Ethical conduct as a guest minister is crucial for several reasons. We are in a world where people wake up, claim to have been called by God and start
Ethical conduct as a guest minister is crucial for several reasons. We are in a world where people wake up, claim to have been called by God and start parading themselves as pastors. When unsuspecting pastors invite them as guest speakers, Church members are advised to watch out for their conduct, which could expose who they are. Ethical conduct upholds integrity and promotes trust among congregants. It sets a positive example for others and contributes to moral growth and development. Here are 20 rules in ethical conduct guest ministers should take note of.
1. As a visiting pastor, respecting the allotted time and avoiding requesting additional time is essential. Please adhere to the established order of the service.
2. Whenever possible, avoid preaching at Churches where you are not reasonably familiar with the pastor. You might inadvertently speak on issues affecting him or his Church, causing needless division and rumpus in the Church.
3. Avoid making negative comments about pastors or churches where you have previously preached, as it can give the impression that you might do the same regarding the current Church. 
4. If you must preach at such a church, familiarise yourself with the full name of the church, the pastor’s name, and their correct title.
5. After your ministration, extend a courtesy call to thank the guest pastor for the opportunity. You can also use this opportunity to provide constructive feedback.
6. Following your ministration, it is advisable to maintain a respectful distance from the members of that particular Church. If you require any materials, such as photos or videos from the program, please refrain from secretly contacting the individuals in charge without notifying the pastor.
7. As a guest preacher, avoid promoting your ministry or inviting host members for personal prayers or your programmes. Such actions can be perceived as attempting to undermine the host or poach their congregation.
8. Avoid projecting an image of superiority, pride, and a know-it-all attitude. Don’t try to do things to outweigh or outshine your host or make him seem useless and less anointed before the congregation. Stay humble and approachable.
9. Acknowledge and show respect to the host pastor’s spouse.
10. Do not ask for or specify an honorarium. Accept whatever is given without complaint. If possible, offering a gift is better than receiving one.
11. Obtain permission before promoting or selling your books at the host’s Church. It is respectful to avoid self-promotion on someone else’s platform.
12. Do not provide your contact information to the host’s members without the host’s permission, even if you’re deeper or more anointed than he is. If someone asks for it, suggest they obtain it from their pastor.
13. If a member of the host Church gives you money or a card, disclose it to the host pastor immediately before he gets to know. Believe it or not, your host will hear of it one day. 
14. Don’t lay hands on your host without permission, even if the Spirit strongly leads you.
15. You can teach fundamental truths of Christ on salvation in your host’s Church but don’t try to establish Church doctrines that could be controversial. Preach biblical truths, not church doctrines.
16. If a host’s member says anything evil about your host, don’t comment so you will not be quoted. Don’t receive the accusation of just a person except by two or three witnesses.
17. Guest ministers, be careful with Church members. There is a high tendency for some members to start praising you above the host, passing comments that insidiously berate their pastors. Don’t attend to them. Members can cause a lot of problems between host and guest ministers. Don’t be a victim.
18. Please don’t take offence if your host speaks on your message after you have ministered. Don’t interpret it as an attempt to diminish your contribution. Such a feeling may be unpleasant for some people, but there may be valid reasons for the host’s actions, so it’s important to respect them. The congregation they are tending to is their responsibility, not yours.
19. Message to host pastors: don’t engage female members to attend to guest pastors privately. Don’t assume your guest is an angel. Also, note that many Church members could be weak and still growing. Please be vigilant.
20. Pastors, teach your members how to respond when guest ministers start overreaching themselves. A guest minister came to a Church and told the congregation to put a demand on his anointing by putting money right inside his pocket. He used his left hand to open the pocket of his clothing, and of course, the gullible members went to drop money there while the mature ones remained in their seats. After the ministration, the guest minister did not disclose how much he raised to his host. He went away. Another minister gave his account to the congregation of his host, asking them to place a demand on his anointing by sowing into his life. These are the wrong moves. Pastors should warn their members on how to discover clever behaviours of guest ministers.
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