The following standards are set forth in an effort to create professional understanding and to preserve the dignity, maintain the discipline and promote the integrity of our chosen profession-the Gospel Ministry.

My Person
I will endeavor to pray daily, to read, study and meditate upon God's Word; and to maintain extended times of contemplation.

I will plan time to be with my family, realizing my special relationship to them and their position as important members of my congregation.

I will seek to keep my body physically fit through proper eating habits and planned exercise, renewing myself through a weekly holiday and an annual vacation.

I will try to keep myself emotionally fit, keeping in touch with my feelings and growing in healthy control of them.

I will strive to grow through comprehensive reading and through participation in professional educational opportunities.

I will be a servant of God seeking to maintain a life of purity, integrity and truthfulness.

My Calling
I will seek to conduct myself consistently with my calling and commitment as a servant of God.

I will give full service to my congregation and will accept added responsibilities only if they do not interfere with the overall effectiveness of my ministry in the congregation.

I will consider a confidential statement made to me as a sacred trust not to be divulged without consent of the person making it.

I will responsibly exercise the freedom of the pulpit, speaking the truth of God's Word with conviction in love; and will acknowledge any extensive use of material prepared by someone else.

My Finances
I will advocate adequate compensation for my profession and will assist the congregation to understand that ministers should not expect or require fees for pastoral services to them.

I will be honest in my stewardship of money, paying bills promptly, asking no personal favors or discounts on the basis of my professional status.

I will give tithes and offerings as a good steward and example to the church.

I will hold myself accountable for the stewardship of my tithes and offerings to the International Baptist Church Conference.

My Congregation
I will seek to regard all persons in the congregation with equal love and concern and undertake to minister impartially to their needs and refrain from behavior that will be divisive.

I will seek to be friends with all members, yet retain the right to seek close friendships within the congregation.

I will exercise confidence in the lay leadership, assisting in their training and mobilizing their creativity.

I will seek to lead the church in a positive direction to achieve the goals we have mutually agreed upon. I will remain open to constructive criticism and to suggestions intended to strengthen our common ministry.

I will candidate at only one church at a time. I will respond promptly and definitely to a call, and I shall seek to deal fairly with the church I am presently serving.

My Colleagues
I will not perform services in the area of responsibility of my colleague in the Christian ministry except upon his request and/or consent.

I will, upon my departure, sever my pastoral relations with the congregation, recognizing that all pastoral functions should henceforth rightfully be conducted by my successor. I will seek and honor committee arrangements made with fellow pastors.

I will, upon retirement or withdrawal from the ministry, refrain from engaging in pastoral functions within our church fellowship unless requested by the pastor.

I will seek to maintain supportive and caring relationships with my colleagues in the ministry.

My Denomination
I will cooperate with the personnel of the International Baptist Church Conference and of the district in which I serve, and offer responsible criticism in order that our common service in the kingdom of God might be more effective. Furthermore, I will use my influence to affirm and edify the fellowship of this church with the district and the International Baptist Church Conference.

I ___________________________________ covenant in the sight of God with my colleagues in the ministry to strive to keep the Code of Ministerial Ethics of the International Baptist Church Conference.