Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Pains and Gains in Serving the Pastor (B): Ministerial Identity-Code of Ethics

THE PASTOR AND THE PROFESSION : SUPPORT

Support the CBMA which is duly organized and constituted for the welfare of the pastor, as well as for the enhancement of spirituality which is the essence of the pastoral calling.

Uphold as sacred the Baptist heritage and principles, such as: (a) the authority of the Bible, (b) the competency of the soul to work out its religious destiny, (c) a regenerated church membership, (d) the democracy and independence of the local church, (e) the separation of church and state, and (f) religious liberty as stated in the Constitution of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc. (CPBC).

Protect the dignity of the pastoral calling by maintaining a healthy physical, mental, moral, and spiritual life; and by growing professionally through pastoral and theological education.

Promote the profession by demonstrating an exemplary character in thought, in word, and in deed; and by maintaining a high and strong sense of responsibility, accountability, transparency, fairness, integrity, honesty, diligence, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Observe protocol in fulfilling obligations and accountability to God and fellowmen, with the determination to live within means and to avoid unpaid debts and other financial liabilities.

Read the Word regularly, study it, meditate on it; and stay always attuned to God by conducting a regular in-depth self-critique as a means to realize and rectify mistakes, to increase in faith, to broaden attitude, to deepen knowledge, to sharpen skills, and to refine dealing with people.

Take time to retreat, to rest, to relax, to unwind, to recreate.

THE PASTOR AND THE CHURCH: SERVICE

Serve the church with genuine concern, love, and compassion, like a true shepherd
committed to “feed the sheep” of the Lord, by creating a wholesome atmosphere for growth in all areas of life and by helping the people of God fulfill the mission of the Church.

Edify church members through Christian Education in the context of the church, culture, society, and spirituality in the Philippines and in the world.

Represent the CBMA in the local church or in the institution to ensure a regular, sustained, and strong partnership in the ministry.

Visit the church members often and establish teamwork with them in working for peace, justice, and in protecting God’s creation.

Instill in all dealings with church members or constituents the spirit of impartiality to maintain dignity, self-respect, and trust. Always be on the side of the truth, but avoid anything that will undermine the unity of the church.

Confine to oneself information and other matters that should be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Encourage the church members or constituents to become self-reliant, active disciples, and effective implementors of the mission of Christ.

THE PASTOR AND THE COMMUNITY: HELP

Help create and implement activities and projects that build the socio-economic, political,cultural, and spiritual well-being of the people.

Exemplify the life of Jesus by getting involved in the life and affairs of the community without losing one’s identity as a pastor.

Lead the church members in sharing with the community the salvation in Jesus Christ and, with their lives, demonstrate the meaning of the Gospel of Christ and the quality of life that results from it.

Promote respect for human life and the environment.

THE PASTOR AND FELLOW MINISTERS: RESPECT

Respect fellow ministers regardless of difference in background, views, and abilities.

Exercise discretion and discipline in all dealings with fellow ministers. Never backbite them or gossip about them and their families. Counsel first with the fellow minister about what you see as a violation of the Code of Ethics of Pastors before bringing the matter to the appropriate body.

Share with fellow ministers knowledge, skills, experiences, wisdom, and joy in the service of the Lord. Appreciate openly the accomplishments of fellow ministers without any tinge of envy. Share material goods.

Preserve and build wholesome relations and partnership among co-workers by every possible means. Refrain from exacting fees for services rendered to fellow ministers and from encroaching on the pastoral duty of other ministers.

Extend necessary support to fellow ministers when needed, especially to a successor by turning over records and necessary information.

Consult the Council of Elders before bringing to court problems concerning fellow
ministers, or church members, or constituents.

Talk to settle problems of co-workers or church members in the spirit of Christian love, praying for each other to resolved the problem before it blows up into uncontrollable proportions.

*Drafted, during the term of CBMA President Rev. Jerson B. Narciso, by Dr. Nestor D. Bunda,Pastor Rea Angelica D. Faulan, and Rev. Samuel G. Talha. Discussed on January 2, 2003, for deliberation and/or approval of the CBMA Assembly on January 23, 2003, at Dumangas Baptist Church, Dumangas, Iloilo. Revised during the term of Rev. Edwin I. Lariza. Format change and label through an acrostic method, as recommended by the President, was done by the CBMA Council of Elders composed of: Chair, Dr. Domingo J. Diel, Jr.; Members, Rev. Lolita T. Dais, Prof. Lucy L. de la Fuente, Prof. Lydia B. Francia, Rev. Rafael B. Gicana, Rev. Amsil P. Alubog, and Rev. Arsenio G. Llamas, Jr. Ratified during the 65th CBMA National Assembly at Camp Higher Ground January 26, 2006.

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