3rd Semester 1st year

 Suggested Months: December, January, February 

1. CHRISTIAN ETHICS 

Teaching Outline on Christian Ethics that also addresses Christians in fault, compromising believers, and dealing with heretics/false teachers. Here’s a structured outline you can use in seminary classes, church teaching, or sermons:


Teaching Outline on Christian Ethics in Relationships

Introduction

  • Definition: Christian Ethics is the application of God’s Word in human relationships.
  • Foundation: Love God, Love Others (Matthew 22:37–40).
  • Goal: To glorify Christ in all dealings—with believers, unbelievers, leaders, and even opponents.

I. Ethics Between Christians

  1. Love and Unity – John 13:34–35; Romans 12:10
  2. Forgiveness and Restoration – Galatians 6:1–2 (restoring those in fault in meekness)
  3. Dealing with Offenses – Matthew 18:15–17
  4. Rejecting Bitterness and Division – Ephesians 4:31–32

Application: When a Christian is in fault, others should correct in meekness, not harshness.


II. Ethics Between Different Sexes

  1. Purity and Respect – 1 Timothy 5:2
  2. Avoiding Temptation and Appearance of Evil – 1 Thessalonians 5:22
  3. Marriage Honored – Hebrews 13:4
  4. Modesty and Godly Example – 1 Peter 3:3–4

Application: Compromising relationships (immorality, flirtation) must be avoided.


III. Ethics Between Pastors

  1. Co-laborers, Not Competitors – 1 Corinthians 3:9
  2. Encouragement, Not Envy – Philippians 2:3
  3. Faithful to Truth – Titus 1:9
  4. Correcting Erring Ministers – 1 Timothy 5:19–20 (rebuke with witnesses if in fault)

Application: When pastors compromise truth, separation is required (Romans 16:17).


IV. Ethics Between Churches

  1. Unity in Christ, Respecting Autonomy – Acts 15
  2. Supporting One Another in Needs – 2 Corinthians 8:1–5
  3. Guarding Against Compromise with Heretics – 2 John 1:9–11
  4. Maintaining Doctrinal Purity – Jude 3

Application: Fellowship only in truth. No compromise with churches that deny the gospel.


V. Ethics Between Christians and Unbelievers

  1. Be a Testimony of Light – Matthew 5:16
  2. Live Honestly – 1 Peter 2:12
  3. Do Good Without Compromise – Galatians 6:10
  4. Separate from Worldly Practices – 2 Corinthians 6:14–17

Application: Show kindness, but do not imitate their ways.


VI. Ethics Between Pastor and Members

  1. Pastor Shepherds, Not Lords – 1 Peter 5:2–3
  2. Teach Sound Doctrine – 2 Timothy 4:2
  3. Members Respect and Obey Leaders – Hebrews 13:17
  4. Correction When in Fault – 1 Corinthians 5:11–13 (church discipline if needed)

Application: Mutual accountability under Christ.


VII. Ethics Between Old and Young

  1. Older Teach, Younger Learn – Titus 2:2–5
  2. Respect Both Ways – 1 Timothy 5:1–2
  3. Mutual Humility – 1 Peter 5:5
  4. Care for the Elderly – Leviticus 19:32

Application: Avoid pride in youth, avoid harshness in age.


VIII. Ethics Toward Those in Fault, Compromising, and Heretics

  1. Those in Fault (Erring Believers)

    • Restore in meekness – Galatians 6:1
    • Pray and correct with love – James 5:19–20
  2. Those Compromising

    • Rebuke in love – Titus 1:13
    • Call to repentance – Revelation 2:14–16
  3. Heretics and False Teachers

    • Mark and avoid them – Romans 16:17
    • Reject after first and second admonition – Titus 3:10
    • Contend for the faith – Jude 3
    • Have no fellowship with them – 2 John 1:10–11

Application: Be loving to the weak, firm against compromise, and separate from heresy.


Conclusion

  • Christian ethics is rooted in truth and love.
  • Love restores the fallen,
  • Truth resists compromise,
  • Faithfulness separates from heresy.

Memory Verse: “Let all your things be done with charity.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14


📖👉DOWNLOAD: CHRISTIAN ETHICS✝️

👉REQUIRED: Make a Quiz questions about Christian Ethics in all areas. 30 items with answer key.


2.NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY

MATTHEW 


MARK


LUKE


JOHN


ACTS


ROMANS


1 CORINTHIANS 



2 CORINTHIANS 


GALATIANS 


EPHESIANS 


PHILIPPIANS 



COLOSSIANS 



1 THESSALONIANS 



2 THESSALONIANS 


1 TIMOTHY 


2 TIMOTHY 


TITUS


PHILEMON


HEBREWS 


JAMES


1 PETER 


2 PETER 


1 JOHN


2 JOHN


3 JOHN


JUDE


REVELATION 


👉 REQUIRED: MAKE A BIBLE QUIZ FOR ADULTS, TEENS, AND CHILDREN OF EVERY NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS, WITH EASY AND HARD CATEGORY. More or less 300 questions with answers keys.


3. CHURCH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING 

📘 Church Financial Basics

(For Treasurer & Auditor)

1. Biblical Foundation for Church Finances

Everything belongs to God (Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8).

Stewardship is required (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Giving is an act of worship (2 Corinthians 9:6–7).

Transparency prevents reproach (2 Corinthians 8:20–21).


2. Role of the Church Treasurer

The Treasurer manages the church’s funds faithfully and accurately.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Receiving & Recording Funds

Tithes, offerings, donations, mission funds, love gifts, and other contributions.

Use a receipt system (official receipts or logbook).

Always count money with two people present.


2. Disbursing Funds

Payments only with approval (pastor/church decided).

Issue vouchers or checks (avoid cash as much as possible).

Keep supporting documents (receipts, bills).


3. Record-Keeping

Maintain a Cashbook/Journal (income & expenses).

Separate accounts for general fund, missions, building fund, etc.

Update balances regularly.


4. Reporting

Prepare monthly/quarterly financial reports for members.

Report balances at business meetings.


3. Role of the Church Auditor

The Auditor ensures financial integrity and accountability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Verification of Records

Check receipts, disbursements, and supporting documents.

Ensure funds match reports.


2. Internal Control Review

Ensure two signatures for large disbursements.

Confirm separation of duties (counter, treasurer, auditor should not be the same).


3. Audit Reporting

Issue an annual audit report during church business meetings.

Highlight strengths and give recommendations for improvement.


4. Basic Internal Controls (To Prevent Misuse)

Two people count offerings immediately after collection.

Deposit funds promptly in the bank.

Two signatories required for withdrawals/checks.

No blank checks issued.

Limit cash on hand (use checks/bank transfers).

Regular reporting to the church ensures transparency.


5. Suggested Records and Forms

📑 For Treasurer:

Offering Record Sheet

Cash Receipts Journal

Cash Disbursement Journal

Check Voucher Form

Monthly Financial Statement



📑 For Auditor:

Audit Checklist (verify entries)

Bank Reconciliation Form

Annual Audit Report


6. Sample Financial Report (Monthly)

Missionary Baptist Church – Monthly Report

Month: July 2025


Income:

Tithes & Offerings .......... ₱15,000

Missions Fund ................ ₱5,000

Love Gift for Pastor ........ ₱2,000

Total Income: ₱22,000


Expenses:

Pastor’s Support ............ ₱10,000

Electricity & Water ........ ₱2,500

Missions Support ........... ₱5,000

Church Supplies ............ ₱1,500

Total Expenses: ₱19,000


Balance Forwarded: ₱3,000

New Balance: ₱6,000

Prepared by: __________________ (Treasurer)

Reviewed by: __________________ (Auditor)


7. Christian Stewardship Principles

Be faithful (Luke 16:10).

Be honest (Romans 12:17).

Be transparent (Acts 6:3).

Be accountable to God and the church (Hebrews 13:17).


Church Financial Management – Questions

A. General Knowledge Questions

1. What is biblical stewardship, and how does it apply to church finances?

2. According to 1 Corinthians 4:2, what is required of stewards?

3. Why is transparency important in managing church funds?

4. What are the dangers of mismanaging church finances?

5. How can financial accountability strengthen a church’s testimony?


B. Multiple Choice Reviewer


6. Which of the following is a biblical principle of giving?

a) Give grudgingly

b) Give cheerfully

c) Give only when convenient

d) Give secretly to gain praise

(Answer: b – 2 Corinthians 9:7)


7. The church treasurer’s role is primarily to:

a) Preach sermons

b) Manage and record financial matters honestly

c) Make all decisions independently

d) Keep money without accountability

(Answer: b)


8. Which practice ensures financial integrity in the church?

a) One person handles all funds without oversight

b) Financial reports are shared with the church regularly

c) Money is kept at home for safekeeping

d) No records are kept of offerings

(Answer: b)


9. In Acts 6:1–4, the apostles appointed deacons to handle which matter?

a) Prayer and the Word

b) Distribution of resources

c) Evangelism outreach

d) Church discipline

(Answer: b)


10. Which of these is NOT a proper use of church funds?

a) Supporting missions

b) Paying church utilities and needs

c) Assisting the poor and needy

d) Personal luxury of leaders

(Answer: d)


C. True or False


11. Tithes and offerings should be handled in a way that is accountable to the church.


12. A church should operate with both a budget and financial reporting.


13. Scripture gives no instruction about honesty in financial matters.


14. The church should avoid debt whenever possible.


15. Misuse of church funds can bring reproach to the name of Christ.


(Answers: 11-True, 12-True, 13-False, 14-True, 15-True)


D. Practical / Case Study Questions


16. If a pastor decides to use church funds without informing the members, how should the deacons respond?

17. A church member donates money with a condition that it must be used for something unbiblical. What should the church do?

18. How can a small church create financial transparency if they do not have a full-time treasurer?

19. A church is growing and needs to hire staff. What financial principles should be considered before doing so?

20. How can regular financial reporting increase trust between leadership and members?



4. LEGALITIES THAT AFFECTS THE CHURCH.


📘 Legalities Affecting the Church

1. Solemnizing Marriage

In the Philippines, not every pastor can automatically solemnize marriages.

Requirements (from PSA & LCR rules):

Must be a licensed/ordained minister.

Must be registered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) as a Solemnizing Officer (SO).

Application is filed at the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) where the church is located.


Required documents:

Certificate of Ordination

Church accreditation/authority to solemnize

Appointment or confirmation by the denomination

SEC registration of the church (if applicable)

Bio-data, ID pictures


Once approved, the pastor will have a Solemnizing Officer ID number valid nationwide (renewable every 3–5 years).


2. SEC Registration (Securities and Exchange Commission)

Churches are not required to register if they operate only as a local congregation.

But registration is advisable if the church will:

Own property (land, building, vehicles, etc.)

Open a bank account in the church’s name

Hire employees or staff

Run schools, orphanages, or ministries under its legal identity


Requirements:

Articles of Incorporation (with purpose clause: religious purposes)

By-laws (governance, officers, membership rules)

Treasurer’s Affidavit

List of Trustees (at least 5, not more than 15)

SEC application form


3. Legal Disputes Between Members

Ideally settled through Biblical church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 6:1–8).

If unresolved and affects civil rights (land, contracts, money), cases may go to Barangay Conciliation or Court.

SEC jurisdiction may apply if disputes involve the corporate structure of the church (registered organization).


4. Land or Lot Legalities


Church property issues include:

Titling – The lot must be in the name of the church (if incorporated), not an individual.

Donation of Land – Must be notarized, with Deed of Donation accepted by the church.

Lease Agreements – Should be properly notarized if renting property.

Zoning Laws – Some areas require compliance with local government zoning for church buildings.


5. Freedom of Religion

Guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution (Art. III, Sec. 5):

“No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Churches have the right to:

Worship freely

Preach and teach their doctrine

Manage internal affairs without state interference


But freedom is not absolute: must not violate criminal laws (e.g., human trafficking, illegal fundraising, disturbance of peace).


6. Church Tax Exemption


Churches and religious organizations are generally tax-exempt under the Philippine Constitution (Art. VI, Sec. 28, par. 3).


Exemption covers:

Tithes & offerings

Property used exclusively for religious purposes (land, buildings)


BUT:

If the church operates commercial businesses (canteens, rentals, bookstores not purely ministry-related), those may be taxable.

Pastors receiving love gifts/salaries may still be subject to income tax.


7. Other Legal Concerns

Building Permits – required before constructing church buildings.

Labor Laws – if the church has employees (janitors, staff, teachers), it must comply with DOLE rules.

Data Privacy Act – churches must be careful in handling members’ personal records.

Fundraising/Donations – Large-scale fundraising may require compliance with SEC and BIR if outside the congregation.


✅ Summary:

A church should:

Keep its pastors properly licensed for marriages.

Be SEC-registered if it wants to own property or operate legally.

Avoid legal disputes by clear by-laws and Biblical discipline.

Title properties in the church’s name (not pastor or member).

Maintain tax exemption by using property for religious purposes only.

Protect freedom of religion but stay within civil laws.

👉 REQUIRED:

RESEARCH ACTUAL EXAMPLES OF LEGAL PROBLEMS THAT HAPPENED IN OTHER CHURCHES REGARDING LEGAL ISSUES.

The duty of a Pastor

 👨‍🏫The True Work and Responsibility of a Pastor Theme: Pastoring is preaching God’s Word, rebuking, and teaching, because God will judge ...