Plagerism in the Pulpit

I've been thinking some lately about plagerism in the pulpit. A New York Times article recently reported that a pastor had admitted preaching other guys' sermons that he downloaded from the internet. We were visting with friends earlier this summer who believed the same thing about their pastor. We have all borrowed from each other in the homiletical arena, and "there is nothing new under the sun," but when does a preacher cross the line into plagerism?

• When his outline is someone else's and he doesn't give credit
• When one of those cute "turns of the phrase" that is not his is not credited to the one who really turned it
• When another's experience is related as his own [that's also lying!]
• When quotes are lifted from books or sermons without giving credit

I'm sure I'm missing some things here, but this is a start. I tell students when writing papers that if the thought is not your thought footnote. I would say to preachers--If the thought is not really yours give credit. Your credibility and integrity will then never be questioned.

What about background material gained from study? When you simply summarize background material as you explain a text in the sermon, you don't have to give credit. When you define biblical terms, I don't think it is necessary to quote the source; your congregation will assume you looked that definition up anyway. However, if you find something really great that you want to use and you do so word-for-word, give credit.

I have used outlines of others, quotes from others, etc. in the past--we all have. But I have attempted each time to make sure the proper person gets credit for it. That's only right. If I might twist a verse just a bit--"Give credit to whom credit is due!"