Richard M. Gula, Just Ministry: Professional Ethics for Pastoral Ministers. Paulist Press, 2010. Companion volume: Gula, The Way of Goodness and Holiness: A Spirituality for Pastoral Ministers Referenced in: Ministry Ethics LifeandLeadership.com Summary Gula writes from a Catholic background, addressing ethical issues for the priesthood, especially in light of recent sex scandals that have hurt
Barbara J. Blodgett, Lives Entrusted: An Ethic of Trust for Ministry. Fortress Press, 2008. Referenced in: Ministry Ethics LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is a hard-hitting but refreshing look at ministry ethics, with emphasis on one major area: trust. Blodgett discusses how trust is built and broken. Most ministry ethics books focus on the behavior and quality
Andrea Celenza, Sexual Boundary Violations: Therapeutic, Supervisory, and Academic Contexts. Jason Aronson, 2011. Referenced in: Conflict, Congregational Trauma, Minister Misconduct LifeandLeadership.com Summary While addressed to contexts other than ministry, this is a good description of the dynamics of sexual boundary violations among helping professionals. From the Publisher Sexual boundary violations are considered the most serious
William H. Willimon, Calling and Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life. Abingdon Press, 2000. Reference in: Ministry Ethics LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is by the same author as the modern classic, Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry. Chapter 12 of that book, “The Pastor as Character: Clergy Ethics” (pp. 299-314) is in some ways
Michael R. Milco, Ethical Dilemmas in Church Leadership: Case Studies in Biblical Decision Making. Kregel Academic and Professional, 1997. Reference in: Ministry Ethics LifeandLeadership.com Summary Milco provides theological and philosophical foundations for ethics, as well as an understanding of how one’s personality, church tradition, and cultural and congregational contexts interrelate. One special feature is the
James F. Keenan, S.J. and Joseph Kotva, Jr., Practice What You Preach: Virtues, Ethics, and Power in the Lives of Pastoral Ministers and Their Congregations. Sheed and Ward, 1999. Referenced in: Ministry Ethics LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is an interesting anthology of articles written by an ecumenical community of twenty-two pastoral theologians and ethicists, though it
Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter, Ministerial Ethics: Moral Formation for Church Leaders. Second Edition. Baker Academic, 2004. Referenced in: Ministry Ethics LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is the standard text on ministerial ethics, now in its second edition since the first in 1993. The purpose of the book is twofold: 1) to teach Christian ministry
Joseph E. Bush, Gentle Shepherding: Pastoral Ethics and Leadership. Chalice Press, 2006. Referenced in: Ministry Ethics LifeandLeadership.com Summary Most materials on ministerial ethics focus on character or virtue ethics, emphasizing the person of the minister, and how that plays into decisions that are made on various issues. Joseph Bush incorporates these emphasis as well, but
Randolph K. Sanders, Christian Counseling Ethics: A Handbook for Therapists, Pastors and Counselors. IVP Academic, 1997. Note: This listing is part of the site archive. While these materials may have some enduring value, it is strongly suggested that you use the reference link below for possible updates or click through to Amazon and allow their
Christian Ministry Resoures Pastoral Theology for Church Leaders Theologies Based on the Ministry and Work of Jesus Theologies Based on the Ministry of Paul Theologies Based on Other Biblical Characters Theologies Based on Social Backgrounds and Biblical Metaphors Theologies Based on Classical Traditions Theologies Based on the Tasks of Ministry Theologies for those New to
