ETHICS (MINISTERIAL)

Adopted by the General Conference in 1964

My Code of Ethics

(not laws to govern but principles to guide)

Striving to be a good minister of the Lord Jesus Christ,

I will constantly prepare myself in body, mind, and spirit.

I will safeguard the good name of the ministry; [I will] speak the truth in love, live honestly, and avoid embarrassing debts.

I will hold as sacred all confidences shared with me.

I will exercise the authority of a spiritual leader rather than that of a dictator.

I will seek to minister rather than to be ministered unto, placing service above salary and personal recognition, and the unity and welfare of the church above my own personal welfare.

I will seek to lead my church to accept its full responsibiltiy for community and world service.

I will seek to build my church without discrediting other churches, soliciting members therefrom, or casting reflection on other ministers.

I will not compete with another minister for a call to a pastorate in an unethical manner.

I will, with my resignation, sever my pastoral relations with any former parishioner and will not make pastoral contacts in the field of another pastor without his knowledge and consent.

I will not accept the pastorate of a United Pentecostal Church unless I am in accord with the Articles of Faith and Constitution of the general church body.

Having accepted a pastorate, I will not use my influence to alienate the church or any portion thereof from the fellowship or support of the United Pentecostal Church. If my convictions change, I will be honorable enough to withdraw.

The above is a postion paper of the United Pentecostal Church International and is provided for informational purposes.