B
Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 3:17 pm
It’s important to realize that in the ministry God has given each of us a unique personality profile and with that a temperament. I have taken the Myers-Briggs test three times since seminary. The longer that I have been in ministry, the more stronger I seem to be pointing toward ESTJ. Perhaps it is because I have learned to be more assertive in ministry. At the same time, I want to make sure that I do not become domineering. As Presbyterians we “share authority� on the board of the session. But I must make sure that my role as moderator does not become a bully pulpit. And neither should the lectern of the church be a bully pulpit! I fear this is all too common. Laniak reminds us that Shepherds in the Wilderness “can become impatient with their flocks, the weather and grazing options.�(p.243) How true of ministry. Planned ministries can fall apart. Volunteers sometimes do not show up. Parents can curtail the youth’s mission trip. Attendance can be bad at church. Giving can plummet. These things are part of “minding the store� but we cannot abuse the parishioners because they aren’t “good Christians�. Human beings will always fail. Knowing this, we need to season our ministry with grace and latitude. I put it this way “I’m willing to give a few inches, but not a few miles!� If leaders decide they no longer want to lead, I think we need to guide them to be honest with themselves. If their heart is not in it, a change of leadership may be good. As I write these words I realize some powerful concepts in grace based ministry. We must love our parishioners unconditionally, not for what they do for us. Ministry is for their benefit and our joy.[/b]