Course Description The course category Ministerial Ethics is designed to give an introduction to understanding the ethical landscape of ministry. The particular course focus can vary. The course will examine the background history of ethical discourse and explore its message for living faithfully with hope and meaning. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the purpose, structure, unique features, and content of the ethical practice of ministry. The course begins with an introductory discussion of the issues of ethics and ministry. Throughout the course, current literature related to the topic under discussion will be introduced. Today’s pastors face a number of ethical challenges in a context where people are always watching (with their phone/video camera). Scandals in the past three decades have put these moral and ethical issues before clergy and people inside and outside the church. This course will examine several core questions which will help students dig into the ethical and moral issues that pastors (and churches) face. Students will interact with the Covenant and Code of Ethics, which was developed by the American Baptist Ministers Council. They will also continue to develop their personal code of ethics that will serve as a guide for navigating through ethical and moral dilemmas. The course will also address the connection between pastoral ethics and personal.