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Code of Ethics and Practice for Prayer Ministers

1. Status of the Code

Effective from 1st January 2023 until superseded.

2. Scope

Mandatory for all Prayer Ministers accredited to Christian Prayer Ministries (CPM) and those in training.

3. Introduction

3.1 The purpose of this Code is to provide standards for Prayer Ministry based upon

(a) scriptural principles and good practice, and

(b) to inform and protect those receiving Prayer Ministry.

3.2 The Code provides a framework within which Prayer Ministers are free to be led by the Holy Spirit whilst maintaining the disciplines of good practice, integrity and safety for all parties.

3.3 The Code comprises two parts. The Code of Ethics lays down the principles relating to Prayer Ministry and the Code of Practice enables these principles to be applied.

4. The Objectives of Prayer Ministry

To enable Christians and those seeking prayer to have a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus by being freed from the hurts, sins, bondages and oppression that hinder them from doing so. This will provide an opportunity for them to live in the victory which Christ has already won for us all on the Cross.

5. The Nature of Prayer Ministry

5.1 Whilst sharing some of the same disciplines as counselling, Prayer Ministry has a far deeper application, through the power of the Holy Spirit revealing areas of brokenness. The combination of healing prayer with the application of the Word of God, enables the recipient to be set free from the effects of deep wounding, sins, bondages and occult oppression.

5.2 It is important for those receiving Prayer Ministry to recognise their responsibility in working with God in the healing process. It is also important following Prayer Ministry for them to continue to walk in the light of the truth, which they have received.

Code of Ethics

1. Introduction

Those practising Prayer Ministry recognise the following important principles:

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  1. The unconditional love of God for all people.

  2. The unique relationship between God and each of His children.

  3. The truth and authority of the Word of God.

  4. That Jesus alone is the healer.

  5. The value of each individual.

  6. The dignity of each individual.

  7. The need to observe the law of the land

2. Safety in Prayer Ministry

It is essential that every care is taken to ensure as far as possible, the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual safety of the person receiving Prayer Ministry.

3. Agreements to receive Prayer Ministry

A clear understanding will be established with the person receiving Prayer Ministry, as to what is being offered to them and how the appointment will be conducted.

4. Training and Competence

All those called to be Prayer Ministers should have received an appropriate level of training for the ministry which they are undertaking. They are responsible for ensuring that they are in a right relationship with God, recognising their own need for ministry and for developing their own learning and competence. Every Prayer Minister must have an Annual Personal Prayer Ministry appointment.

Code of Practice

Introduction

This Code of Practice applies the general principles contained within the Code of Ethics to specific situations which may arise during Prayer Ministry, wherever the ministry is conducted.

1. Responsibilities in Prayer Ministry

Prayer Ministers must recognise the responsibilities they have towards those receiving Prayer Ministry, to themselves as Prayer Ministers, to those they are ministering with in a Prayer Ministry Appointment, to the Ministry Team when ministering on a Prayer Ministry or Training course, to the wider community, including other carers or professionals who may be involved and to any organisation they may be working with or under.

2a. To those receiving Prayer Ministry

  • Prayer Ministers should ensure as far as reasonably practicable, the physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional safety of the person receiving ministry.

  • Prayer Ministers must always work in pairs, preferably of different sexes. CPM endeavours to have at least one Prayer Minister of the same sex as the guest for the ministry time. Occasionally this is not possible, and it may be necessary to offer two ministers of the opposite sex to the guest. With the guest’s consent and agreement, the ministry time can then take place.

  • Prayer Ministers must recognise the independence and freedom of each person to make decisions affecting their own lives.

  • Unless the person receiving Prayer Ministry specifically requests it, the prayer minister will not normally act on their behalf in any other capacity, whether professional or social.

  • Prayer Ministers must always establish appropriate boundaries within which they and the person receiving Prayer Ministry will work. Touch, including the laying on of hands, should only be used after permission is given. Even where permission is given it should be recognised that it is inappropriate for certain parts of the body to be touched.

  • Care should be taken to avoid any action that might exploit those receiving Prayer Ministry, financially, sexually, emotionally or in any other way.

  • Prayer Ministry Appointments should be conducted in privacy with only minimal notes taken as appropriate to the appointment. Unless there are safeguarding concerns, these should be destroyed at the end of the ministry time. Any discussion outside of the appointment should only be with the guest’s consent unless a further Ministry appointment has been agreed.

  • Summary notes, including words of scripture, pictures and encouragement, should be given or sent to the guest following a prayer ministry appointment

2b. To Self

  • Prayer Ministers have a responsibility to themselves as well as those to whom they are ministering, in monitoring their effectiveness in Prayer Ministry. They should withdraw if at any time they become aware of any deficiency and only return to Prayer Ministry when their confidence is restored.

  • Prayer Ministers who are accredited will have received basic training and must continue the learning process. They must be able to demonstrate at any time what additional and ongoing training they have received whilst practising Prayer Ministry.

  • Prayer Ministers should be aware of risks to their physical safety when dealing with persons who show signs of being emotionally damaged or mentally disturbed. They should. take whatever steps are necessary to ensure their own personal safety, such as seeking advice from a course leader or withdrawing from the appointment.

  • Where appropriate, Prayer Ministers should seek indemnity insurance for professional risks unless they are covered by the organisation under which they are ministering.

  • CPM members conducting a prayer ministry appointment are covered by CPM’s own insurance policy only when ministering under the umbrella of CPM.

2c. To other Prayer Ministers

Prayer Ministers have a responsibility to other Prayer Ministers and should not engage in any activities that might bring them or other Prayer Ministers into disrepute. If they become aware of misconduct by other Prayer Ministers, they should seek at first to resolve this with the other Prayer Minister. If that fails, the matter should be referred to the Course Leader or Steering Group as soon as possible to take appropriate action. (See Annex 3).

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Under no circumstances must the addresses or phone numbers of other Prayer Ministers be given out to enquirers, without first receiving their consent.

2d. Competence

  1. Prayer Ministers should be aware of their own limitations through practice and experience as well as from their own Prayer Ministry Appointments. Prayer Ministers should not seek to go beyond their limitations in Prayer Ministry. They should refrain from Prayer Ministry if their ability is impaired by emotional or personal difficulties or for any other reason.
    If any of the above circumstances occur, appropriate referrals should be made to course or Hub leaders.

  2. There there are indications that a guest is suffering from physical or mental illness, Prayer Ministers should strongly encourage them to consult their own General Practitioner before returning for further Prayer Ministry.

2e. Under the Law

Prayer Ministers should recognise that they are not above the law and should always work within the requirements of the law. It is their own responsibility to be aware of which laws apply and how to interpret them in their own practice of Prayer Ministry. Training and advice in safeguarding is provided by Thirty-one:eight.

2f. Mentoring

Mentoring is provided for newly accredited prayer ministers and for those in training. Mentees will be made aware of the conduct of a prayer ministry appointment, the necessity of confidentiality and an up-to-date knowledge of CPM’s policies and documentation.

2g. Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality is an essential part of Prayer Ministry practice and Prayer ministers must avoid breaches in confidentiality apart from agreed exceptions as required by law. (See section 2h below). Where referrals are made to other agencies, the consent of the person receiving Prayer Ministry should always be obtained before disclosing private information.

2h. Confidentiality and the Law

Where information about the person receiving Prayer Ministry is being sought by any person or agency with proper legal authority to do so, Prayer Ministers should seek advice from the Course Leader, Safeguarding Lead or directly from Thirty-one :eight as to what is required by law, before any disclosure of confidential information.

3. Prayer Ministry Appointments
3a. Agreements to receive Prayer Ministry

A clear understanding of what is being offered and how the appointment will be conducted must be established before Prayer Ministry commences. Appropriate and clear boundaries must be laid down in agreement with the guest. It is essential that written agreements “to receive Prayer Ministry “should be used for all appointments.

3b. Preparation for Prayer Ministry

Prior to meeting with a guest, Prayer Ministers must spend time in personal prayer and waiting upon God in preparation for the Prayer Ministry Appointment.

3c. Personal Appearance

Personal appearance will convey messages to the guest, and it is therefore important to dress appropriately for the occasion. Likewise, Prayer ministers should be aware of their own personal hygiene.

3d. Recognising Limitations

Where Prayer Ministers encounter problems within the Prayer Ministry outside of their experience and competence they should follow the guidance of 2d above and, with a guest’s consent, seek advice from Prayer Ministers with specialist experience and /or refer the guest to other specialist help such as that provided by a GP.

3e. Disclosures

Where disclosures are made that indicate young people or vulnerable adults are at risk, Prayer Ministers should follow the procedure laid down in the CPM document ‘Procedures to be followed where young people / vulnerable adults are at risk’ as shown in Annex 2.

3f. Concluding the Prayer Ministry

Each Prayer Ministry Appointment should be complete in itself within the time available. Where it is obvious that there are other matters that need to be dealt with, Prayer Ministers will discuss with the guest if and when to have further Ministry.

3g. Conflicts of Interest

Where Prayer Ministers discover any conflicts of interest with the guest, these should be made known to the guest immediately before deciding whether to continue with the appointment.

3h. Expressions of Suicide or Violent Intentions

Where expressions of suicidal or violent action against themselves or others are made, Prayer Ministers should ensure that those with the pastoral care of the guest are informed, as explained in the Agreement to Minister. Advice should be sought from a Course Leader, Safeguarding Lead or direct from Thirty-one: eight for appropriate actions to be taken. The safety of the guest is paramount. Every effort must be made by those ministering to ensure the continued safety of the guest .If it is assessed that a guest is at risk of immediate harm, or they can describe how they would take their own life, then they should be advised to go straight to their local A and E. If the guest is unable to transport themselves, they should be advised to contact someone they know or dial 999 to call for an ambulance to transport them.

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If this happens on a Zoom appointment you should stay on Zoom with them until transport arrives.

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If you assess that the guest is having suicidal thoughts but is not at risk of immediate harm, then you should advise them to make an urgent appointment with their GP.

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You should also explore with the guest what other forms of support they could access. e.g., other health professionals, their family or friends, church, a support line like Mind (03001233393 or the Samaritans, ) (116123) or further prayer appointments.

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Telephone numbers for your local hospitals, The Crisis Team or Social services should be available.

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More detailed information is available in CPM’s Safeguarding Policy.

4. General
4a. Ministry to Young Persons

It is recommended that Prayer Ministry is only offered to persons over eighteen years of age. If in exceptional circumstances it has been agreed to pray with a young person, it should only be with a parent or guardian present or with their written permission for the appointment to proceed without them.

4b. Donations and Gifts

Prayer Ministry offered in the name of CPM is free to all those receiving Prayer Ministry. A donation is requested to help cover administration costs. Where there is a desire expressed to financially support the work, a copy of the form “Making a donation to CPM’ should be given, which may be gift aided.

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Details of making payment or donation by BACS are as follows:
Sort Code: 30-90-89
Account number: 38548360.

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Donation forms are also available from the Administrator of CPM at: admin@christianprayerministries.uk

4c. Complaints Procedure

In the event of a person receiving Prayer Ministry, being dissatisfied with the way the Prayer Ministry was conducted, every effort should be made to ensure a satisfactory conclusion. If this fails, the CPM document ‘Complaints Procedure for those receiving Prayer Ministry’ as shown in Annex 3, should be followed.

Associated documents

Documents TBC – probably make as editable PDFs. Also need to clarify where completed files should be sent (post and/or electronic) and GDPR/privacy assurances in case these get lost.

Annex 1 – Agreement to receive prayer ministry

Annex 2 – procedure to be followed when young people/vulnerable adults are at risk

Annex 3- complaint procedure for those receiving Prayer Ministry

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