78:72, Col. 3:22-23, James 1:9-11, Romance 13:5, among many others. In a world with changing moral codes and varying determinants on what’s right and what’s wrong, the Bible provides a good basis and foundational guidelines on how the followers of Christ should act, both in private and public. Growth is part of the human condition. Leaders are faced with varying situations each day. It is a prerequisite for the ever-changing environment. Integrity is a key component in ensuring that one adheres to the set principles and code of ethics. In theory and practice, integrity out to produce truth, honor, and reliability. The virtue allows one to keep their word and do their best even when no one else is aware. Moral character and integrity ensure that the work done in his name is backed by practice, not just shallow actions. Everything done as children of God must be accomplished with integrity, honesty, and truthfulness. Only by this do the followers of Christ truly represent him. As the true path’s proposers, it would be futile to speak of a just and moral God while lacking morals or any integrity.
In 250 words, describe the significant ethical principles in Scripture, including the relationship between orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
Orthodoxy and orthopraxy are terms that should go hand in hand in hand but are not often mentioned together. Orthodoxy is the practice of right thinking while orthopraxy is right living. There is an imbalance between the two notions that should not exist. Right thinking in itself should be mirrored by right living. One cannot think right and live wrong or vice versa. Faith cannot live without actions. For example, James 2:19 infers how even demons know and believe in the existence of God. However, what separates the knowledge from the believers, as stated in James 2:26, “Faith without action is dead.” In Scripture, various principles link between orthodoxy and orthopraxy. The book of James is filled with many passages that highlight this connection. For example, throughout James chapter 1, there are various references to “implanted word” or “be doers of the word, not hearers only.” The principle highlighted is obvious. There is no sense in merely hearing the word. In James 1:25, it outlines that a true Christian “looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” Thus, a true follower also does. This principle applies to all the guidelines provided throughout the Bible. This shows that orthodoxy is to be followed by orthopraxy. Additionally, the Bible’s principles often call to action and not just learn the text by heart.
In 250 words, explain the importance of integrity in ministerial ethics.
As an organization, the Church holds significant power and influence in society. With this power, there should be a sense of integrity where the community feels that the Church is morally upholding its responsibilities. Over the last century, the public has become more aware. There is more scrutiny placed on authority figures and organizations. With the churches and ministers’ doctrine of being the representatives of Christ and his way of life, the parties must conduct themselves in a manner worthy of their beliefs. A minister of Jesus Christ called to follow the doctrine of God presented in the Bible. The minister’s actions, behaviors, speech, and interactions with others should reflect the nature and principles of God. Although ministers are human beings, they are held up to a higher standard. They must be people of love, integrity, and compassion. Before being ordained, individuals who chose to take up the mantle should properly understand their nature and the responsibilities of the position and judge if they can deliver and meet expectations. As a leader, the pastor or minister has accepted and should comply with their faith and the Church’s marching orders, and the principles outlined in the Bible. Although subject to normal human limitations, they should strive to live up to higher expectations than most. This includes having upstanding characters full of integrity. This includes understanding that ethical behavior in a given situation must satisfy more their judgment and the standard of the Church, the community, and the word of God.
In 300 words (100 words per benefit), evaluate three benefits of growing in moral character and integrity. Your response should address areas such as your congregation, your family, and your relationship with the Lord.
Strengthen trust. Human connection is one of the fundamental needs of every human. It is a function that enables us to survive. Strengthening this requires people to trust and rely on one another. Christians live by the doctrine provided by God. In this doctrine, we are urged to live by and uphold the morals of Christ. These principles set a foundation on which we behave and act. Having a good moral character is a requirement, but it also helps build trust with other people. People with upstanding character enjoy more stable and strong meaningful relationships based on honesty and mutual respect. Having good moral character often implies that a person has their heart in the right place and is reliable.Achieve peace of mind. Living in faith and maintain moral character and integrity means that one follows the word of the Lord and lives at peace with fellow believers and non-believers. Living by the word helps one to achieve joy and peace. This allows one to face any situation with calmness and peace that can only be afforded when one lives according to scriptures. This, in turn, also means that the connection with the Lord is strong. Additionally, living a morally upright life allows one to have a clean conscience free of guilt and stress, allowing one to sleep well at night. There is also great pride in knowing that one’s intentions and actions are honorable. Build a solid reputation. Being consistent in portraying good morals and integrity allows one to form a solid reputation. People with good standing in society are often magnets to other people as it communicates that they can be trusted. It also allows one to preach, evangelize more, and have a better position to spread the word of God.
In 300 words (100 words per consequence), evaluate three consequences from a lack of growth in moral character and integrity. Your response should address areas such as your congregation, your family, and your relationship with the Lord.
Lack of credibility. When there is a lack of integrity and moral character, people can sense a gap between actions and words. Due to this, the person’s credibility suffers. When one has no credibility and their words cannot be trusted, people are far less inclined to believe in and follow them. It is especially harmful when it comes to family and friends. As humans, we have the desire to trust and rely on the people closest to us. However, when our loved ones are inwardly concerned about our character, they won’t be willing to take the next hill with us or fully support us. If the people round up often wonder about our motivation, they will struggle to maintain their relationship. Lack of confidence. When one does not have integrity or strong moral character, they will gradually deteriorate internally, resulting in a lack of confidence in oneself. A person lacking in self-confidence is more likely to make decisions that are not beneficial for themselves and others around them. A lack of integrity results in a lack of moral authority that makes it difficult to distinguish between right or wrong and makes one susceptible to external influences that may cause harm to them. Setting a bad example: As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Our actions, manner of speech, and interactions with others are expected to reflect and follow the examples set by Christ and inspire and give hope to other people. A Christian who lacks moral integrity will present a negative view of the community and a bad reflection of the teaching of Jesus Christ. It will also discourage those who want to join the faith.
In 250 words, in what ways do you plan to develop your moral character and integrity? What would this look like practically in your daily life?
Milco, Michael R. Ethical dilemmas in church leadership: Case studies in biblical decision making. Kregel Ministry, 1997.
