So I had to take an assessment test for the Life Group that I am a part of...I wasn't really sure going into it what exactly it was going to "assess" about me...though I LOVE stuff like this so I was ready for whatever it said...or so I thought. Turns out the assessment is based on Ephesians 4:7, 11-12 and is meant to determine where you fall in the five ministry structures (or leadership styles) addressed in those verses.
I wasn't surprised at all when my top mode of leadership came out as Shepherding. What can I say, I absolutely LOVE walking with people through life...nurturing them, protecting them, caring for them...as they seek and grow in the Lord.
So, while I wasn't at all surprised by my top leadership strength, the second one caught me a bit by surprise. Prophetic. Really?!? Not that it is bad at all...just not a word I usually attach to my ministry or leadership style. I think I have been operating in a misunderstanding of the word for a long time now...and I suppose it is time for that to be corrected. Reading through the description was an "ah-hah" moment for me...it made many past experiences all of a sudden make sense...such as why I have felt such resistance from people at times when I felt such a need for something to happen in the church and why others just didn't see it the same way. Some of the key characteristics that stood out are "questions what has become normative", "disturbs common thinking and practice", "desires learning for purposes to influence", and "deep compassion for the cause of the people".
I really do love how the Lord has wired us all so differently...even though it does lead to frustration at times when we don't all see things the same way. I really do believe, though, that it is possible to get to a place where we are all appreciating and honoring the unique ways that the Lord has shaped us...our strengths, our giftings, our stories...it is crazy to think how unique we all are...and how the Lord desires to use each of us in that uniqueness. Such a fun life...and such a great God.
2 comments:
Cool, indeed. Sometime in the past, I remember having my fear of real-life prophecy stripped by a simple verse in Revelation. 19:10 says that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
I guess I see it pretty much as a deep, God-led spiritual insight to bring out of people what they may have an inkling of, may not know at all, or may know and be afraid to admit.
Hey, that kind of sounds like an MFT.
I really love this blog. I love hearing every time God reveals something new and exciting in your life. I can see how "prophecy" would and could be one of your styles of leadership. You have such a gift with people, and I know God will use that in HUGE ways!!!
Post a Comment