Trull and Carter’s emphasis on integrity being the unifier for “character, conduct, and moral vision”.[1] Unity is an important concept. Moral vision provides the goal that shapes character through one’s conduct. The challenge in a multi-cultural, pluralistic society at large, and various expressions of the Christian faith via denominational and non-denominational churches, how does one distinguish between integrity in living worthy of the calling we receive, and integrity in relation to congregational expectations?

Follow Up Question Faculty Jarrett Email this Author 7/14/2016 10:14:21 PM

Trull and Carter’s emphasis on integrity being the unifier for “character, conduct, and moral vision”.[1] Unity is an important concept. Moral vision provides the goal that shapes character through one’s conduct. The challenge in a multi-cultural, pluralistic society at large, and various expressions of the Christian faith via denominational and non-denominational churches, how does one distinguish between integrity in living worthy of the calling we receive, and integrity in relation to congregational expectations? Another way to think about the question is “What does a minister do when exercising ministry may be perceived by some congregants as immoral or wrong?
[1] Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics: Moral Formation for Church Leaders. (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004), 46.