Independent Reformed Catholic Church

A world of disciples

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19, NIV).

Faith

Basic Rules of Ethics

I. Ministerial Accountability

Ministerial accountability and stability are established and maintained by:

focusing on the heart of the matter and depending on God, if this doesn't work nothing else will!
building and maintaining strong, meaningful relationships with mature ministers of God throughout the IRCC and other like minded churches and continues to seek out and build meaningful relationships with one another who can impart wisdom, strength and stability both at a personal level and the IRCC as a whole.
submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord (Ephesians 5:21). No person, not even the pastor, deacons, priests or bishops are above this rule. In following this rule, every ministry of the IRCC should submit a monthly report to the local bishops no later then the 10th of every month. This summary should be no more than a monthly praise report.

II. Personal Commitment

I will always devote time to seeking the will of God through diligent study in the Scriptures and prayer.
I will endeavor to keep myself physically fit and emotionally stable.
I will seek in all ways to be Christ like in my attitude and conduct.
I will seek mutual accountability and spiritual friendship with fellow Christians for personal encouragement and nurture in order to ensure faithfulness to my calling as a steadfast follower and competent servant of my Lord Jesus Christ.

III. In Relationship to My Family

I will consider each member of my immediate family as precious gifts from God, and will carefully, lovingly and responsibly meet their needs as a sacred obligation before Him.
I will give spiritual leadership in my home.
I will be faithful and loyal to my family members, loving them as Jesus Christ loves His Church.

IV. In Relationship to the Church

I will remember that I am called to lead, but also to serve as Christ Jesus set the example.
I will never violate a confidence given to me, my priestly or pastoral responsibly.
I will be diligent in my duties as pastor, deacon, priest or bishop, never lazy, but with God as my judge and my Shepherd.
I will be Biblical in my preaching, presenting the whole counsel of God, speaking the truth in love.
I will strive to introduce people to Christ, and to build His Church, and preach his saving Message of Hope and Love.
I will consider my call to the church a sacred responsibility and stand by the decision.
I will seek the unity of the church and resist any attempts to divide.

V. In Relationship to Other Ministers

I will be a brother or sister in Christ to my fellow ministers, deacons, priests or bishops.
I will not seek to build my church at the expense of another church, nor my ego at the expense of another minister.
I will avoid speaking uncharitably of any member of clergy.
I will abstain from fruitless debates which are of little value and serve to cause any form of division within the body.

VI. In Relationship to the Community

I will seek to be responsible in my personal finances.
I will seek to build a positive relationship with the community without sacrificing my ministry to the church.
I will never misuse my position or credentials or ordination in pursuit or promotion of any political agenda.

VII. Code of Ethics for Churches

The Christian Church (AKA The Church of God) is the Body of Christ and is destined to be His Bride. Inasmuch as every local church is an expression of the whole Body it is needful for her to be committed to vigilance in all of her relationships.

VIII. In Relationship to Christ

Believing that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, we will honor and exalt Him in all of our relationships and ministries. We will keep ourselves free from all policies and practices which might tend to mar the beauty of the Bride of Christ.

IX. In Relationship to Fellow Members

Believing that the local church is an expression of the family of God, we will promote unity among the members of the congregation, resisting all jealousy, rivalry, self-seeking and division which would disturb that unity.
We will "... make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19)."

X. In Relationship to Other Churches

Believing that the Church is a universal body, we will attempt to maintain honorable relationships with other Bible-believing churches in the community.

XI. In Relationship to the Community

Believing that the witness of the church in the community affects the ministry of that church to the community and reflects on Christ, the Head of the Church, we will endeavor to keep our dealings with agencies, businesses and individuals in the community honest and above reproach.

XII. In Relationship to IRCC

Believing that our membership in IRCC is not only a privilege but also involves responsibility.
We will fulfill our fellowship, ministry and financial obligations to IRCC to the best of our ability. We will uphold the doctrines, principles and Canons of the IRCC.

XIII. In Relationship to the Pastor, Deacon, Priest or Bishop and Other leaders of the Church

Believing that the pastor, priests, bishops, abbots, abbesses, vowed religious men and women and other spiritual leaders are shepherds of Christ's flock, we will love, honor and submit to them as they, by example and word, watch over our souls, their role is a place of honor and not a place of privilege.
We will not allow anything among us that would undermine the pastor'sor priest's ministry or rob him or her of the confidence of the church and the community.
We will endeavor to respond to all criticism dealing with the pastor, deacon, priest or bishop other spiritual leaders, or their families in an honorable manner, not tolerating subversive or clandestine meetings.
Whenever legitimate criticism or charges against anyone arise, we will follow Scriptural direction for church discipline, always with a desire for reconciliation and restoration and always making use of the cloak of love as dictated by the Canons of the IRCC and Scriptures in the True Christian Tradition.