Ministerial Ethics - Lecture 10 - Hedges

Lecture 10: The Minister’s Need for Hedges in Personal and Family Life

Objective: To explore the importance of establishing hedges for ministers in their personal and family life to safeguard their integrity, marriage, and ministry.

Song of Solomon 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

Hedges defined: In Hedges: Loving Your Marriage Enough to Protect It, Jerry B. Jenkins defines Hedges are boundaries or safeguards intentionally established to protect a marriage from infidelity and emotional or physical compromise. These hedges act as a buffer to guard against temptation, ensuring that both spouses remain faithful and committed to each other.

Jenkins emphasizes that These boundaries are not restrictions but expressions of love and commitment to a healthy, God-honoring marriage. They create a framework where trust and intimacy can flourish by proactively avoiding situations that might lead to unfaithfulness or misunderstanding.

1. Introduction: The High Calling of a Minister

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:2 “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach”

Expounding: The Bible sets high expectations for those called to ministry. Ministers are not only responsible for the message they preach but also for the integrity of their personal lives. Being above reproach involves having a clear conscience before God and man, protecting one’s reputation. and being vigilant against temptations that could damage one’s witness.

Jerry B. Jenkins - “The hedges I’ve planted are not because I don’t trust my own resolve or my wife’s devotion. They are there because I know my human weakness and because I don’t trust temptation.”

2. Hedges in Personal Life and Spiritual Integrity

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12 “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”.

Expounding: Ministers face unique spiritual pressures. Spiritual integrity requires intentionality in avoiding situations that could lead to temptation or compromise. This involves:

Establishing accountability relationships to provide guidance and correction. Practicing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fasting to keep one’s heart sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Regularly examining one’s motivations to ensure they align with God’s will rather than personal ambitions.

Jerry B. Jenkins “People who have made up their minds never to fall still need to guard against the constant pull of temptation, which comes from unexpected quarters and at unexpected times.”

3. Protecting Your Marriage and Family as a Minister

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

Expounding: Ministry is demanding, but God calls ministers to prioritize their families. Neglecting your spouse and children can lead to spiritual and emotional erosion in your home. To safeguard your marriage and family:

Dedicate specific times for family devotion and quality moments, demonstrating their priority in your life.

Be transparent with your spouse about your ministry activities and pressures.

Set boundaries with congregants to avoid unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings in opposite-sex relationships.

Jerry B. Jenkins “My family knows that when I’m home, I’m really home, and my wife knows she and the children are more important to me than the people I minister to.”

4. The Importance of Transparency and Accountability

Scripture: James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed”

Expounding:

Openness about struggles and temptations with a trusted mentor or accountability partner can serve as a safeguard against secret sins.

Being accountable fosters humility and transparency, which are vital for spiritual leadership.

Jerry B. Jenkins - “The walls and hedges you erect in your life need to be things you and your spouse can talk about and check up on together.”

This should show the importance of involving one’s spouse in maintaining hedges, promoting transparency and accountability.

5. Q&A and Reflection

Reflection Exercise: Have participants write down one area where they believe a hedge would strengthen their ministry or family life.

“A hedge is a deliberate act of love. It’s a conscious choice to make sure that nothing and no one can get between you and your spouse.”