By Rev.
Kevin Cameron
As an ordained person, I strive to articulate the faith in
word and deed.
The following list helps to describe what I see as
imperative in ministry:
Advocate -
remember who is not present when you meet, worship, discern
Balance -
keep an eye on what is your responsibility and what is God’s
Communicate
- honestly, lovingly, regularly, and when it’s not easy
Demonstrate
- that you are a real person with fears, hopes, griefs, questions
Evolve - be
willing to change; expect and welcome what the Spirit brings
Forgive -
release burdens that won’t let you go; offer and receive grace
Grant
permission - for others to do what they are asked and called to do
Humble yourself
- know that you don’t know it all and aren’t supposed to
Inspire -
motivate, stimulate, support others as they live the Christian life
Joke -
humor is integral to life; there is always a choice…choose joy!
Kindle -
fan the fire of the Holy Spirit; help others see they are equipped
Look around
- at your community, our world; honor diversity; meet needs
Moderate -
listen; refrain from judgment; be a non-anxious presence
Nurture -
love people and always ask, “How can I love them more effectively?”
Observe -
watch and wait; no need to always rush right in; be patient; trust
Pray - at
your desk, in the car, on a walk, with music, with others…often
Question -
again and again; ‘God is still speaking‘; nothing is finished yet
Recognize -
where God is at work; celebrate God’s presence and power
Serve -
remember the stole around your neck is the towel of servanthood
Tenderize -
help people become more compassionate in all directions
Update -
evaluate your ministry with reflection, study, input from others
Visit -
spend time with people, not just those who are in some sort of need
Worship -
be sure to do this on your own so your spirit soars not shrivels
eXecrate - name
the things that have no regard for God; work for justice
Yearn -
desire to be more faithful, a better steward; have measurable goals
Zigzag - be
flexible; allow creativity and necessity to alter your course