People in ministry, whether pastoral ministry, education, campus workers, missions, or chaplains, need certain attributes for authentic and effective service.
This probably falls under the category of Humility but I am always mightily impressed when those who hold senior positions in the Church (and elsewhere) are able to admit when they don't know something. I tend to run from those who are too certain in their faith and run towards those who put loving others before "right" Theology.
Ditto Chris! I like how you expressed that in your definition of holiness, Mike - “Holiness always means dealing with the flaws in your character, mistakes of judgement and seeking reconciliation when you are in the wrong” . As a Christian manager of an Occupational Therapy department in a hospital, I feel like I’m in a “ministry” position. And I try really hard to model all 5 characteristics (not at all successfully I must say! But I try!) But I hope the ability to admit my own mistakes to my staff and even other hospital managers, is especially helpful in seeing Christ at work and the positive difference that can make to the way we work as a whole hospital for the good of our patients. It is antithetical to typical western behaviour in the workplace, sadly, so I pray that showing humility and holiness, Christ will be brightly evident and that his aroma will bring about his good work.😊
This probably falls under the category of Humility but I am always mightily impressed when those who hold senior positions in the Church (and elsewhere) are able to admit when they don't know something. I tend to run from those who are too certain in their faith and run towards those who put loving others before "right" Theology.
Ditto Chris! I like how you expressed that in your definition of holiness, Mike - “Holiness always means dealing with the flaws in your character, mistakes of judgement and seeking reconciliation when you are in the wrong” . As a Christian manager of an Occupational Therapy department in a hospital, I feel like I’m in a “ministry” position. And I try really hard to model all 5 characteristics (not at all successfully I must say! But I try!) But I hope the ability to admit my own mistakes to my staff and even other hospital managers, is especially helpful in seeing Christ at work and the positive difference that can make to the way we work as a whole hospital for the good of our patients. It is antithetical to typical western behaviour in the workplace, sadly, so I pray that showing humility and holiness, Christ will be brightly evident and that his aroma will bring about his good work.😊
Not much to add here, either. I'll just note that "competence" is often (not always) lacking in unpaid volunteer work. That can be *so* frustrating.
Thanks Mike. A great list. Little to add.
Peter Keith Wagga Wagga.
Great list Mike. I left a church because there was a lack of leadership. Very disappointing in church “leaders”.