Biblical Rights • Responsibilities • Accountability
FIRST THINGS FIRST
The Christian’s Bill of Rights
in Churches, Pastors & Ministries
A Biblical Standard of Mutual Responsibility
Christian fellowship carries responsibilities in
both directions. Those who enter a church,
follow a pastor, support a ministry, or place themselves under
spiritual leadership should know what they may reasonably expect
from Christian leaders—and what Christian leaders may reasonably
expect from them.
What Every Christian May Rightly Expect
Standards that should characterize churches, pastors, ministries,
and Christian leadership.
The Right to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Christ—not a personality, institution, denomination, or
movement—should remain at the center.
1 Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 1:8–9; Colossians 1:18.
The Right to the Word of God
Christians should be taught Scripture faithfully and should be
free to examine teaching by Scripture for themselves.
Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
The Right to Truth and Honesty
A church or ministry should not deceive, conceal material facts,
manipulate testimony, or knowingly misrepresent people or events.
Ephesians 4:25; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Proverbs 12:22.
The Right to Servant Leadership
Christian leaders are called to serve the flock, not dominate it.
Mark 10:42–45; 1 Peter 5:2–3; 2 Corinthians 1:24.
The Right to Christian Liberty and Conscience
No leader should attempt to take the place of Christ in another
Christian’s conscience or use coercion to obtain obedience.
Romans 14:4, 10–12; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Philemon 14.
The Right to Ask Questions and Examine Claims
Questions, honest inquiry, and examination of doctrine should not
be treated as rebellion.
Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
The Right to Financial Integrity
Offerings and ministry resources should be handled honestly,
responsibly, and without exploitation.
2 Corinthians 8:20–21; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Timothy 3:3.
The Right to Fair Treatment
No Christian should be favored, condemned, disciplined, or
disregarded merely because of wealth, influence, social position,
friendship, sex, race, or status.
James 2:1–4; 1 Timothy 5:21; Proverbs 24:23.
The Right to Biblical Due Process
Accusations should be heard fairly. Discipline should not be
arbitrary, secretive, retaliatory, or based merely upon rumor.
John 7:51; Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Timothy 5:19–20.
The Right to Correction Aimed at Restoration
Biblical correction should seek repentance, healing, and
restoration—not humiliation, vengeance, or destruction.
Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15; 2 Corinthians 2:6–8.
The Right to Protection from Spiritual Exploitation
Pastors and ministries must not use spiritual authority for
personal enrichment, sexual exploitation, control, intimidation,
or abuse.
Ezekiel 34:2–4; Micah 3:11; 1 Peter 5:2–3.
The Right to Follow Christ Above Human Authority
No pastor, ministry, denomination, or church possesses authority
greater than Christ or His truth.
Acts 5:29; 1 Corinthians 3:21–23; Colossians 1:18.
What May Rightly Be Expected of Every Christian
Rights do not eliminate responsibility. Christian accountability
must operate in both directions.
A Commitment to Follow Christ
A Christian should seek to obey Christ rather than merely claim
His name.
John 14:15; Luke 6:46; James 1:22.
A Willingness to Learn the Scriptures
Christians share responsibility for knowing and examining the Word
rather than blindly accepting everything they are told.
Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Honesty and Integrity
Christians should deal truthfully with pastors, churches,
ministries, and one another.
Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9; Proverbs 12:22.
Respect for Faithful Christian Leaders
Those who faithfully labor in teaching and service should be
treated with honor and respect.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Timothy 5:17.
Willing Service
Every Christian has gifts and abilities that should be used for
the good of others rather than merely consuming the work of the
church.
1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:4–8; Galatians 5:13.
Voluntary and Responsible Giving
Christians should support good work as they are able—but giving
should come willingly, not through manipulation or compulsion.
2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Galatians 6:6.
Peaceable and Direct Resolution of Grievances
A Christian should not use gossip, factions, anonymous
accusations, or public attacks as the first means of resolving an
offense.
Matthew 18:15; Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:15.
A Willingness to Receive Legitimate Correction
The same Christian who expects leaders to be accountable must also
be willing to examine his or her own conduct.
Proverbs 12:1; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19–20.
Concern for the Welfare of Others
Christians should not remain silent when the weak, vulnerable,
poor, or mistreated are being harmed.
Proverbs 31:8–9; James 1:27; Philippians 2:4.
Rejection of Favoritism and Faction
Christians should not create personality cults, cliques,
rivalries, or divisions around favored leaders.
1 Corinthians 1:10–13; 1 Corinthians 3:4–7; James 2:1.
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel
Membership in a church does not excuse conduct contrary to Christ.
Philippians 1:27; Ephesians 4:1; 1 Peter 1:15–16.
Mercy, Forgiveness, and Restoration
Accountability must not become an excuse for hatred. Where there
is genuine repentance, Christians should seek forgiveness and
restoration.
Luke 17:3–4; Colossians 3:12–13; 2 Corinthians 2:7–8.
Christ Remains Lord of Both the Shepherd and the Sheep
“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples
to the flock.”
— 1 Peter 5:3
“All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,
do ye even so to them.”
— Matthew 7:12
Christian authority is never absolute, and Christian liberty is never
irresponsible. The shepherd and the sheep alike remain accountable
to Jesus Christ.