| Saturday, February 11, 2006 |
| 6 Essential Aspects of a Pastor's Character |
This is an article I came across while reading LifeWay. I found it to be very informative and insightful.
You can click here for the article on LifeWay.com.
But I've also pasted it below for your convenience.
6 Essential Aspects of a Pastor's Character
by Mitch Martin
Several years ago I would have said that a leader must be visionary, an effective communicator, a skillful change agent, enthusiastic, or whatever the trend was at the time. But I now believe the most essential quality for a leader is character.
Leaders with character can learn other aspects of leadership. However, if a person is morally handicapped, eventually his flaws will be discovered and his influence will wane.
We all want someone trustworthy and believable. Give me a leader I can respect as a person because I know he is consistently moral, honest, and true. Leadership is built on trust and trust comes from ethical character. Therefore, a leader must focus on character development to be effective.
Leaders with character consistently demonstrate moral, ethical, and spiritual strength. It is who they are at the most basic level. Character is who you are when no one is watching. It is the real you!
In the Pastoral Ministries component of LifeWay Christian Resources, we speak of six aspects of character every church leader must guard. These six aspects comprise the balanced character that is essential to worthy leadership.
1. Relationship with God
Character development begins with a relationship with God. Notice in the above "Star Diagram" that one's relationship with God is central, touching every part of a person's character. The surest way to safeguard your character is to make sure your relationship with God is healthy and growing. We never become too holy for private devotions and a personal encounter with God.
2. Integrity
People of integrity integrate their lives, public and private. They are whole, not divided. They do not act differently in private than they do in public. Spiritual leaders may be tempted to pretend to be something they are not.
Do you secretly abuse sex, money, or power? The Bible says, "Be sure your sin will catch up with you" (Num 32:23). Don't jeopardize your ministry with hypocrisy. Be real and authentic, not phony or pretentious.
3. Marriage and Family
The New Testament says that church leaders must be good managers of their own household. How can they take care of God's household, if they can't take care of their own?
The minister's marriage and family must take precedence over ministry and the church. Set and guard calendar times for being with your family. Raise future champions for Christ and show your spouse that she is your priority. Don't become another statistic with a wrecked family. Guard your home.
4. Physical Health
If you lose your health, you lose your ministry. Due to advances in medical technology, the average life span is steadily increasing. With a little bit of discipline and care, church leaders can potentially become like Caleb and be active in ministry even into their 80s. Additionally, if you take care of your body you will feel better, look better, and be happier. Nutrition, exercise, and rest are critical.
5. Emotional Health
Make friends. Laugh often. Listen to others. Play every day. Get a hobby. Have fun. Guard against bitterness. Don't become programmed. If you take these actions, the journey will be more enjoyable for you and for those around you. People are inclined to follow church leaders who are emotionally pleasant.
6. Financially Responsible
Jesus taught more about money than He did about heaven. Nothing reveals your character more than how you handle money. Materialism, greed, and indebtedness can derail even the most promising ministerial career. Guard against covetousness. Be a good steward of all that God entrusts to you. Strive for diligence and contentment.
Strengthen Your Weakest Area
Identify the one or two areas that you are currently deficient in and take immediate steps to address them. Give yourself regular checkups, striving to be strong in all six areas. Display the star diagram in a prominent place to remind you of what's important. You will find instructions on how to make the star your computer's desktop background at the top of this article.
What Will They Remember About You?
In Acts 21:5, Luke described a poignant farewell scene with men, women, children, and the Apostle Paul. Years later those children certainly remembered they once met the famous missionary, Paul. What did they remember about him? I don't think they remembered Paul's teaching or strategies. I suspect they remembered his heart. They remembered what kind of person he was and how he treated them. They remembered his attitude and spirit.
Those who serve churches discover that people don't remember sermons or strategies. They remember our hearts, our laughs, our ways. In short, they remember our character. The loudest sermon you will ever preach is the life you live. Enhance your character; make it strong and pure, solid and true. God will bless your ministry and people will remember that you were a godly leader. |
posted by Bro. Edward @ 7:52 PM   |
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Name: Bro. Edward
Home: Hamburg, Arkansas, United States
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