UCA Codes of Ethics For Pastors and Churches.               Code of Ethics for Ministers I will always devote time to seeking the will of God through diligent study in the Scriptures and prayer. I will endeavor to keep myself physically fit and emotionally stable. I will seek in all ways to be Christlike in my attitude and conduct. I will seek mutual accountability and spiritual friendship with fellow Christians for personal encouragement and nurture in order to ensure faithfulness to my calling as a steadfast follower and competent servant of my Lord Jesus Christ. In Relationship to My Family I will consider each member of my immediate family as precious gifts from God, and will carefully, lovingly and responsibly meet their needs as a sacred obligation before Him. I will give spiritual leadership in my home. I will be faithful and loyal to my family members, loving them as Jesus Christ loves His Church.   In Relationship to the Church I will remember that I am called to lead, but also to serve. I will never violate a confidence given to me. I will be diligent in my duties as pastor, never lazy, but with God as my judge and my Shepherd. I will be Biblical in my preaching, presenting the whole counsel of God, speaking the truth in love. I will strive to introduce people to Christ, and to build His Church. I will consider my call to the church a sacred responsibility and stand by the decision. I will seek the unity of the church and resist any attempts to divide. In Relationship to Other Ministers I will be a brother in Christ to my fellow ministers. I will not seek to build my church at the expense of another church, nor my ego at the expense of another minister. I will not speak uncharitably of any member of clergy. I will abstain from fruitless debates which are of little value and serve to cause any form of division within the body.   In Relationship to UCAI I will participate in the larger fellowship of UCAI, and seek to support through prayer and action its aims and objectives. I will fulfill my fellowship, ministry and financial obligations to UCAI to the best of my ability as the Lord leads and provides.   In Relationship to the Community I will seek to be responsible in my personal finances. I will seek to build a positive relationship with the community without sacrificing my ministry to the church. I will never misuse my position or credentials in pursuit or promotion of any political agenda.   Code of Ethics for Churches The Christian Church is the Body of Christ and is destined to be His Bride. lnasmuch as every local church is an expression of the whole Body it is needful for her to be committed to vigilance in all of her relationships: In Relationship to Christ Believing that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, we will honor and exalt Him in all of our relationships and ministries. We will keep ourselves free from all policies and practices which might tend to mar the beauty of the Bride of Christ. In Relationship to Fellow Members Believing that the local church is an expression of the family of God, we will promote unity among the members of the congregation, resisting all jealousy, rivalry, self-seeking and division which would disturb that unity. We will "... make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:19)   In Relationship to Other Churches Believing that the Church is a universal body, we will attempt to maintain honorable relationships with other churches in the community. In Relationship to the Community Believing that the witness of the church in the community affects the ministry of that church to the community and reflects on Christ, the Head of the Church, we will endeavor to keep our dealings with agencies, businesses and individuals in the community honest and above reproach.   In Relationship to UCAI Believing that our membership in UCAI is not only a privilege but also involves responsibility. We will fulfill our fellowship, ministry and financial obligations to UCAI to the best of our ability. We will uphold the doctrines and principles of UCAI.   In Relationship to the Pastor and Other leaders of the Church Believing that the pastor and other spiritual leaders are shepherds of Christ's flock, we will love, honor and submit to them as they, by example and word, watch over our souls. We will support the pastor financially so that he may be able to meet his obligations without bringing reproach upon himself or us. We will not allow anything among us that would undermine the pastor's ministry or rob him of the confidence of the church and the community. We will endeavor to respond to all criticism dealing with the pastor, other spiritual leaders, or their families in an honorable manner, not tolerating subversive or clandestine meetings. Whenever legitimate criticism or charges against anyone arise, we will follow Scriptural direction for church discipline, always with a desire for reconciliation and restoration and always making use of the cloak of love.               HOME