Senior or solo pastors and staff ministers need to have a personal mission statement and future story of their ministry that projects beyond their current place of service, is not dependent on it, and definitely sees beyond any current conflict situation. It is essential they are able to place the current dynamics of their congregation in perspective to their overall ministry, and not to be dependent on their current ministry setting to demonstrate the total worth and value of their ministry.
Why is this necessary? First, for congregations to never experience unhealthy conflict again it is essential for them to have a clear core ideology involving mission, purpose, and theological and cultural values, a magnetic God-given vision, and an appealing future story for the life and ministry of their congregation into which they are seeking to live. Second, it is difficult for senior or solo pastors and staff ministers to lead congregations to have a core ideology, vision, and future story if they have not worked through a similar process for their own life and ministry. Third, ministers must have a long view of their ministry that emerges out of their spiritual call to ministry and is not dependent on the success or failure of their current place of ministry.
What are the benefits? First, senior or solo pastors and staff ministers with an empowering personal mission statement and future story are able to effectively lead congregations, who may be experiencing great challenges and significant conflict that could derail their spiritual strategic journey, without easily getting emotionally hooked by the conflict and thus losing their perspective as a leader. Second, ministers are able to see their current situation and the kingdom potential of the congregation in perspective regarding the long view of their ministry. By not being dependent on this one situation for their worth and value as a minister, and the success or significance of their ministry, they are able to stay engaged longer at a longer intensity of personal conflict when the congregation needs their calm and consistent leadership.
The outline of a personal ministry statement could include the answers to the following questions: [1] What is the overall mission of a Christian individual from your perspective? [2] What do you see as the purpose and contribution of your life? [3] What are the core values of your life you hold dearly and deeply, and which are non-negotiable except as you may discern a shift in values that comes from God? [4] What is your God-inspired vision for the next season of your life that projects at least seven to nine years into the future?
Ministers without a personal mission statement and future story of their ministry need to plan as soon as possible to take some time away from their ministry setting to develop these. They can seek the assistance of a person they have seen as a mentor for their ministry, a Christian leadership coach, a support group of ministers, and others who may help them have a perspective on this.
What is your personal ministry statement and future story of ministry? If you do not have one, when will you begin working on it?
Copyright 2009, Rev. George Bullard, D.Min.
