MINISTERIAL INTEGRITY
By Prophet J. O. Amaniampong
The supreme quality of a leader is his integrity. Without it, no real success is possible; whether on a section gang, a football field, in the army, in the Church or in an office.
- Integrity is more important in the Christian ministry than in any other job. If a minister’s congregation finds him guilty of insincerity; if they find out that he lacks integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must agree with each other. We shall in this piece explore the meaning of integrity, its nature and importance to the minister, and the consequences of failure to maintain integrity.
Definition
Integrity, a word peculiar to our times, may mean different things to different people. However, the term connotes uprightness, a clear conscience, purity, honesty, perfection, blamelessness, incorruptibility, wholeness, soundness of character and adherence to moral principles. Integrity is the integration of one’s life around one’s core values. Thus, to the minister, integrity means keeping promises, doing what he says he would do, choosing to be accountable and taking as his motto, the promise to be faithful always. Simply put, integrity is doing what you said you would do.
Biblical figures who maintained their integrity: Abimelec (Gen. 20); David (1 Kgs. 9:4; Ps. 7 :); Job (Job 2:3, 9; 31:6ff).
Importance
Integrity is so important in leadership that Peter Drucker says the minister must
“root every action and decision in the bed-rock of principles; that he leads not
only through knowledge, competence and skill, but also through vision, courage and integrity.”
Integrity is required for:
- Closer walk with God
- True worship - Ps. 15
- Self-respect and dignity - Prov. 10:9
- Integrity seen in the minister’s life creates evangelistic impact - Mt. 5:16.
Nature of Ministerial Integrity – Ezekiel 34
Wrong Concept
- The leaders were spending most of their energies feeding themselves instead of feeding the flock (Eze. 34:2-8).
- They were giving the flock nothing but leftovers (Eze. 34:18-19).
- They were neglecting the least powerful and most vulnerable among the flock – the weak, the sick, the broken and the refugees (Eze. 34:2-8). They were forsaking the key feature of godly leadership – selfless and sacrificial service.
- Negligence of ministry is evidenced by:
- Inadequate preparation of the presented word.
- Failure to discipline those identified with open sin.
- Little effort to train members to maturity.
- Not visiting the backslidden or members in their homes and business places (probably except where gifts may be obtained).
- Little effort made to seek the lost and decline in evangelism with ministers not participating in outreach programmes.
- Characteristics of a good minister
- Feeds the flock.
- Tends the weak and the sick.
- Searches for the lost.
- Guides with love.
- Gathers and protects the sheep.
- The expectations of a COP minister:
Licensed to feed and train the flock (the minister’s license).
- Constitutionally expected to train the flock to maturity (COP Constitution).
- Any affirmations, pledge or charge of the COP minister (the Minister’s Manual).
The Church needs ministers
- Who would not be bought.
- Whose word is their bond.
- Who put character above worth.
- Who will not compromise with wrongdoing.
- Test of Integrity
What kind of minister are you?
- A minister involved in business? Taking his incentives from contracts?
- A minister who (cunningly) begs for money?
- A minister who borrows money from members – Not having the urge to pay back?
- A minister who cunningly siphons church funds?
- A minister with a grabbling spirit – craving for material wealth?
- A minister who undermines fellow ministers?
- A minister who fabricates lies (promotes dissidence, ruins people’s reputation and makes groundless accusations)?
- A minister interested in ministerial remuneration rather than selfless, sacrificial service?
- A minister fascinated with flashy cars as against strong and economical vehicles?
The minister of integrity is expected to focus his thoughts on the good things of life and upon God. He is to give his mind to positive thinking and to never entertain immoral, fleshly, worldly, selfish, sinful or evil thoughts.
He may not be able to prevent wrong thoughts flashing across his mind, but he must not harbour them, or permit them to roost in his mind.
- Improving Integrity
- There are no short cuts to character development. It comes only from disciplining the flesh. It takes time and dedication. The following simple rules, when applied, would help the minister become more trustworthy; more inclined to and is seen to be a man of integrity.
Do not worry about others’ weaknesses. It is better to develop their strengths (Mt. 7:1ff).The pastor’s job is to strengthen people and to enhance productivity. Spotting people’s weakness and highlighting them should not be a focus of a pastor.
- Focus on what is right (Phil. 4:8)
In all you do, respect and encourage others to do what is right and remain
honest.
- Set high personal standards (Ps. 139:23-24)
Lead by example. Those around you watch you and look out for proof of your integrity so they can work hard and effectively. Set high standards for the ministry in whatever you do.
- Form an accountability relationship with others
- Be transparent.
- Be honest in small things as in great things.
- Do not build walls of isolation or cover up.
- Do not put yourself on a pedestal. Provide a checks and balances mechanism – Be your brother’s keeper.
- Prevent abuse of position.
Integrity, since ancient times, has been the single most important characteristic of an effective minister.
- Consequences of a Breach of Integrity
- Grieving the Lord and dishonoring His name
- Causing hurt and shame to your family and losing their respect and trust in you.
- Undermining the faithful witness and hard work of the Christian community.
- Destroying your example and credibility in your home and Church, thus nullifying past and future efforts to lead or teach others.
- Bringing great pleasure to Satan, the enemy of God.
- Maintaining Integrity
- Whenever you feel vulnerable to sinful temptations, it is helpful to review the effects of your action.
- Focus on something different
Concentrate on the goodness of God
- Acknowledge your worth to the Lord.
We have been challenged by the meaning of integrity. Where do you stand as a minister/church leader? Integrity has been found to be an absolutely essential quality in Christian ministry. Do you fit in as a minister/leader?
The prophet Ezekiel has shown us the nature of ministers of integrity, as against the wolves that prefer to feed on the flocks instead of feeding them. Where do you stand as a minister, in the light of the test of integrity? Failure to maintain our integrity brings consequences. We are therefore obliged to focus on the vision that the Lord has given to us as ministers of the Christian church.
One of the sources of pride of the Church is the integrity of its ministers. Are we prepared to shine as men of integrity, to hold on to our integrity and to pass it on to the next generation? That is the challenge for you and me. Christ expects us not to fail. |
