Dr. Thomas Cassidy is Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spring Valley, located in the San Diego metropolitan area. In addition to his duties as pastor, Dr. Cassidy is also president of San Diego Baptist Bible Institute and Theological Seminary where he serves as Chairman of the Department of Biblical and Historical Theology. Dr. Cassidy says, "One of the problems often encountered with preachers regarding their philosophy of ministry is that they don't have one. If we are to have 'all things be(ing) done decently and in order', we better get organized and put our basic principles and philosophy down on paper so as to help us organize our ministries, and to have a document on hand for that visitor who asks 'What is your church all about, anyway? What do you believe, and how do you intend to put your beliefs into practice?' Your written philosophy of ministry will go a long way toward answering these questions as well as providing staff members with written guidelines to follow, and in the event of your death or resignation, your deacons or pulpit committee will have a set of guidelines to follow in interviewing and selecting a new pastor." 

I. We Must Understand Our Reason for Existing:

A. To communicate God's message
B. To celebrate God's presence
C. To demonstrate God's love
D. To educate God's people

A. Fellowship
B. Worship
C. Service
D. Missions
E. Evangelization
F. Prayer
G. Edification

A. The pastor must meet and uphold all the Biblical qualifications of the office
B. The pastor must be a man of prayer
C. The pastor must be a man of the word
D. The pastor's ministry is to be one of leading not driving the flock
F. The pastor must be willing to spend time with his people
G. The pastor is to be constantly equipping the members for the work of the ministry
H. The pastor must be ethical

A. Every Christian is to minister (serve)
B. Spiritual gifts are to be used in ministry
C. Lay leadership should be developed to further enhance local church ministry

A. The word of God presents four general reasons for refusing fellowship in a church, whcih is the final step in church            discipline.
B. It should be understood and agreed by every member that church discipline is biblically mandated.
C. While the church is Biblically required to take a firm stand in opposition to sin, we should discipline members in a spirit of meekness, and should continue to manifest love toward those members guily of sin. The church should eagerly forgive those who repent and confess their sin.

A. The basic qualifications of staff
B. The performance and ministry of staff
C. The reasons why staff members are necessary

A. The church must establish ministries that focus on family needs
B. The church must uplift Biblical principles that relate to familys
C. The church must study Bible passages and topics that deal with the family

A. Sunday Morning
B. Sunday Evening
C. Mid-Week

A. Seven reasons for including music in the church service
B. Specific purposes of church service music
C. Guidelines for music selection and use
D. Basic Music Guidlines
E. Summery of our Philosophy of Music
F. The Principles of Christian Music

A. Personal Separation
B. Application of Personal Separation
C. Ecclesiastical Separation
D. Application of Ecclesiastical Separation

A. While the building is not the church, it should display the attitude of the people that
attend.
B. While the building is not the church, it should be treated with dignity and respect as it belongs to God.

A. Philo: fileo (Phileo): to love; love of

B. sophy: sofia (sophia): wisdom

C. Ministry: diakonia (diakonia): service (especially of service to the Lord).

    Philosophy of Ministry is: Love of Wisdom in Serving the Lord.

D. A counterfeit wisdom can come from the world, 1 Corinthians 2:6. True wisdom comes from the Lord, Psalms 51:6.

E. Time is short, so Godly wisdom is essential, Psalm 90:12.

F. It is foolish to ignore Godly wisdom, Proverbs 1:7.

G. True success can only be found in Godly wisdom, Proverbs 3:13.

H. We are commanded by God to seek wisdom, Proverbs 4:5.

I. Wisdom is the most important factor in our ministry, Proverbs 4:7.

J. Failure to seek and find Godly wisdom may result in chastisement, Proverbs 10:13.

K. Only our pride keeps us from true wisdom, Proverbs 13:10.

L. It is easy to find wisdom if you know where to look, Proverbs 14:6.

M. Godly wisdom is our guardian against folly, Proverbs 15:21.

N. Wisdom is edifying to the building up of the house of God, Proverbs 24:3.

The following chart shows that our Plan (Strategy of Ministry; how we do things) rests on our Position (Doctrine; what we believe), which rests on our Philosophy (the way we think), which in turn is based on our principles (what we have learned), which come from the Word of God. If we have Biblical Principles, on which we can build a Biblical Philosophy, on which will rest our Biblical Position, we will have a Biblical Plan. If we build on the Rudiments of the world, we will have worldly Principles, a worldly Philosophy, a worldly Position, and a worldly Plan. By writing out our Philosophy of Ministry we are forced to look down the chart and examine our Principles to see if they rest on the revealed word of God, which in turn causes us to move up the chart and modify our Position and Plan to insure that all that we do truly honors and glorifies the Lord.

3. How does a "Philosophy of Ministry" help me to better serve the Lord?

A. A Philosophy of Ministry helps me to avoid distractions by giving me a written guide to keep me "on the right track."
 
1) Alligator wrestler. When you are up to your waist in alligators, it is sometimes hard to remember your original intent was to drain the swamp!

2) Soul Winning. One of the Golden Keys of Brother Wood's soul winning plan, Operation Go, is STAY ON THE RIGHT TRACK!
 

B. A Philosophy of Ministry helps others to better understand my ministry.
 
1) In the interviewing, selecting and training of new staff members.

2) In the selection and training of new deacons.

3) In the selection and training of new Sunday School teachers.

4) In the orientation of new church members to your church and ministry.
 

C. A Philosophy of Ministry provides a written set of goals to aim for to achieve victory.
 
1) Helps to prevent "cultural creep" from infecting your ministry.

2) Provides a Biblical anchor to prevent destructive drift from destroying your ministry.

A. Everyone that can think has a philosophy of ministry, because our philosophy of ministry is simply "how we think" on the subject.

B. The problem is that many pastors and other leaders have a philosophy of ministry, but don't really know what it is, and couldn't explain it to you if their ministry depended on it (and it probably does).
 

1) Illustration: "My" soul winning plan. A pastor told another pastor about his soul winning program. The second pastor told the first, "I don't like your soul winning plan." "That's okay" said the first pastor, "Tell me about yours." "I don't have one." replied the second pastor. "I like mine better than yours!" said the first pastor.

2) God has a written plan for His ministry, it is called the Bible!

I. We Must Understand Our Reason for Existing:

A. To communicate God's message "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature". (Mark 16:15) "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" (Colossians 1:28) "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."" (2 Timothy 4:2)

 Biblical communication is two fold, VERBALIZATION, (Proclamation evangelism): We talk the talk,and VISUALIZATION, we communicate through our lives (Affirmation evangelism): We walk the walk.
 

1. Communication must be reliable. "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:" (Titus 2:1)

2. Communication must be relevant. "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you." (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

3. Communication must be relational. "Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." (Mark 5:19)

4. Communication must be respectful. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (1 Peter 3:15)
 

B. To celebrate God's presence. "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods." (Psalms 95:1-3) "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11)
 
1. Two conditions of worship. "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)
 
a. Spiritual worship.

b. Truthful worship.
 

2. Four characteristics of worship.
 
a. Celebration. "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." (Psalms 122:1)

b. Relaxation. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30)

c. Inspiration. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

d. Preparation. "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)
 

C. To demonstrate God's love. "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)
 
1. God's love is demonstrated through faithfulness. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

2. God's love is demonstrated through fellowship. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
 

D. To educate God's people. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:11-16)
 
1. Christians grow by knowing. "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:" (Isaiah 28:10)
 
a. This is the "What" of the Christian life.

b. The content of Scripture.
 

2. Christians grow by understanding. "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints," (Ephesians 1:18)
 
a. This is the "Why" of the Christian life.

b. The convictions based on correct principles.
 

3. Christians grow by applying. "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory." (1 Thessalonians 2:12)
 
a. This is the "How" of the Christian life.

b. The conduct developed because of the biblical content learned and the convictions established.
 

4. Our philosophy of Christian education.
 
a. Christian education is a command from God "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them." (Jeremiah 10:2) "Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge." (Proverbs 19:27) "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Colossians 2:8) "As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee." (1 Samuel 24:13) "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts." (Isaiah 28:9) "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." (1 Timothy 6:3-5)

b. It is impossible to separate the secular from the sacred. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1) "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

c. Our mandate for our Church Academy comes from God not from government.
 

1) We believe that Government is ordained by God, and our duty is to obey government. "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth." (Proverbs 8:15-16) "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." (Romans 13:5-7)

2) However, if government ever attempts to require us to do that which causes us to break conscience with God, we are commanded to obey Him. "But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20)
 

d. Our goal is to glorify God by:
 
1) Leading every student to Christ. "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3)

2) Leading every student to a knowledge of God's Word. "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." (Psalms 119:9) "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

3) Teaching every student how to lead another person to Jesus Christ "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." (Proverbs 11:30)

4) Teaching every student to fear God. "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." (Job 28:28) "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether." (Psalms 19:9) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (Psalms 111:10) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7) "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." (Proverbs 8:13) "The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened." (Proverbs 10:27) "In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." (Proverbs 14:26-27) "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility." (Proverbs 15:33) "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil." (Proverbs 16:6) "The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil." (Proverbs 19:23) "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life." (Proverbs 22:4) "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

5) Teaching every student the way of holiness. "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (Ephesians 1:4) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)

6) Teaching every student the stewardship of life. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

7) Teaching every student about dedication to excellence. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24)

8) Teaching every student how to worship God. "Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." (Psalms 29:2) "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker." (Psalms 95:6) "Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy." (Psalms 99:9) "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)
 

e. Our primary textbook for every subject is the Bible, the written Word of God. "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

f. Our mission is to train soldiers of the cross so that they can go out and fulfil the Great Commission. Every member of our staff and faculty is a missionary, performing this mission. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:1-3)

A function is a principal action which is mandated in Scripture, and which is to be practiced by the local church.

A. Fellowship
 
1. Definition: Christian fellowship is a sharing of the common life together. It is a means of spiritual partnership with other believers. It is a practical communion with brothers and sisters in Christ.

2. Foundation: Psalm 55:14; 119:63; Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10; Matthew 18:20; Luke 24:15; John 13:34; Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 1:9
 

B. Worship
 
1. Definition: Worship is simply honor and adoration directed to God.

2. Foundation: Psalm 29:2; 50:23; 95:1-11; Mark 12:28-30; John 4:23; Philippians 2:10; 3:3; Revelation 4:11
C. Service:
 
1. Definition: Christian service is the use of our spiritual gifts, talents, abilities, and time for the cause of Jesus Christ. It is spiritual labor, in both a public and private way, which makes possible the ongoing ministries of the local church.

2. Foundation: Exodus 23:25; Deuteronomy 10:12; Psalm 100:2; Matthew 5:16; John 12:26; Acts 20:18-19; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:10; 6:7; I Timothy 6:18; Titus 2:7; Hebrews 12:28; James 2:17-18; I Peter 2:12
 

D. Missions
 
1. Definition: Effective local church missions is a commitment to take seriously Christ's command to make disciples throughout the world. A three-fold perspective must be considered: Evangelization; Edification; Education. Missions, in a true biblical sense, must be practiced at home and abroad. Primarily, missions would include: church planting, soul winning, and discipling. The church must be committed to support missionaries (by praying and giving) and to develop missionaries (from its own congregation). A strong home base is the key to both of these objectives.

2. Foundation: Psalm 2:8; 96:3; Proverbs 3:27; Matthew 9:35; 24:14; 28:19; John 4:35; Acts 1:8; 13:2-3; James 1:27
 

E. Evangelization
 
1. Definition: Evangelization is giving the gospel message to an unredeemed world. It is a personal responsibility that every born-again believer has toward those who are without Christ in his or her "world." Five key areas of contact are to be carefully and prayerfully pursued by every Christian: Location (where we live); Vocation (where we work); Relation (with whom we live); Recreation (where we play); Education (with whom we learn). Successful evangelization is both proclamation (an action through which the non-Christian receives a clear statement of the essential message of the gospel) and affirmation (a process of modeling and demonstrating the Christian message through a Godly life).

2. Foundation: Psalm 126:5,6; Luke 14:23; John 4:35; 15:16; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 9:22.
 

F. Prayer:
 
1. Definition: Prayer, in its simplest form, is talking with God. Prayer is an exercise of praise, whereby we thank God for His bountiful provisions. Prayer is also a means of asking for things from God (needs and desires), and giving other things to God (burdens and concerns).

2. Foundation: II Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 145:18; Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 6:5-13; 7:7-8; Luke 18:1; Acts 3:1; 4:31; Colossians 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 5:17; Hebrews 4:16; James 5:13-18.
 

G. Edification:
 
1. Definition: Edification is a process of Christian growth and maturity. It is a "building up" of the individual believer as well as the local church.

2. Foundation: Matthew 28:19-20; Roman 14:19; Ephesians 4:11-16, 29; Colossians 1:28-29; 3:16; I Thessalonians 5:11; II Timothy 2:2; 3:16-17; Hebrews 5:11-14

A. The Pastor must meet and uphold all the Biblical qualifications of the office - I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9.
 
1. Be of Good Behavior. 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8.

2. Be in Control at Home. 1 Tim. 3:2; 4:5; Titus 1:6.

3. Be Hospitable. 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9.

4. Be a Teacher. 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9.

5. Be Committed to Holiness. 2 Cor. 7:1.

6. Be Spiritually Minded, not Materially Minded. 1 John 2:15; 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:2; (read Matt. 6:19-34).

7. Be a Man of Meekness. 1 Tim. 3:3-4; Titus 1:7-13.

8. Be a Man of Maturity. 1 Tim. 3:6; 1 Peter 5:5.

9. Be a Respected Citizen. 1 Tim. 3:7.
 

B. The Pastor must be a man of prayer - Acts 6:4.

C. The Pastor must be a man of the Word - Acts 6:4.

D. The Pastor's ministry is to be one of leading, not driving the flock - I Peter 5:1-3.

E. The Pastor must be willing to spend time with his people - Proverbs 27:17; Mark 3:14.

F. The Pastor is to be constantly equipping the members for the work of the ministry. Members must be given training and encouragement to minister - Ephesians 4:11- 12.

G. The Pastor must be Called of God to the work of the Ministry. 1 Tim. 1:12.
 

1. A Divine Summons. Gal. 1:15-16.

2. A Selective Summons. Mark 3:13.

3. A Personal Summons. Matt. 4:18-22.

4. A Deliberate Response, Isa. 6:8.

5. A Decisive Commitment. Matt. 4:19, 21; 9:9.
 

H. The pastor must be ethical.
 
Concerning what he called the outer life of the pastor, Hezekiah Harvey wrote in 1879: "The Scriptures require in the pastor a model life. He is to be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). As the leader of the flock his outward life will be expected to evince a higher moral tone and furnish more marked exemplification of Christian principles than that of the private Christian, because his office constitutes him an example, and the prominence of his position renders defects in him especially conspicuous and hurtful. (1 Timothy 3:2: "a bishop, then must be blameless....")"

For some time I have been increasingly troubled with the behavior of pastors. An absence of ethical standards is epidemic. Pastor's gossip and talk in an uninhibited fashion. They often do not present a professional image in their business affairs. This presentation is an effort to outline some of the ethical duties of a pastor.

If the need for Pastoral Ethics is apparent toward the family of faith, it is eminently more vital toward those who are not saved.

Colossians 4:5, 6 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

Webster defines ethics as follows:. The doctrines of morality or social manners; the science of moral philosophy, which teaches men their duty and the reasons of it.. A system of moral principles; a system of rules for regulating the actions and manners of men in society.

 
1. A pastor and his relationship to other pastors;
 
a. He has a duty to be Loyal. 1 Timothy 5:19 "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses."
 
I believe that pastors have an obligation not to receive an accusation where there is an absence of proof. It is not uncommon for a pastor to tell of the fall of another to those who do not need the information.
b. He has a duty to be kind. Romans 12:10 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;"

c. He has a duty to be prayerful. Colossians 1:9 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;"

d. He has a duty to be responsive. Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
 

1) Return phone calls in a timely fashion.

2) Respond to mail in a timely fashion.
 

2. A pastor and his relationship to members of other churches.
 
a. He has a duty of be protective of the other church.
 
1) What is your response to people who visit your church from another fundamental Baptist church in your area? It is my impression that many pastors behave almost "lustfully" toward other church members who visit. They zealously court their further attendance and even solicit their transfer of membership to their church. Many seem to feel that they can do a better job of ministering to the family than their own pastor has done (this is pure PRIDE!). Perhaps they feel that the visiting family is going to join somewhere, "so it might as well be here." Perhaps it is the tithe they covet!!!
 
"We do not regard it to be soul-winning to steal members out of churches already established, and train them to utter our peculiar Shibboleth: we aim rather at bringing souls to Christ than at making converts to our synagogue. There are sheep-stealers abroad, concerning whom I will say nothing except that they are not "brethren", or at least, they do not act in a brotherly fashion. To their own Master they must stand or fall. We count it utter meanness to build up our own house with the ruins of our neighbours' mansions; we infinitely prefer to quarry for ourselves." (Spurgeon)


2) Some Guidelines for response to visiting families from other churches of like faith:
 

a) Call the pastor on Monday morning after their visit on Sunday. This provides him with a chance to "mend the fence." Very likely he will not even know they are unhappy.

b) Pledge to the pastor that you will not visit the family.

c) Refuse (that is the word I mean!) to receive them into your membership until they have
 

(1) met with their pastor,

(2) made a considered attempt at reconciliation, and

(3) you have a sincere blessing from their pastor!
 

d) This is the only Biblical way to receive these people, based on 1 Corinthians 12:18: "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him."
b. He has a duty to be professional.
 
1) Having fellowship with your friends when they preach for neighboring churches.

2) Having fellowship with members when acting in the capacity of a guest.
 

3. A pastor and his relationship to members of his own flock.
 
a. He has a duty to be their shepherd.
 
When Dr. George W. Truett was invited to be president of Baylor University, he declined with one of the most beautiful sentences I ever heard. He said, 'No, I cannot come, for I have sought and found the shepherd heart.'


W. A. Criswell defines the ministry of shepherd in this outline fashion:
 

1. The Pastor possesses the ministry of comfort.

2. The Pastor possesses the ministry of encouragement.

3. The Pastor possesses the ministry of joy.

4. The Pastor possesses the ministry of feeding and nurturing.

5. The Pastor possesses the ministry of loving commendation.
 

b. He has a duty to be circumspect and discrete. "A ministers associations, or special intimacies should not be with bad or loose or irreligious men; the taint will necessarily tarnish and injure his own reputation, even if it does not corrupt his character. He is to be 'a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate' (Titus 1:8)."
 
"The pastor's relations with the other sex should not only always be pure in fact, but should also be such as to avoid even the possibility of misconstruction. No point needs to be more carefully guarded, for even the suspicion or thought of wrong in this, however ill-grounded, is commonly fatal to usefulness, and often follows him through the remainder of life." (Harvey)


c. He has a duty to be their confidant.
 

Another very important area is confidentiality. No church member wants to hear his story in a sermon illustration, no matter how well concealed. No one will trust you if they cannot be certain that what you receive in confidence will remain confidential.
4. A Pastor and his relationship to other professionals in his community.
 
a. He has a duty to perform the role of a Professional.
 
1. Punctuality.

2. Seriousness.
 

                    3. Competence.

                    4. A Business like manner.
 

"In conversation he should be genial, courteous, affable, avoiding that tone and manner of condescension which carries in it an implied sense of superiority, and exhibiting that breadth of intelligence and culture which will secure respect for his views in general society. Slang phrases, vulgar anecdotes, boisterous discussions, idle gossip, and scandal...ill become a pastor, and will in the end seriously militate against his usefulness. ...Attractive social qualities, such as enable the pastor to exercise a leading and governing power in society, are to be the most earnestly sought; their effect on pastoral usefulness can hardly be overstated." (Harvey)


5. A Pastor and his relationship to the unsaved in his community.
 

a. He has a duty to be honest. 1 Thessalonians 4:12, "That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

b. He has a duty to be compassionate. Matthew 9:36 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

To Fellowship, yes. 1 John 1:9

To Leadership, no. 1 Tim. 3:2,7 -cf- Prov.6:32-33

IV. The Church Membership Must Be Involved in Ministry.

A. Every Christian is to minister (serve) - Ephesians 4:11- 12.

B. Spiritual gifts are to be used in ministry - I Corinthians 12:11; I Peter 4:10.
 

1. Spiritual gifts help individual Christians make their life count for God - I Corinthians 12:14-22.

2. Spiritual gifts help the church as a whole - Ephesians 4:13-16.

3. Spiritual gifts glorify God - I Peter 4:11.
 

C. Lay leadership should be developed to further enhance local church ministry.
 
1. Through prayer.

2. Through pulpit teaching and preaching.

3. Through special training sessions:
 

a. Clinics for Sunday school workers

b. Training programs for deacon candidates

c. Seminars on discipleship, stewardship, missions, and evangelism

Members of the church who err in doctrine or conduct shall be subject to discipline and/or dismissal according to Matthew 18:15-18. Before such dismissal, however, it shall be the duty of any member of the church who has knowledge of the erring member's heresy or misconduct to warn with love and to correct such erring member. If the erring member does not heed this warning, the warning member shall again go to the erring member, accompanied by one or two witnesses, to once again warn with love and correct the erring member. If the erring member still refuses to heed this warning, it shall be brought to the attention of the pastor and deacons. If the erring member refuses to heed the warning/correction of the pastor as he counsels on behalf of the church, he or she will be dismissed from the church. Excluded members may be restored to membership on confession of their error and by giving evidence of repentance.

A. The Word of God presents four general reasons for refusing fellowship in a church, which is the final step in church discipline:
 
1. Unrepented immorality (all moral judgments are to be based on God's Word, not public opinion) - I Corinthians 5.

2. Persistent doctrinal heresy - I Timothy 1:19-20; Titus 3:10.

3. Refusing to reconcile with another brother or sister in Christ - Matthew 18:17.

4. Maintaining a divisive spirit which results in rebellion against God's Word and/or God-ordained authority, and which promotes trouble-making within the church - I Corinthians 1:10; Romans 16:17; II Thessalonians 3:6-7,11.
 

B. It should further be understood and agreed upon by every member that church discipline is Biblically mandated on the basis of:
 
1. Obedience to Scripture which clearly requires church discipline.

2. Commitment to maintain purity in the church, thus removing the defilement of sin - I Corinthians 5:6-8; Galatians 5:9; Ephesians 5:27.

3. Concern to reclaim sinful offenders - Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1.

4. Desire to deter other members from sin - I Timothy 5:20.
 

C. It should also be noted that while a church is biblically required to take a firm stand in opposition to sin, the church should discipline members in a spirit of meekness (Matthew 7:5; I Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 6:1), and should continue to manifest love toward those members guilty of sin (II Thessalonians 3:15). The church should eagerly forgive those who repent and confess their sin (Luke 17:3-4; Ephesians 4:32).

A. The basic qualifications of staff.
 
1. All staff must be saved, baptized, and a member of this local church. 1 Cor. 4:2

2. All staff must have a deep love for God, strong desire to serve God, and show obvious loyalty to the church and its leadership. Matt. 22:37; 1 Peter 5:5

3. All staff must live a separated life as God's Word commands. Eph. 5:11
 

B. The performance and ministry of staff.
 
1. All staff will function according to the job description written by the pastor. Heb. 13:17

2. All staff will answer to the pastor, or to a supervisor under the pastor's authority.
 

C. The reasons why staff members are necessary. Eph. 4:11-12
 
1. To assist the pastor in ministry needs and functions.

2. To direct select programs and ministries of the church.

3. To help the pastor develop the spiritual gifts and talents within the congregation, for the purpose of effective ministry.

4. To handle the many administrative and executive duties in which churches are involved.

5. To enable the church as a whole to properly carry out its Philosophy of Ministry.

A. The church should work at establishing various ministries which would focus on select needs of the family unit.
 
1. A competent nursery.

2. An active children's program.
 

a. Sunday School activities.
          b. Awana (or similar) ministry.

3. A balanced youth (teen) program. Note these underlying principles of operation.
 

a. Preventative rather than remedial! Isa. 28:10

b. Soft pillows don't make strong men! 2 Tim. 3:3

c. Christ has first claim! Phil. 1:21

d. You get what you honor! Phil. 4:8
 

4. An effective and inviting singles ministry.

5. A total adult ministry.
 

a. Sunday School class outings.

b. Men's fellowship meetings (to train men in God's Word).

c. Ladies fellowship meetings (to train ladies in God's Word).

d. Couples Retreats.

e. Bible study opportunities.
 

B. The church should uplift Biblical principles which relate to the family unit.

C. The church should study Biblical passages and topics which deal with the family unit.
 

1. Morality. Ex. 20:1-17

2. Roles and functions of marriage partners. 1 Cor. 11:3; Col. 3:20

3. Divorce and/or remarriage. Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Cor. 7:10-15; Matt. 19:9

A. Sunday Morning. Mark 16:15
 
1. Key word: EVANGELIZATION.

2. Basic aim: OUTREACH.

3. Musical emphasis:
 

a. Special music which relates well to the unsaved and unchurched.

b. Special music which shares a simple Gospel testimony or a message of Christ's relevancy.

c. Limited congregational singing of more familiar, fast-tempoed songs.
 

4. Ministry of the Word directed toward the unsaved and unchurched.
B. Sunday Evening. Phil. 4:4
 
1. Key word: CELEBRATION.

2. Basic aim: UPREACH.

3. Musical emphasis:
 

a. Special music which ministers to the needs and hearts of believers.

b. Special music which is a source of praise and encouragement.

c. Congregational singing of choruses and joyful hymns and Gospel songs.
 

4. Ministry of the Word directed toward Christians in general.
C. Mid-Week. 1 Thess. 5:11
 
1. Key Word: EDIFICATION.

2. Basic aim: INREACH.

3. Musical emphasis:
 

a. Special music and congregational singing limited.

b. Special music and congregational singing should emphasize great truths found in God's Word which strengthen and build the church.
 

4. Ministry of the Word directed toward instruction and edification of Christians.

A. Seven reasons for including music as a major part of church services.
 
1. Music is a means of worship and praise - Psalm 150; Rev. 5:8-12.

2. Music is an effective channel of Biblical instruction - Colossians 3:16.

3. Music is an evidence of Spirit-filled lives - Ephesians 5:18-19.

4. Music is a vehicle of Christian service - Psalm 100:1-2.

5. Music is an appropriate way to testify and express faith in Christ -Acts 16:25-30; I Peter 2:9.

6. Music is an indication of joyfulness - James 5:13.

7. Music is a source of comfort and encouragement - I Samuel 16:23.
 

B. Specific purposes of church service music.
 
1. It relaxes visitors who may be tense and/or nervous.

2. It prepares the hearts of God's people for the ministry of the Word.

3. It prepares the heart of God's preacher for the preaching and/or teaching of the Word.

4. It encourages the congregation to make necessary spiritual decisions.
 

C. Guidelines for music selection and use (I Corinthians 14:7).
 
1. Words - Galatians 5:16-26; Philippians 4:8.
 
a. What does the song say? What is the message?

b. Are the words a force for God (righteousness) or Self (sin)? Proverbs 14:34.
 

2. Life-style and testimony of writers and/or performers. Proverbs 13:20; Matthew 12:34; Romans 12:1-2; I thessalonians 5:22.
 
a. Is the life-style and testimony of the writers and/or performers in agreement with God's Word?

b. What do the writers and/or performers think of Jesus Christ? Matthew 22:42; II John 7-11.
 

3. Effect on listeners - John 14:27; I Corinthians 6:19- 20; 15:33.
 
a. What does this song motivate one to do or to be?

b. Can this selection be used as a vehicle of Christian growth and blessing? II Peter 3:18.
 

4. Appropriateness - Ecclesiastes 3:1.
 
a. Is this musical selection appropriate for this service or occasion?

b. Does this number agree with the church's "Philosophy of Ministry" in the area of church services? I Corinthians 14:40.
 

D. Basic Music Guidelines. The following guidelines will provide a starting point from which to build a separated music ministry in our church.
 
1. Music solos, duets, etc. ought to come from the hymnal; Singspiration's "Favorites" Volumes 1-6 but not Volumes 7-10 which require more discernment both doctrinally and musically; also Praises I and II from Majesty Music in Greenville, South Carolina.

2. As a general rule, avoid using taped accompaniments. Their weaknesses are as follows:
 

a. Eliminates the use of people.

b. Most tapes sound very sensual (appeal to the flesh).

c. Almost all tapes are recorded by worldly or compromising musicians.

d. Most tapes emphasize rhythm more than melody.

e. The use of tapes leaves no room for musical interpretation.
 

3. Plan special music about a month in advance so musicians have time to practice. This will improve the quality immensely. Under normal circumstances it is too late to give or get notice on the Saturday preceding the Sunday services.

4. Criteria for Evaluating Music:
 

a. WORDS: The words of the song must be doctrinally correct. Most of the contemporary gospel songs have very shallow messages. There is an over-emphasis on "love" and "nature". Be sure to sing a balance of gospel songs and hymns. Minimize the use of experiential songs and maximize the use of songs that focus on the Lord.

b. MELODY: The melody must be strong and clear. Contemporary music makes use of slurring and sliding between pitches, and ornamental embellishments that call attention to the performer rather than the message. A strong melody will build to one major climax and possibly several minor climaxes. Variety is the key. Sliding between pitches destroys a clear-cut melody, and produces a "country music" or "pop music" sound.

c. HARMONY: Harmony should show some creative ability on the part of the composer/arranger. Avoid music that does not resolve; that overuses chord clusters (clusters destroy tonality which is an absolute); that utilizes "blues" notes as found in "rhythm and blues" music. These points are difficult for non-musicians to evaluate objectively.

d. RHYTHM: Rhythm is a vital part of music but should not dominate. There should be a natural accent in the rhythm. ONE-two-THREE- four. Accents should fall on the strong beats. Rock music accents the weak beats and weak parts of a beat (one-TWO-three-FOUR). Do not use music that incorporates too much syncopation. Syncopation is an unnatural shift of accent to weak beats or weak parts of beats. Syncopation creates tension. An overuse of syncopation will call attention to the performer and the music and distract from the message. A steady, driving beat causes tension. Rhythm should not dominate the melody.

e. FORM: Form must exist to present music that is logical and understandable. A lack of variety in form is an element of tension. Repetition of melody, harmony, or rhythm must show creativity.
 

5. Guidelines for performance:
 
a. Do not use hand-held microphones.

b. The performance technique should draw attention to the message of the song being sung and not to the body of the singer.

c. Solos, duets, trios, and quartets should sing from behind the pulpit.

d. Avoid unnecessary bodily movement which would detract from the message of the song. Simple, planned gestures of the hand should be used sparingly. Any bodily movement will either "add to" or "distract from" your communicative ability.
 

6. Many of the techniques and songs used by contemporary gospel musicians evolve from the philosophy that there are no absolutes in life and this includes music. We must not be influenced by the patterns and examples of gospel musicians who copy the world's performance techniques and song- forms. Music is not intended to entertain, but rather to speak to the heart in preparation for the message from God's Word, to bring people to the place of decision. Ephesians 5, verses 10 through 17 gives us five Biblical principles for developing our philosophy of music:
 
a. First, Prove what is acceptable to the Lord (verse 10).

b. Second, Have nothing to do with that which the Lord has nothing to do with (verse 11).
 

1) Rock music is unfruitful.

2) Rock music is the work of darkness.
 

c. Thirdly, Be a discerning Christian (verses 14 & 15).
 
1) A fool gets as far from God as he can get, and still feel comfortable.

2) A wise man draws near to God, and stays there!
 

d. Fourthly, Be interested in the Will of God (verse 17).
E. Summery of our Philosophy of Music.
 
1. The MESSENGER of our music is important (he or she must be Spirit filled) verse 18.
 
a. Not people oriented,

b. But God oriented.
 

2. The MOVEMENT of our music is important (verse 19).
 
a. Not outward to the people,

b. But upward to the Lord.

3. The MOTIVE of our music is important (verse 20).
 
a. Profit, fame, success, recognition, or,

b. Thanksgiving and praise.
 

4. The MANNER of our music is important (verse 21).
 
a. Submitting ourselves one to another,

b. In the fear of God.
 

5. The METICULOUSNESS of our music is important (verse 20).
 
a. Doctrine is of the utmost importance if our music is to be "unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

b. Come now, let us reason together - Isaiah 1:18.

c. Come now, let us agree that God is right!
 

F. The Principles of Christian Music:
 
1. We must lift up our standard, which is the Word of God (Isaiah 49:22).

2. We must maintain a difference between the world and the church (Ezekiel 22:26; I Corinthians 14:7; Leviticus 10:10; 11:47).

A. Personal separation.
 
1. It is a clear command from God. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

2. It is proof of our love for God. Psalm 97:10

3. It protects us from false doctrine. 2 John 7-11

4. It helps us to guard our testimony. 1 Corinthians 10:21

5. It puts us in the place of God's blessing. Ephesians 5:6-8
 

B. Application of Personal separation.
 
1. In our talk. 1 Corinthians 2:13-14

2. In our walk. Ephesians 5:11
 

a. In our demeanor. Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 6:20

b. In our dress. 1 Timothy 2:9; Deuteronomy 22:5; cf Isaiah 47:2-3

C. Ecclesiastical separation. Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Jude 3-4

D. The reason for ecclesiastical separation. 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15

A. While the building is not the church; it should, however, display the heart and attitude of the people who attend there.
 
1. The building should be clean.

2. The building should be orderly.

3. The building should be attractive.

4. The building should be functional.

5. The building should be well maintained.
 

B. While the building is not the church; it should be treated with dignity and respect as it serves as the main worship center for the people of God belonging there.
 
1. Treat God's property (buildings, equipment, etc.) more carefully than you would treat your own!

2. Teach children to respect God's property, acknowledging the years of sacrificial giving which has made it all possible!

A. The church desires to turn spectators into servants!

B. The church desires to be strategy-oriented rather than event-oriented!

C. The church desires to place emphasis on ministry rather than maintenance!

D. The church desires to see Christ turn motion into meaning, and activity into spirituality!

E. The church desires to have the Holy Spirit determine its structure!

F. The church desires to be committed to people rather than programs!

G. The church desires to honor the Word of God above the words of men!

H. The church desires to be faithful to its mandate which is to defend truth, not offend people!

I. The church desires to acknowledge that its message is fixed, but its methods are flexible!

J. The church desires to be loving, not judging.

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First Baptist Church of Spring Valley, California