The elders understand the potential for pastoral plagiarism is real and perceptions regarding plagiarism may vary. This document provides attribution guidelines that will act to preserve the integrity of the ministry at Evangelical Free Church.
Sermon Attribution Guidelines
Author: Elders
Date: August 2008
The elders understand the potential for pastoral plagiarism is real and perceptions regarding plagiarism may vary. This document provides attribution guidelines that will act to preserve the integrity of the ministry at Evangelical Free Church.
Guidelines and Pastor Expectations
- When the majority or significant portion of the outline and/or thoughts comes from an outside source or sermon series, this will be plainly stated in the bulletin.
i.e. "A majority or significant part of today's sermon is derived from …”
¨ Source: …
¨ Source: …
- Speakers will make verbal attribution to outside authors when appropriate. Proper credit will be given as much as possible without hindering the flow of the message. Attribution should be clear and error on the side of acknowledgment.
- The elders find it acceptable for pastors to use a combination of original content and outside source material, so long as adherence to these attribution guidelines is maintained.
Sources
How to Use Other People’s Sermons with Integrity, on PreachingTodaySermons.com. Click here >>
Plagiarism: Whose Message is it? By Joe Westbury. Click here >>
Using Sermons on Sermon Central, by Brian Mavis. Click here >>
When Pastors Plagiarize, Christianity Today Editorial, December 9, 2002. Click here >>
What is plagiarism?, Desiring God, January 23, 2006, by DG Staff. Click here >>
