Any obvious inconsistency between the actions and words of a Christian leader using electronic media can lead to a lack of trust between audience and speaker.

That’s what makes headlines like this so painful: “A pair of lawsuits allege crimes, cover-ups, sexual impropriety, and lavish spending”

This was not Hollywood entertainment news, or a high-profile corporate scandal.

Sadly, it was a recent story alleging misconduct and criminal activity at a major media ministry, implicating its founders, show hosts and others.

Higher standards

Preaching one thing on a media platform, but living another behind the scenes plays right into the hands of an enemy whose goal is to draw people away from the Christ of Scripture.

The general public expects Christian communicators to be committed to the highest ethical standards. Without trust there will be little effective media communication of the gospel in the digital age.

This is a really important issue for two reasons. One, because everything gospel communicators do is for God’s kingdom, power, honor and glory. And two, because the communication explosion continues to bring unprecedented opportunity for spreading the gospel.

“We would rather endure anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.” 1 Corinthians 9:12

For these reasons communicators must pursue excellence in content creation. They must have clarity in their presentations. They must adhere to stringent professional speaking requirements. And above all, they must commit to the highest standards of integrity in their personal lives and in all their relationships.

Recognizing the Bible as the standard by which we must evaluate all beliefs, instruction, policies and practices, the National Religious Broadcasters association has adopted the following Code of Ethics for its members. It’s a great model for any Christian organization to follow and one our own company, enspire.tv, fully subscribes to.

Code of ethics

1. I will conduct my personal life, corporate ministry, and business affairs in a way that will not bring shame or reproach to the name of the Lord or others in my community. Rather, I will speak to bring glory and pleasure to our Lord and encourage others to do likewise. (I Peter 1:14-16, 2:12, 4:11)

2. I will speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:1-16)

3. I will recognize and respect what the Lord is doing through other individuals and organizations while refraining from unnecessary criticism of them. (I Peter 3:8-9)

4. I will not use the media to knowingly speak falsely against anyone. (Exodus 20:16)

5. When I believe a fellow member has sinned against me or the Lord, or has violated this Code of Ethics, I will follow the principles and procedures set forth in God’s Word. (Matthew 18:15-17)

6. I will honor my obligations to my vendors, neighbors, community and government. (Romans 3:7-8)

7. In matters of dispute with other Christians, to the extent that it is in my power to do so, I will attempt to submit my grievances to Christian arbitration for resolution rather than to the courts of the land (I Corinthians 6:1-8). Nothing herein shall be construed so as to prohibit a member from expressing his genuine concern to another brother in a spirit of love and in accordance with Matthew 18:15-17.

8. I will refrain from any sexual conduct or life-style, such as homosexuality or adultery, which is inconsistent with Scripture, or any promotion of the same. (Romans 1:24-32; Genesis 19; Leviticus 18:22; Exodus 20:14; John 8:1-11)

The proven faithful

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:19

Ethical behavior and trusted leadership will be one of your most treasured assets. It will be hard earned over time. Thus, it helps to remember:

• We are all capable of grievous moral failures. We all need Jesus as Lord of our life to lead and strengthen us against sin.

• We all have blind spots and weak spots which we think we can handle on our own. Without accountability, we set ourselves up for disaster.

• Integrity means doing the right thing in every circumstance, even when no one is watching. Online friends and followers do not expect their leaders to be perfect, but they do expect them to be honest.

In conclusion, there will always be leaders that let us down. The vast majority of men and women called by God to use media will not. They will not fall away. They will be proven faithful and millions will be saved as a result. Pray that God’s anointing and protection will rest on their lives and ministries.