"Vision is different for every church because each church and its community are different. The Holy Spirit is so creative that He does not have to do the same thing the same way twice. He can give you the keys to your community. He will open doors of opportunity for a church that will seek His leadership and direction."
--Ron McManus, "Effective Leadership"
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Casting the Vision: Self-Assessment
In our "Effective Leadership" course manual for next month, there is a section which asks us to do a self-assessment, an inventory, if you will, because this inventory will help us to "Cast the Vision" for our congregation/group and the church where God has placed us.
I decided to write these down because they remind me of the questions that Bishop Jakes keeps asking us to answer, flesh out, define to the best of our ability, knowing it would help us focus and hone in on the people of God He has called us to be.
Here are the questions from page 59 of the text. I feel the need to say that I am answering these questions to the best of MY ability, with what I SEE as strengths, etc. But I realize, fully, that God's viewpoint and vantage point is comprehensive and probably astronomically different than my own. It is with such a knowledge that I humbly attempt to answer the following questions.
1. Natural Talents: What do you do well naturally?
I would hope that Communication, empathy, sympathy, understanding the hurts of people, teaching, are all things I could call Natural Talents. I can write plays, articles, and create advertisements for billboards, radio, print, etc. I can see the potential in people, can "see" what people need to be doing (positions, jobs, etc). I can help people with PR.
In the Word, specifically, I feel like God/Holy Spirit just OPENS it and allows me to dissect it. When I'm studying, certain words and phrases literally POP OUT in my vision. I pray earnestly for God to help me make everything I do relatable, relevant, and PERSONAL to people's lives. He helps me SO MUCH. I know that HE has given me this talent. I can also "see" connections, points to messages developing right before my eyes. But, again, I totally rely on Him. I trust Him. He has never failed me. Never been silent. Sometimes He waits until what I feel like is "the last possible second" to reveal things to me--or maybe it's me being sloppy--but He has never failed me. I know He's training me to hear Him.
2. Spiritual Gifts: What has God gifted you to do?
Pray for hurting people. See/notice/discern hurts in people. I have "seen" anointing falling on people. Love hurting people, struggling people. God has given me a connection with people on the fringe, on the "outs" of society--or even the "outs" of the church. (I think that's because I've always felt like, or been actually labelled as, "the misfit.")
He has given me a LOVE and insatiable desire for the Global Church and Unity. I find myself making new friends easily with fellow believers whom I do not know and whom do not attend my own church/denomination.
3. Inward Desires: What do you want to do?
I'm at the age now where my body isn't what it used to be and I am seemingly always lacking time and energy to do everything I need. I can honestly say that my "Inward Desires" are not my own when it comes to the church calling. I will do what He leads me to do--not because I want to, but because I am called to serve. As long as He goes with me, providing, paving the way, speaking to me as He does, I will do this. The SECOND He tells me otherwise--and it's HIM--I would gladly get out of the way.
I know, too, that I would not be happy if I were not serving in His church and the church Community. I always need to be serving, probably teaching in some compactly. And, honestly, it doesn't matter to me which group: Pre-K, third grade, teens, whatever. I'm just called to serve Him.
I honestly have no delusions of grandeur when it comes to the ministry. I trust Him fully to take me where He wants to and when He wants to.
4. Results and Fruits: What is produced when you do it?
Um, I'm not sure what this means, exactly, but I think that everything we do is SOWING, in anticipation of the growth and the HARVEST. And I am also aware that "fruit bearing" requires a LOT of hard work, and, know-how, and commitment.
5. Affirmation and Recognition: What do others confirm about you?
People have told me that they enjoy hearing me discuss the Bible, the points given, things they haven't remembered "seeing" before. People say I encourage them to take one more step forward, in Christ, in their given days. (This makes me happy, of course!) One of the most rewarding thing, though, is to hear of my kids (and I consider anyone, any age, in my classroom as my kids) ministering themselves, growing in Christ (I got saved! I'm teaching a class! God healed me! I'm called to ministry! I led someone to The Lord...etc.)
6. Burdens and Passions: What convictions do you feel compelled to pursue?
This is what I believe I am sent to let people know: (1) I believe that God has a divine plan for EVERYBODY, EVERY INDIVIDUAL, and He has the BEST PLANS for their lives. (2) I have a burden and passion for people to KNOW about Christ--who He REALLY IS, as opposed to this "head game" that society--and even the church!--has made Him out to be. (3) I believe people need to know that GOD LOVES THEM, JUST AS THEY ARE!!!! RIGHT NOW!!! HE LOOOOVES THEM and THEY ARE SPECIAL TO HIS HEART!!! (4) I have a passion to encourage people to TAKE ONE MORE STEP IN HIS DIRECTION, or just one more step in life, period! I feel the NEED to tell people to PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER, to just keep moving in His direction, no matter how slow they think they're going! (5) I believe EVERY PERSON HAS SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND THAT EVERY PERSON IS SUPPOSED TO/MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!! We are all CALLED TO DO SOMETHING inside and outside of the church. (6) I believe that this life in Christ is a JOURNEY and we mustn't be critical of others at different points in the journey. We need to love THEM ALL to a deeper knowledge of Christ. Lord, I'm still on my journey!!! I'm still trying to delve deeper in to this relationship, learn more, hear more, and find a BALANCE in this crazy-busy hectic life! (7) I believe I must tell people that there is A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST available to them. It is a living, one-on-one relationship. This isn't just "The Pledge of Allegiance"--IT'S ALIVE! IT'S WHO WE ARE! IT'S LIVING! IT'S OUR IDENTITY! IT'S EVERYTHING! I wish people--fellow believers included--could KNOW HIM AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION!!!
Additionally, I feel compelled to go places, meet God's people globally, pray for the Global Church. I feel a burden to Pray for the Global Church of Christ and UNITY in all of God's People who are Called by His Name.
7. Fulfillment and Satisfaction: What do you deeply enjoy doing?
Encouraging people. Inspiring someone. Making a difference.
8. Circumstances and Opportunities: What is in front of you as an opportunity?
I have no idea. And sometimes, I'm pretty sure I don't need to know. Sure, I suppose we'd all like "a glimpse"...but in my situation? Honestly? I'm content to let Him call the shots. If there is opportunity for me, it includes my family. I would NEVER want to commit to something--opportunities, anything--that isn't GOD'S WILL FOR ME OR MY FAMILY. Because I'm not on my own. I am a wife, a mom, a teacher/pastor, an employee. I have learned long ago that I don't call my shots. When it comes to this? To ministry? IT'S GOT TO BE HIM DOING IT.
This "Effective Leadership" course manual was written by Ron McManus.
I decided to write these down because they remind me of the questions that Bishop Jakes keeps asking us to answer, flesh out, define to the best of our ability, knowing it would help us focus and hone in on the people of God He has called us to be.
Here are the questions from page 59 of the text. I feel the need to say that I am answering these questions to the best of MY ability, with what I SEE as strengths, etc. But I realize, fully, that God's viewpoint and vantage point is comprehensive and probably astronomically different than my own. It is with such a knowledge that I humbly attempt to answer the following questions.
1. Natural Talents: What do you do well naturally?
I would hope that Communication, empathy, sympathy, understanding the hurts of people, teaching, are all things I could call Natural Talents. I can write plays, articles, and create advertisements for billboards, radio, print, etc. I can see the potential in people, can "see" what people need to be doing (positions, jobs, etc). I can help people with PR.
In the Word, specifically, I feel like God/Holy Spirit just OPENS it and allows me to dissect it. When I'm studying, certain words and phrases literally POP OUT in my vision. I pray earnestly for God to help me make everything I do relatable, relevant, and PERSONAL to people's lives. He helps me SO MUCH. I know that HE has given me this talent. I can also "see" connections, points to messages developing right before my eyes. But, again, I totally rely on Him. I trust Him. He has never failed me. Never been silent. Sometimes He waits until what I feel like is "the last possible second" to reveal things to me--or maybe it's me being sloppy--but He has never failed me. I know He's training me to hear Him.
2. Spiritual Gifts: What has God gifted you to do?
Pray for hurting people. See/notice/discern hurts in people. I have "seen" anointing falling on people. Love hurting people, struggling people. God has given me a connection with people on the fringe, on the "outs" of society--or even the "outs" of the church. (I think that's because I've always felt like, or been actually labelled as, "the misfit.")
He has given me a LOVE and insatiable desire for the Global Church and Unity. I find myself making new friends easily with fellow believers whom I do not know and whom do not attend my own church/denomination.
3. Inward Desires: What do you want to do?
I'm at the age now where my body isn't what it used to be and I am seemingly always lacking time and energy to do everything I need. I can honestly say that my "Inward Desires" are not my own when it comes to the church calling. I will do what He leads me to do--not because I want to, but because I am called to serve. As long as He goes with me, providing, paving the way, speaking to me as He does, I will do this. The SECOND He tells me otherwise--and it's HIM--I would gladly get out of the way.
I know, too, that I would not be happy if I were not serving in His church and the church Community. I always need to be serving, probably teaching in some compactly. And, honestly, it doesn't matter to me which group: Pre-K, third grade, teens, whatever. I'm just called to serve Him.
I honestly have no delusions of grandeur when it comes to the ministry. I trust Him fully to take me where He wants to and when He wants to.
4. Results and Fruits: What is produced when you do it?
Um, I'm not sure what this means, exactly, but I think that everything we do is SOWING, in anticipation of the growth and the HARVEST. And I am also aware that "fruit bearing" requires a LOT of hard work, and, know-how, and commitment.
5. Affirmation and Recognition: What do others confirm about you?
People have told me that they enjoy hearing me discuss the Bible, the points given, things they haven't remembered "seeing" before. People say I encourage them to take one more step forward, in Christ, in their given days. (This makes me happy, of course!) One of the most rewarding thing, though, is to hear of my kids (and I consider anyone, any age, in my classroom as my kids) ministering themselves, growing in Christ (I got saved! I'm teaching a class! God healed me! I'm called to ministry! I led someone to The Lord...etc.)
6. Burdens and Passions: What convictions do you feel compelled to pursue?
This is what I believe I am sent to let people know: (1) I believe that God has a divine plan for EVERYBODY, EVERY INDIVIDUAL, and He has the BEST PLANS for their lives. (2) I have a burden and passion for people to KNOW about Christ--who He REALLY IS, as opposed to this "head game" that society--and even the church!--has made Him out to be. (3) I believe people need to know that GOD LOVES THEM, JUST AS THEY ARE!!!! RIGHT NOW!!! HE LOOOOVES THEM and THEY ARE SPECIAL TO HIS HEART!!! (4) I have a passion to encourage people to TAKE ONE MORE STEP IN HIS DIRECTION, or just one more step in life, period! I feel the NEED to tell people to PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER, to just keep moving in His direction, no matter how slow they think they're going! (5) I believe EVERY PERSON HAS SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND THAT EVERY PERSON IS SUPPOSED TO/MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!! We are all CALLED TO DO SOMETHING inside and outside of the church. (6) I believe that this life in Christ is a JOURNEY and we mustn't be critical of others at different points in the journey. We need to love THEM ALL to a deeper knowledge of Christ. Lord, I'm still on my journey!!! I'm still trying to delve deeper in to this relationship, learn more, hear more, and find a BALANCE in this crazy-busy hectic life! (7) I believe I must tell people that there is A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST available to them. It is a living, one-on-one relationship. This isn't just "The Pledge of Allegiance"--IT'S ALIVE! IT'S WHO WE ARE! IT'S LIVING! IT'S OUR IDENTITY! IT'S EVERYTHING! I wish people--fellow believers included--could KNOW HIM AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION!!!
Additionally, I feel compelled to go places, meet God's people globally, pray for the Global Church. I feel a burden to Pray for the Global Church of Christ and UNITY in all of God's People who are Called by His Name.
7. Fulfillment and Satisfaction: What do you deeply enjoy doing?
Encouraging people. Inspiring someone. Making a difference.
8. Circumstances and Opportunities: What is in front of you as an opportunity?
I have no idea. And sometimes, I'm pretty sure I don't need to know. Sure, I suppose we'd all like "a glimpse"...but in my situation? Honestly? I'm content to let Him call the shots. If there is opportunity for me, it includes my family. I would NEVER want to commit to something--opportunities, anything--that isn't GOD'S WILL FOR ME OR MY FAMILY. Because I'm not on my own. I am a wife, a mom, a teacher/pastor, an employee. I have learned long ago that I don't call my shots. When it comes to this? To ministry? IT'S GOT TO BE HIM DOING IT.
This "Effective Leadership" course manual was written by Ron McManus.
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