It is a daunting task to write a book, especially a book on ethics and etiquette. Once written, the evidence is recorded for all generations to judge you by your own words. Pilate must have felt that preponderance of permanence, when he said of the inscription he ordered to be affixed to the cross, “What I have written, I have written.”

When you publish a book on etiquette, everyone assumes you are always prim and proper. When you write about ethics, it is assumed you are always ethical and emulate the paragon of perfect conduct. Neither is true of the authors of this book. We reserve the right to make mistakes!

However, we have seen the need to produce this work on ethics and etiquette to be a guide, a sourcebook of material for pastors, a textbook for students, and an encouragement to all who aspire to ministry. The ministry is comprised of imperfect people who have a passion, a desire to model Christ to the world and to share His message. In our desire to be the finest purveyors of the gospel we must give attention to our personal conduct to be the very best that we can be. The apostle Paul challenges us,

Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. … Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. … Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all (1 Timothy 4:12-13, 15).