Just Ministry: Professional Ethics for Pastoral Ministers

Just Ministry is a book on professional ethics for those involved in pastoral ministry, whether ordained or lay. It aims to stimulate a new attitude among ministers to view themselves as professionals and to take seriously the responsibilities that come with this identity. At a time when concerns for misconduct, scandals of abuse, and liability have brought pastoral ministers under greater scrutiny than ever before and have threatened to undermine their morale, this book offers a positive perspective on the vocation of pastoral ministry and wise ethical guidance to foster integrity in ministry. In this way it is a resource of preventative education for pastoral ministry. By examining the professional aspects of a ministerial vocation, it provides a guide for ministers to be accountable in offering their pastoral service with expert knowledge and skill and with good moral character. It builds upon a theology of vocation, a covenantal model of ministry, and a vision of professional identity. †