Generations School of Ministry

LD2113 Ministerial Ethics (FT) - Course Syllabus

Dr. Richard Cook, Winter 2015

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An examination, in light of the teachings of Scripture, of the moral principles governing human conduct.
Special attention is given to 1) the minister’s code of ethics in relating to his family, fellow-ministers,
congregation, community, and denomination; and, 2) contemporary personal, economic, and social
moral problems.
This course gives definition to ethics, making distinction between ‘secular and Christian ethics.’
Ministerial ethics is designed to challenge students to self-examination, setting a righteous example.

COURSE ASSUMPTIONS:
The course is a requirement that meets both the GSOM Core Curriculum requirements as well as
credentialing requirements for Assemblies of God, as well as other denominations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course individuals will be able to:
 Understand what the foundation of Christian ethics is, and what it is based upon.
 Identify many examples of ethical Christian behavior from Scripture and from church history.
 The place the Holy Spirit plays in the process of ethical behavior in the life of the Christian in
general, and the minister in particular.
 Gain a better understanding of how they should relate to a broken society in areas such as
divorce and remarriage, abortion, euthanasia, sexual promiscuity, pornography, homosexuality,
child abuse, racial problems, and many other societal realities.
 Deal with personal ideas as to how the minister is to conduct him/herself in practical ministry, as
it relates to the congregation, peers, money, sex, etc.
 Gain an understanding of the power of authority in the life of the spiritual leader.
 Wrestle with issues such as how they are to treat those over them in ministry, when their spiritual
authority is not walking ethically toward them.

TEXTS:
Pierce, T. Burton. Ministerial Ethics. Springfield, Missouri: Logion Press, 2003.
Sanders, J. Oswald. Spiritual Leadership. Chicago: Moody Press, 1994.
Additional suggested reading:
Edwards, Gene. A Tale of Three Kings. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992.

COURSE FORMAT:
Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by instructor and guest lecturers will make up the class
time. The class will meet once weekly on Monday evenings at 7:45-9:45 pm.

CLASS SCHEDULE:
Week Dates Assignments/Reading
Week #1 Jan 5 Introduction/Part 1: The Basics For Christian Ethics –
Scripture. (Pierce pp. 11-62)
Week #2 Jan 12 Part 2: Ethics and Church Doctrine. (Pierce pp. 63-163)
Week #3 Jan 19 Part 3: Ethics in Practical Ministry. (Pierce pp. 167-213)
 2
Week #4 Jan 26 Part 3: continued. (Pierce pp. 215-270); “Spiritual
Leadership” paper due.
Week #5 Feb 2 Relational Issues With Others; Review; Final Exam.
Note: Your paper on supplemental book is due Jan 26th, read the book prior to that date.

COURSE GRADING:
Course grading will be based upon the following percentages:
1. Course attendance and participation. 20% of total grade
Attendance is required for this class. If you must be absent, due to an emergency, you must contact
instructor. If the absence is not considered an emergency, your grade will be lowered accordingly.

2. Examination. 40% of total grade

3. A 3-5 page reflection paper on Supplemental book. 20% of total grade

Each student will be required to write a 3-5 page reflection paper on Spiritual Leadership which will be
due on Sept. 30th. It can be turned in no later than Oct. 7th, but will be reduced by one letter grade if
late. This paper is to summarize the book (approx. 1 page), share the students past history with similar
issues (1-2 pages), and based on what has been learned in this course, how they plan to incorporate this
truth into their life and ministry from this time forward (1-2 pages). Each phase of the paper should be
at least one page in length. (double-spaced)

4. Reading of the entire texts. 20% of total grade

The final exam will ask you to report on how much of the texts you actually read. Your integrity is the
issue here. Do your best to read the entire texts. However, if you fail to, be honest when reporting.

5. Extra Credit. Both supplemental books are powerful in their content. GSOM expects every student
to read these books during their tenure with us. You will receive 10% extra credit if you read both books
during this course.

6. Late Work submitted after the deadline will result in a reduction of your grade by one letter grade.

7. No Plagerism (No using someone’s material without acknowledging it)

CLASS POLICIES:
 Students are subject to all academic policies of GSOM as printed in the Academic Catalog and
Student Handbook.
 Students will be expected to complete all of the required reading and work.
 Students are expected to turn in their assignments on time.
 All students are expected to participate in class discussions and contribute to the learning process
by being prepared for class each week.

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT:
Office Phone: (209) 214-9436 (9GEN)
Email address: rcookgsom@gmail.com

COURSE PREREQUISITES: None

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes