National Association of Christian Ministers How to Series: Ministry #

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work, ideas, or expressions without proper acknowledgment, presenting them as one’s own. It is a serious ethical violation that undermines intellectual honesty and integrity.

Maintaining integrity in ministry is foundational to Christian leadership, and one crucial aspect of this integrity is the proper citation of sources from other people’s work. As Christian ministers, the commitment to truth extends beyond spiritual teachings to the ethical use of intellectual property. Properly acknowledging the contributions of others not only respects their intellectual labor but also sets a powerful example for congregants. It demonstrates humility and transparency, reflecting the biblical principle of giving honor where it is due (Romans 13:7). By citing sources, ministers uphold the integrity of their message, ensuring that their teachings are rooted in well-researched and credible information, which fosters trust and credibility within their community.

Moreover, the ethical use of sources aligns with the broader Christian mandate to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). This encompasses academic honesty and respect for the intellectual efforts of others. When ministers model ethical behavior in their study and presentation of the gospel, they teach their congregation to value and practice integrity in all aspects of life. This practice not only prevents the pitfalls of plagiarism but also enriches the spiritual discourse, allowing for a deeper and more diverse understanding of theological perspectives. In an age where information is readily accessible and easily misused, maintaining integrity through proper citation is a vital discipline that honors God, respects others, and strengthens the witness of the Church.

Citing sources is a critical skill for anyone engaging in research, writing, or simply sharing information responsibly. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also lends credibility to your own work. This guide will help you understand how to cite sources in APA format, covering written works from books, publications, the Internet, and paraphrasing. This is especially useful for adults who never learned about plagiarism and proper citations in college, but want to ensure their work is respected and trusted.

Citing sources serves several important purposes: #

• • Credit: Acknowledges the original authors’ contributions.
  • Credibility: Enhances the reliability of your work.
  • Avoiding Plagiarism: Prevents the unintentional presentation of someone else’s work as your own.
  • Research: Helps others follow your research path.

Citing Books #

When citing a book, you need specific information: the author’s name, the year of publication, the title of the book, and the publisher. Here’s how you format it in APA style:

Format #

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher.

Example: Smith, J. (2020). Understanding the Basics of Citation. Academic Press.

Citing Publications #

Publications such as journal articles, magazines, and newspapers require a slightly different approach. Key information includes the author’s name, year of publication, title of the article, title of the publication, volume number, issue number (if available), and page numbers.

Format #

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume number(issue number), pages.

Example: Doe, J. (2018). Effective Study Habits. Journal of Educational Research, 45(3), 123-135.

Citing Internet Sources #

Internet sources can be tricky because the necessary information can sometimes be hard to find. Look for the author’s name, publication date, title of the webpage, and the URL.

Format #

Author, A. A. (Year, Month Date). Title of web page. Site Name. URL

Example: Brown, L. (2021, May 15). How to Conduct Online Research. Research Today. https://www.researchtoday.com/how-to-conduct-online-research

Paraphrasing #

Paraphrasing involves rephrasing someone else’s ideas in your own words. Even when paraphrasing, it is important to give credit to the original source.

Format #

Author, A. A. (Year).

Example: According to Smith (2020), understanding how to properly cite sources is crucial for maintaining academic integrity.

Paraphrasing Tips #

• • Understand the Original Text: Read the original text thoroughly to grasp its meaning.
  • Use Your Own Words: Rewrite the text in your own words without looking at the original.
  • Cite the Source: Always include an in-text citation to acknowledge the original author.

In-Text Citations #

In-text citations are brief references within your text that direct readers to the full citation in your reference list. For APA format, in-text citations typically include the author’s last name and the year of publication.

Format #

(Author, Year)

Example: Proper citation helps avoid plagiarism (Smith, 2020).

Conclusion #

Learning to cite sources correctly is an essential skill for anyone engaging in writing or research. By following the guidelines for citing books, publications, internet sources, and paraphrasing, you can ensure your work is credible and respects the original authors’ contributions. Always remember to provide in-text citations to guide your readers to the full references. With these skills, you’ll be well-equipped to produce high-quality, trustworthy content.

For more detailed information, the APA Publication Manual is an excellent resource. Happy citing!