Culture and Code of Ministerial Ethics
1. Adherence to the Word of God
All of our beliefs, attitudes, values and goals should, of course, be based on the Word of God. In everything we do, we must hold to the Word of God as our standard. Our purpose as missionaries is to be an example of the Word of God in sincerity, to deliver the Word of God with integrity and to demonstrate the Word of God in power.
2 Tim. 4:2; Jn. 13:15; I Cor. 11:1; Titus 2:6-8; 2 Thes. 3:6-8; I Cor. 2:4
2. Holy Spirit
As a full-gospel ministry we embrace the supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit. We seek never to neglect or quench the move of the Holy Spirit. We seek to be led of the Holy Spirit, we desire spiritual gifts and we submit ourselves to be vessels for Him to move in and through. We teach the baptism with the Holy Spirit as a second work of grace with the evidence of speaking in tongues. We are not ashamed of the power of God.
Mk. 16:15-18,20; Jn. 15:26; Jn. 16:13-15; I Thes. 5:19-20
3. Word of Faith
This ministry was born through a word of the Lord to Bro. Russ Tatro, from Romans 10:8: "But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach)." Bro. Russ said the Lord directed him to this scripture and said to him, "This is the scripture for your ministry."
We adhere to the "Word of Faith" message of the authority of the believer, righteousness of the believer in Christ, and victory over sin, sickness and poverty. It is this message that has taken people from darkness to light and from defeat to victory in every nation we have been privileged to serve. We will not dilute this message.
Rom. 10:8; Rom. 1:17
4. Honesty/Safe Harbor
To properly represent our Lord Jesus and to preserve the integrity of this ministry, we insist upon honesty. We have clean hands in dealing with natural things such as money, reporting, and verbal and written representation of each ministry. We do not pay bribes or contribute to corruption. We fulfill commitments and honor deadlines. We are people of our word.
As each of us adheres to Biblical standards of integrity we establish an environment of safe harbor, whereby we can trust one another.
Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21; Eph. 4:25; Phil. 4:8; I Pet. 2:12; Prov. 12:17
5. Sexual Purity/Sanctity of Marriage
We hold marriage and the family unit in the highest regard. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, never allowing ourselves to be alone with/in private with a person of the opposite sex. We avoid all forms of pornography. We allow no foolish talking, course jesting or sexual inferences of any kind. We do not allow even the appearance of evil. We hold ourselves and those who work with us to these standards with no exceptions.
I Cor. 6:18-20, Eph. 5:3-7, I Thes. 4:3-8
6. Servant Leadership
As leaders we seek to grow people not our ministry. We do not build a ministry on the backs of the people we are called to serve. Our core values are more important than our vision. The end does not justify the means, if the means are unscriptural. Our motivation is love and the harvest. We are more interested in the success of our disciples than our own success. We value gifts in others and seek to develop them.
Mt. 18:1-4; Lk. 22:24-27; Jn. 13:12-15; I Pet. 5:3
7. Discipleship
We recognize that the great commission is two-fold: preach the gospel AND make disciples. Keenly aware that we reproduce after ourselves, we seek to demonstrate and develop Christ-likeness in our disciples. We observe and duplicate Jesus' example of teaching, training, coaching and demonstrating the kingdom of God.
Matt. 28:18-20; Jn. 8:31, Jn. 15:1-8
8. Heart over Strategy
As much as we value apostolic strategy, we are more concerned about our character and motives than strategies.
I Thes. 2:1-12
9. Honor/Unity through Humility
Honoring God and others is our first motivation. We value others and prefer others above ourselves. We do not seek to make a name, a title, or position for ourselves. We are not possessive or competitive. We are kingdom builders, enabling others to succeed. We do not tolerate selfish ambition. We walk in unity and, as much as is in our power, in peace with other men.
Rom. 12:9-18; I Cor. 3:1-11; Phil. 2:1-4, Eph. 4:1-3; I Thes. 3:12-13
10. Culture of Heaven over Earthly Culture
Recognizing we are a family of many earthly cultures, we do not elevate our earthly culture but submit to the culture of the kingdom, love being the center of that culture.
Phil. 3:17-21; Col. 2:8-9
11. Sacrifice
With our Lord Jesus as our highest example, we live our lives so as to build the kingdom of God. We are willing to spend and be spent to see the glory of the Lord covering the earth.
Rom. 12:1; 2 Cor. 12:15; Eph. 5:2; Phil. 2:17
12. Thankfulness that God is our Source
We acknowledge that God is our source of supply, not men. Regarding provision from people, we presume nothing and are thankful for everything. We recognize that when we put pressure on people, we are contrary to the Spirit of God. Therefore, we put all our expectation in the goodness and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.
Deut. 28:2; Deut. 8:18; Ps. 23:1; Ps. 37:4; Jn. 10:10; Rom. 5:17; Gal. 3:14; Phil. 4:19, I Thes. 5:18