Ethical Considerations

Lesson Title: Ethical Considerations: Addressing Ethical Issues in Global Missions

Purpose:

To understand and address ethical issues in global missions from a biblical perspective.

Objectives:

To explore biblical principles and practical strategies for ethical conduct in mission work, ensuring alignment with Christ-centered, Kingdom-focused, and Holy Spirit-guided approaches.

Concepts, Terms, and Keywords Defined:

1. Ethical Considerations: Moral principles that guide behavior and decision-making in missions.
2. Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles; honesty in actions.
3. Accountability: Responsibility for actions and decisions, ensuring transparency.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness and respect for the differences in cultures and their practices.
5. Stewardship: Responsible management of resources entrusted to one’s care.
6. Exploitation: Taking unfair advantage of others for personal gain.
7. Proselytism: Attempting to convert someone to a religion through coercion or pressure.
8. Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity who empowers and guides believers in their mission work.
9. Kingdom of God: The reign and rule of God manifested in the lives of believers and their communities.
10. Discipleship: The process of mentoring and teaching believers to follow Jesus.

Lesson Content:

Scriptural Foundations and Ethical Principles:

1. Biblical Mandate for Ethical Conduct:
   • Micah 6:8 (NIV): “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
   • Romans 12:17-18 (NIV): “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
2. Role of the Holy Spirit in Ethical Conduct:
   • Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
   • John 16:13 (NIV): “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
3. Examples of Ethical Issues in Missions:
   • 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV): “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
   • 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 (NIV): “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.”

Practical Applications:

1. Maintaining Integrity and Accountability:
   • Ensure transparency in financial management and reporting.
   • Implement accountability structures within mission teams.
2. Cultural Sensitivity and Respect:
   • Learn about and respect local customs and traditions.
   • Avoid imposing one’s own cultural norms on others.
3. Stewardship of Resources:
   • Manage resources responsibly and ethically.
   • Prioritize the needs of the community over personal gain.
4. Avoiding Exploitation and Coercion:
   • Share the gospel with love and respect, without coercion.
   • Ensure that mission activities benefit the community and do not exploit individuals.
5. Ethical Decision-Making:
   • Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all decisions.
   • Reflect on biblical principles when faced with ethical dilemmas.

Exam Questions with Explained Answers:

1. What are ethical considerations in global missions?
   • Answer: Ethical considerations in global missions involve adhering to moral principles that guide behavior and decision-making, ensuring actions are just, respectful, and responsible.
2. How does Micah 6:8 guide ethical conduct in missions?
   • Answer: Micah 6:8 calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, providing a clear framework for ethical behavior in mission work.
3. Explain the role of the Holy Spirit in ethical conduct with reference to Galatians 5:22-23.
   • Answer: Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, guiding believers to act ethically.
4. What does 2 Corinthians 8:21 teach about accountability?
   • Answer: 2 Corinthians 8:21 emphasizes the importance of doing what is right in the eyes of both the Lord and people, highlighting the need for accountability in mission work.
5. Why is cultural sensitivity important in mission work?
   • Answer: Cultural sensitivity is important to respect and understand different cultural contexts, ensuring that the gospel is communicated effectively and respectfully.
6. How can missionaries avoid exploitation and coercion in their work?
   • Answer: Missionaries can avoid exploitation and coercion by sharing the gospel with love and respect, ensuring that mission activities benefit the community and do not take unfair advantage of individuals.
7. Discuss the importance of stewardship in managing mission resources.
   • Answer: Stewardship involves managing resources responsibly and ethically, prioritizing the needs of the community and ensuring that resources are used effectively for mission goals.
8. What lessons can be learned from 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 about ethical motivations?
   • Answer: 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 teaches that ethical motivations should be free from error, impure motives, and greed, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and integrity in mission work.
9. How can mission leaders ensure integrity within their teams?
   • Answer: Mission leaders can ensure integrity by implementing accountability structures, maintaining transparency in financial and operational matters, and fostering a culture of honesty and respect.
10. What strategies can be used to make ethical decisions in mission work?
    • Answer: Strategies include seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reflecting on biblical principles, consulting with trusted advisors, and considering the impact on the community.

Research Citations (MLA Format):

1. Moreau, A. Scott, Gary R. Corwin, and Gary B. McGee. Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey. Baker Academic, 2015. eBook.
2. Elmer, Duane. Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility. InterVarsity Press, 2006. eBook.
3. Livermore, David A. Serving with Eyes Wide Open: Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence. Baker Books, 2012. eBook.
4. Adeney, Miriam. Kingdom without Borders: The Untold Story of Global Christianity. IVP Books, 2009. eBook.
5. Hiebert, Paul G. The Gospel in Human Contexts: Anthropological Explorations for Contemporary Missions. Baker Academic, 2009. eBook.

This comprehensive lesson provides a detailed analysis of addressing ethical issues in global missions, ensuring alignment with scriptural principles and practical application for ethical conduct in mission work.