Welcome to the Influence Podcast! I’m George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host.

“Most professions have ethical codes of conduct that govern the behavior of members,” writes Brad Kesler. “If ethical behavior is important for other professions, how much more for ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ?”

Kesler wrote a just-published book on ministerial ethics to “equip all God’s people, and especially ministers, to conduct ministry in such a way that it glorifies God, protects and encourages the church, and sets up the minister for long-term, healthy ministry. Too many ministers have shipwrecked their ministries on the rocks of ignorance and sin.”

In this episode, I talk to Kesler about the importance of ministerial ethics generally as well as the issues of money, sex, and power specifically.

Brad Kesler is general secretary of the Assemblies of God and (full disclosure) my boss. He is author of Trusted with Treasure: A Handbook of Ethics in Ministry, published by Gospel Publishing House.

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Show Notes

• 00:00 — Introduction and Sponsor Ad
• 01:55 — Why is ethics crucial to Pentecostal ministry?
• 02:55 — Chapter 3 outlines a process for ethical decision-making. Can you walk us through that process?
• 06:35 — Why do you focus on the issues of money, sex, and power. And what temptations does money pose to ministers.
• 11:30 — How should ministers face the temptations posed by sex outside of marriage?
• 14:39 — How should ministers navigate the dilemmas power poses to them?
• 16:38 — What are best practices for relationships on a church or ministry team?
• 24:13 — What are best practices for relating to the fellowship, whether at the sectional, district, or national level?
• 28:35 — What are some practical ways for ministers to use social media well?
• 33:18 — What are you reading right now that is interesting, helpful, and/or personally challenging?
• 34:47 — Conclusion