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Ethics can be defined as "the study of standards of conduct and moral judgment; moral philosophy." To what standards of conduct and moral judgment do you subscribe? How do you carry out your personal code of ethics in music ministry? Your personal code of ethics will determine your choices in regard to managing budgets, dealing with difficult people, choosing people for special solos and parts, and in many other ways. Music ministers sometimes have lapses in their ethical choices. Good accountability and careful and thoughtful decision-making can often abort these lapses. We are never above the code of ethics and morality that we expect from other Christians!

Relationship to Church

The minister of music is intricately tied to relationships both within the church and with the church as a body or institution. This corporate relationship is more than casual and contractual, for the church is a faith community as well. The contrast of the church as employer and as faith community is often difficult to decipher, for sometimes these roles blur. There are times when the minister of music has to separate the two; however, neither of these roles must be neglected. If the spiritual community aspect is neglected, then music ministry becomes just another job. If the employer aspect is neglected, then contractual obligations and roles defined within the job description can easily be minimized. While the minister of music is a minister within the church and works for the church, he/she is also a member of the church. With this membership comes a responsibility to be supportive of all ministries in the church and to be appropriately supportive of the church's finances. Each minister must participate in the life of the church in the same way that he/she would expect from the most devout member!