Leadership with Integrity

Evangelical Christians have been thrust into a position of leadership. Evangelical publications, radio and television programs, churches, schools and other ministries with unprecedented national recognition have all contributed to this new leadership stature.

The National Association of Evangelicals recognizes that with the privilege of leadership comes a corresponding responsibility. Leadership must be with integrity – unmarred, uncompromised and undivided. The Word of God exhorts us, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation” (Philippians 2:14, 15 NIV).

The National Association of Evangelicals calls upon the leadership within the Evangelical community to live lives of integrity under the Lordship of Jesus Christ consistent with the Word of God.

Integrity begins in the leader’s personal life. We must be men and women of our word. Our homes, our marriages and all other relationships should set a standard of faithfulness and loyalty for the world to follow. Stewardship of time and material resources also requires personal integrity.

This integrity must also be seen in the leader’s public life. Financial policies, the way we use the media, the way we promote our churches, and the way we evangelize must all reflect an integrity that honors the Lord Jesus Christ whom we serve. Manipulation of people, inaccurate representation of ministry, injustices, racism, a denial of human rights and callousness to human need belie integrity in our public life.

Having spoken to ourselves, and mindful of the fact that this is an election year, the National Association of Evangelicals calls upon the leadership of our nation at every level to exemplify integrity. We call upon all incumbents and candidates for public office to strengthen America’s moral leadership by practicing integrity in all that they do.

In this critical year of 1984 with the focus of the world being upon leadership for these demanding times, the National Association of Evangelicals commits itself and calls upon church leaders and political leaders across our nation to join with us in pursuing Leadership with Integrity.