Why is Imagination important for preachers?
A number of recent Christian leadership books focus on this key competency, which also emerged in my recent Human Resources research as a valuable commodity, especially for preachers.
How do ministers reflect on the strength of their ongoing call to a particular congregation or role?
Although the call to ministry in general may still be strong, sometimes there are cues to the fact that the relationship is becoming fragile or unsustainable.
“Being a pastor – the worst of all jobs, and the best of all callings.”
(John Newton, C18 Anglican priest)
My 2015 thesis identified the salient features of a clergy evaluation – Formation, Collaboration, Imagination and fourthly Vocation.
What is the place of visionary leadership in church ministry? How can thinking about the future be assessed and developed? Prayerful consideration of the future can enrich dialogue, foster creativity and deepen a sense of partnership with God in mission.
An authentic participative polity appeals to postmodern spirituality. Churches in mission will not only find that collaboration is key to effective governance and management, it is also appealing to people in the wider community with whom we are called to connect.
Ministry work is said to be like no other job; goals are abstract and difficult to quantify. And changing social patterns means pastors can feel demoralised and depleted. One answer for pastors is personal and professional development.
Ministry Supervision is a tool that helps pastors reflect on their ministry, in depth, through a monthly, pastor-initiated, self-review exercise that can helpfully complement other components of minisTerial formation. The supervisee normally sets the agenda, and the supervisor acts as a ‘wise listener’ in a conversation about skill, capacity and questions raised by the minister’s daily work.
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