Overview
Ministerial Ethics provides both new and experienced pastors with tools for sharpening their personal and professional decision-making skills. The authors seek to explain the unique moral role of the minister and the ethical responsibilities of the vocation and to provide "a clear statement of the ethical obligations contemporary clergy should assume in their personal and professional lives." Trull and Carter deal with such areas as family life, confidentiality, truth-telling, political involvement, working with committees, and relating to other church staff members.
First published in 1993, this edition has been thoroughly updated throughout and contains expanded sections on theological foundations, the role of character, confidentiality, and the timely topic of clergy sexual abuse. Appendices describing various denominational ministerial codes of ethics are included.
First published in 1993, this edition has been thoroughly updated throughout and contains expanded sections on theological foundations, the role of character, confidentiality, and the timely topic of clergy sexual abuse. Appendices describing various denominational ministerial codes of ethics are included.
Endorsements
"The church is in an ethical free fall because of the conduct of its leaders. It has become an embarrassment to all Christians. Ministerial Ethics addresses this issue and offers clear, candid, and comprehensive helps to both pastors and churches."
Paul Powell, dean, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
"Since its publication in 1993, Ministerial Ethics has served as the core textbook for my courses in pastoral ethics. I therefore greet warmly the appearance of this revised version. Like its predecessor, the second edition will set the standard for reflective engagement with this crucial topic."
Stanley J. Grenz, Pioneer McDonald Professor of Theology, Carey Theological College
"Since the first edition of this book came out in 1993, I have used it as my core text in both undergraduate and seminary courses in ministerial ethics. The book's many strengths include strong grounding in pastoral experience, mature engagement with research in both ethics and ministry, and a clear and concrete articulation of moral norms, including an exceptionally strong treatment of ministerial codes of ethics. The authors exhibit a courageous and independent spirit in treating sensitive subjects; their expanded treatment of clergy sexual abuse is perhaps the best example of this spirit. I strongly recommend Ministerial Ethics for both classroom and church use."
David P. Gushee, Graves Professor of Moral Philosophy, Union University
"Trull and Carter have given us a book that no ministry may ignore and every minister will be thankful for. It is required reading for every minister. I am thankful to God for its publication."
Lewis B. Smedes