A Handbook on Ethics in Ministry

Trusted with Treasure

Serve with Integrity

Just as nautical charts and lighthouses guide captains safely past hazards, this handbook on ministerial ethics will help equip you to build healthy relationships, avoid unwise behaviors, and serve with integrity and the highest ethical standards.

Brad Kesler · Foreword by Donna Barrett

Buy from Gospel Publishing House → Buy on Amazon

Paperback · Kindle · Edición en Español

Trusted with Treasure Book Cover
31 Ethics
Resources
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Available now in English from Gospel Publishing House and Amazon. The Spanish edition releases in time for the General Secretary's Seminar.

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Coming for launch

Un tesoro confiado en mis manos

ESPAÑOL · MANUAL DE ÉTICA MINISTERIAL

The Spanish edition, available from both Gospel Publishing House and Amazon.

Ver en español
About the book

The treasure was lost.
A light was built.

In 1898, the steamship Clara Nevada struck an uncharted rock in Southeast Alaska. The ship sank, taking with it souls on board and hundreds of pounds of gold. In response, the Eldred Rock Lighthouse was built to warn mariners of hidden dangers.

As a servant of the Lord, you have been entrusted with the greatest treasure — the gospel of Jesus Christ. Trusted with Treasure addresses the misuse of power, sex, and finances, offers a framework for making ethical decisions, and explores best practices in emerging areas like artificial intelligence.

Practical at its core, nearly every chapter includes a case study based on real-life situations. While many examples reflect Assemblies of God contexts, the principles apply to gospel workers everywhere.

"Guard what has been entrusted to your care."
1 TIMOTHY 6:20
Inside the book
WATCH FIRST

A word from the author

THE REASON FOR THIS SITE

Ethics in Ministry
Resource Library

A living, categorized collection of articles, podcasts, position papers, and guides — curated and continually updated by Brad Kesler.

UPDATED 30 September 2026

Church Admin Systems

3 RESOURCES

General Ethics in Ministry

3 RESOURCES

Keeping Your Tanks Filled

3 RESOURCES

Practical Ministry Ethics

3 RESOURCES

Singleness, Marriage & Family

3 RESOURCES

Stewarding Finances

3 RESOURCES

Stewarding Our Sexuality

3 RESOURCES

Stewarding Power

3 RESOURCES
Browse all 3 resources → New material is added throughout the year.
Brad Kesler
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brad Kesler

General Secretary, Assemblies of God (USA)

Brad Kesler was elected general secretary of the Assemblies of God in November, 2025. Prior to his current role, Kesler served two years as the assistant to the general secretary, providing that office with administrative and technical support. Before coming to the AG National Office, Kesler served as district secretary for the Alaska Ministry Network https://www.akministrynetwork.org/ for nine years and business administrator for over 15 years. A lifelong member of the Assemblies of God, Kesler’s ministry began at his home church, Sitka (Alaska) Assembly of God, where he served as youth pastor for five years. He then served as a lead pastor in Juneau, Alaska, for four years. Kesler was ordained in 2000.

He is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. As general secretary, Kesler oversees the credentialing of ministers, church chartering, and the collection of official statistics. He also provides oversight for several national office departments including: Legal, Hispanic Relations, Ethnic Relations, and the Network of Women Ministers.

Kesler is a Registered Parliamentarian. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and an M.Div. from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary https://www.evangel.edu/seminary/ at Evangel University. Kesler is the author of Trusted with Treasure.

Brad and his wife, Susan, have three children and three grandchildren.

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"It is a privilege to be trusted with treasure."

Brad kessler