Letter IV – The Ethics of the Pulpit

The work of God must be done in God’s way, by God’s men, for God’s glory. Then you will have God's reward.

On Integrity in Ministry and Originality of Vision

Young preacher,

God does not merely call us to preach—He calls us to walk worthy of the vocation with which we are called.

Preaching is not performance. Ministry is not branding. The pulpit is not a platform for personal advancement. It is a sacred place where truth must be handled with holy hands and clean hearts.

And yet, I must speak plainly: the longer I serve, the more I see a quiet erosion of ministerial ethics. Not always in the loud scandals, but in the quiet compromises—men saying things that aren’t theirs to say, hiding truths that others deserve to know, or borrowing burdens they’ve never borne.

Let me give you two examples.

A Stolen Vocabulary

Not long ago, I watched an evangelist begin using terms and phrasing that closely mirrored something I had prayerfully developed over years—language deeply tied to a specific ministry burden I’ve labored to express with clarity and conviction.

But it wasn’t just that he liked the words. He commandeered the terminology without embracing the heart, the process, or the biblical philosophy behind it. It became branding without burden. Familiar language, repurposed for unrelated ends.

In recent years, I’ve noticed a growing trend among some preachers and evangelists (young and old): adopting well-crafted phrases, titles, or ministry slogans that originate from other men’s labors—without giving thought or credit to where those words came from or what weight they carry. It is like someone walking into your house and trying on your coat like it was theirs, and then walking out the door.

Some speak of “revival” who have never wept over a dying church. Others talk of “hope” and “restoration” as if they’re trending topics, not holy burdens. A preacher may lift a slogan from a conference flyer or a ministry website and use it as if it were his own unique vision. But when language is borrowed without labor, or when branding is separated from burden, the result is hollow and dishonest.

Young preacher, let me caution you: don’t speak of things you haven’t suffered through as though you have. Don’t try to borrow the weighty experience of burdens you haven’t borne. Don’t trade in the spiritual currency of another man’s calling or rebrand another man’s vision as your own just to lend weight to your ministry. Be honest...transparent...original—in style, and in sincerity. Be authentic—not just in voice, but in vision.

A Withheld Reality

Along another line, I knew of a pastor who handed off his pulpit to another man without ever fully/transparently disclosing the spiritual decay and dysfunction that had taken root in the church. The new man was sincere. Called. Hungry to serve. But he stepped into a minefield—one that had been covered over with a smile, carefully crafted words, and a handshake.

The other pastor simply wanted out. And the pastor who walked into the mess, the mess he didn’t make—wasn’t prepared for the reality he found.

That, too, is unethical.

“Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” – Romans 12:17

“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.” – Proverbs 12:22

Ministry transitions are not real estate deals. You don’t get to sell the house by painting over mold. You must be honest—especially when the truth is hard. Integrity may cost you comfort, but it will preserve your soul.

What Kind of Man Will You Be?

God is not looking for slick communicators. He’s not impressed by borrowed outlines, repackaged slogans, or manufactured moments.

He’s looking for faithful men (2 Tim. 2:2). Men who speak truth with clean lips and lead God’s people with clean hands.

Your reputation may open doors. But your character will determine what happens once you’re in the room. Your name may get applause. But your truthfulness will determine if God is pleased.

Do not be the kind of man who...

• Hides reality to preserve his image

• Adopts another’s persona to elevate his brand

• Leads without transparency

• Imitates without understanding

• Succeeds outwardly while eroding inwardly

Be the kind of man who...

• Is the same behind the curtain as he is behind the pulpit

• Tells the truth, even when it hurts

• Prays before he speaks

• Gives credit freely

• Keeps his hands off of what God gave someone else

Young preacher, this letter is not a scolding. It is a warning. The danger is not always in falling hard—but in drifting subtly. And nothing will rot your ministry faster than ethical shortcuts dressed up in spiritual language.

My pastor used to say, "The work of God must be done in God’s way, by God’s men, for God’s glory. Then you will have God's reward. Don’t be a voice for truth with a heart full of pretense.

Say what is true. Live what is right. Walk in the light. God will bless it more than you can imagine.