American Council of Christian Churches
47th Annual Convention, October 25-27, 1988
Church of the Open Door, Lebanon, PA
Pastoral Integrity
Whereas in recent times some in church leadership have not exercised moral integrity in the ministry; and
Whereas Paul exhorts Timothy numerous times to “keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22), “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12), “a bishop then must be blameless” (1 Timothy 3:2), “flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22); and
Whereas the world reviles and mocks when a Christian leader falls;
Be It Therefore Resolved that we, the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in annual convention at The Church of the Open Door, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, October 25-27, 1988, do hereby encourage Christian leaders to “take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16).
We Further Exhort Christian leaders to prioritize quality time with their wives and families, “one that ruleth well[in] his own house…” (1 Timothy 3:4).
We Further Encourage mutual prayer for our Christian leaders. We urge believers everywhere to pray daily for them, knowing the satanic warfare to defeat our leaders.
Finally, in Christian love we further encourage those who have transgressed to be subject unto proper spiritual discipline “that others also may fear” (1 Timothy 5:20).
