For good or for ill, I’m going to put something else out there today. This is the second part of a paper that I had to right on my personal philosophy of ministry (if you desire the first half, I’d be glad to share it with you, just email me). These are practices that I have built/am building into my life so I can know the Father’s presence in real ways. Though I haven’t arrived at all, I hope these are an encouragement and challenge to you in your ‘training in righteousness’ (2 Tim. 3:16). So here it goes…:-)
Four Crucial Principles and Practices that Flow from my Philosophy of Leadership
1. I practice a personal, intimate, and daily friendship with the Father.
The daily practice of being in God’s Word, with regular (usually daily) times of silence and solitude, prayer, lectio divina, confession, and worship slows my mind, fills my heart with trust and faith, and centers me in the routine. The true friendship (I desire that this word grow to the concept ‘companionship’ in the future as my regular realization of His presence right with me deepens) that I find in this formation of my soul with the Father shapes my thinking and my identity in Him and keeps me from finding my identity in ministry or “as a pastor.” Soaking in His love for me as a son allows me freedom and settledness in my confrontations and conflicts in ministry. It also allows me to preach with passion and conviction, so I’m not held captive by my culture’s and people’s desires and directions.
The regular practice of sabbath guides my spirit and ministry so that I can say both in words and with my life the creed of John the Baptist: “I am not the Christ.” God does not need me to accomplish His mission, and His mission will move forward regardless of me today. So I can rest and relax in His care for His church, my family, and me this day.
2. I seek to establish a “ministry of presence” through every interaction.
Through scheduling intentional times for drinking coffee, sitting in a tractor, gathering for drinks and conversation, or just plain “hanging,’ I establish a “ministry of presence” with people. Through these gatherings, I “leak” vision, encourage endurance, and say “thank you” for their investment in me, in others, in the Kingdom. Presence matters – and then when they have “good things” happen, I get to celebrate; when they have “bad things” happen, I can cry and mourn with them. This intentional undertaking builds bridges strong enough to hold the Gospel and deepens people’s understanding of God’s care and love for them. God uses United’s weekly gatherings, emails and blogs to expand people’s awareness of and attention to His ways. Praise His name.
3. I look to generously “dispense grace” in every conversation.
Words of encouragement, strength, challenge, and experience guide and nourish people. In every interaction with every individual, I seek to (like a candy in the pocket for a child), ‘dispense grace’ through my words, my spirit and my listening. Sometimes this grace hones and focuses, other times it reassures and supports; in either case I believe God uses this intentionality in my life to strengthen the body and build bridges for His gospel. A this time in our culture/society, people need to hear that God wants to do something shaping, positive and meaningful in and through them.
4. I pursue a “larger heart” for the world and God’s Kingdom through story, reading, and friendships.
As I read books from many genres, watch movies (modern day ‘parables’!), and listen to music and podcasts, my heart expands. The spaces these exercises create allow innovation, imagination, and deeper thinking in my soul. I seek to encourage the leadership and staff at United to carve out space for themselves in these same areas. Inviting people into this journey with me allows for conversations to spring from these places and life-change to take root. Creativity for mission and ministry flows more freely in our community. And God is glorified.