420. The Importance of Ethical Ministry

Welcome to the Influence Podcast ! I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. "Most professions have ethical codes of conduct that govern the behavior of members," writes Brad Kesler. "If ethical behavior is important for other professions, how much more for ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ?" Kesler wrote a just-published book on ministerial ethics to "equip all God's people, and especially ministers, to conduct ministry in such a way that it glorifies God, protects and encourages the church, and sets up the minister for long-term, healthy ministry. Too many ministers have shipwrecked their ministries on the rocks of ignorance and sin." In this episode, I talk to Kesler about the importance of ministerial ethics generally as well as the issues of money, sex, and power specifically. Brad Kesler is general secretary of the Assemblies of God and (full disclosure) my boss. He is author of Trusted with Treasure: A Handbook of Ethics in Ministry , published by Gospel Publishing House. Sponsor Ad This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by Gospel Publishing House, distributors of The Third Voice . Students are surrounded by noise—voices that distract, entertain, and shape their beliefs—yet they feel more alone than ever. Anxiety, identity struggles, and hopelessness are rising. What's missing is a third voice: a mentor who speaks truth, hope, and biblical wisdom. The Third Voice equips youth pastors, leaders, and mentors to step into that gap. For more information about The Third Voice visit GospelPublishingHouse . Show Notes 00:00 — Introduction and Sponsor Ad 01:55 — Why is ethics crucial to Pentecostal ministry? 02:55 — Chapter 3 outlines a process for ethical decision-making. Can you walk us through that process? 06:35 — Why do you focus on the issues of money, sex, and power. And what temptations does money pose to ministers. 11:30 — How should ministers face the temptations posed by sex outside of marriage? 14:39 — How should ministers navigate the dilemmas power poses to them? 16:38 — What are best practices for relationships on a church or ministry team? 24:13 — What are best practices for relating to the fellowship, whether at the sectional, district, or national level? 28:35 — What are some practical ways for ministers to use social media well? 33:18 — What are you reading right now that is interesting, helpful, and/or personally challenging? 34:47 — Conclusion

You can listen to 420. The Importance of Ethical Ministry online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

420. The Importance of Ethical Ministry is an episode from Influence Podcast by George P. Wood.

This episode is 35:33 long.

This episode was published on Mar 13, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Influence Podcast when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.