Take a moment and just think. Think before you type. What is different about you? What are some of the most unique things about you that make you who you are and set you apart? After reading an article by a christian author along those lines I was like "Am I the only one who cant name what those things are with true appreciation for my uniqueness? Have I been in the "wanna be like so and so christian superstar" so long that I dont know who I am and what makes me tick and how would you describe yourself to someone? Just some thoughts. I want to chew on this emntally for a while but wondered is any of you could answer it too.
Great topic Cassandra! I've actually thought about this A LOT in the 14 years I've been in ministry. While I have and do admire and glean SO much from other ministers, I can't say that I have "lost myself" in trying to become just like them. I have actually known ministers who try to look like, talk like and carry themselves like ministers they look up to. It's sad because you can never really know people like that.
One thing my dh and I don't apologize for is "What you see is what you get." We are REAL and we are constantly running the race Christ put before us.
Of course, there is also another consideration. I DO beleive that those who father/mother you spiritually and mentor you, that you will take on similar characteristics and you will speak the "same thing" because of what is being invested in you. I am not talking about cloning, because a clone is sterile and we want to produce life giving ministry.
It is a wonderful thing when we CAN appreciate our uniqueness and our individual calling. For instance, I can throw down and preach, or I can teach, or I can have SO much fun and cut up. I don't try too hard and I rely heavily on God and the Holy Spirit. My prayer life is constant but not like any one elses, and at times, especially after being TOO BUSY- I like to CHILL out and watch Designing Women re-runs. And I have based the women's ministry at our church on that too. REAL women being REAL who serve a REAL God! (that's not our statement or anything). At times we have fired up services, at times we do outreach, at times we have training, and at times we PARTY! Our Girlz Night Out events are called "Sista' Girlz" and the last one we had really pulled people out of their shells. They were free to be themselves. We dolled up part of the church like a "club"- lighting, bar (we created our own signature non-alcoholic drinks), cafe tables/chairs, all of it- and we had kareoke to the BEST gal songs, comedy, and we danced all night. Just girls- and we even gained a new family or two from it. Why? They actually said, "We just didn't know you could have so much fun and be so real and still be saved."
I've kind of gotten off on a rabbit trail- but really, I believe it is our job as ministers of the Gospel to teach people HOW to be who God intended for them to be. He already has a Benny Hinn, a Paula White, and Jimmy Swaggert- find out what YOUR unique factor is and WORK it for the KINGDOM!
That reminds me of something from our district superintendent's sermon the night I got licensed..."When I graduated from college, I figured I'd be the next Billy Graham, but then I found out they already had one!"
My best friend and I were talking about this just today...neither of us really fit our district's stereotype of a children's pastor or a youth pastor. But we've decided that we really don't care. We are called to serve the kids in our community, and God called US, not someone else to do it!
My biggest talent in ministry is being able to "roll with the punches," so to speak. I don't need a bunch of flashy equipment or expensive stuff in order to have a dynamic children's church. With my theatre training, I can just put on a different jacket and become a completely different character. If I get there and find out something's broken (like the CD player when I want to have worship!), I can think on my feet, rearrange my plans, and come up with something else, all within about 30 seconds...without breaking a sweat, and without letting the kids know I wasn't planning it all along.
My other biggest strength in ministry is my husband. And I don't say that to be mushy...Besides keeping me going when I want to turn in my credentials and just go work at Burger King , he is dynamic when it comes to raising funds. He is fabulous at figuring out my finances, and an amazing graphic artist for all of my promotional stuff! Not to mention he is my resident "game guy," as the kids call him. I definitely could not and would not do ministry without him!! He's the perfect combination of a "manly man" and the "sensitive artistic type." No one else in the world is married to him (Duh!), and God shattered the mold when He made him!!
I just came back from a women's conference this weekend. A group of friends told me something I've been told before (and I feel honored when they tell me)...that when they read my writing, they actually "hear my voice" and feel like I'm talking to them in person. Most of my friends tell me this (those who know me "in person" not just here on the internet). They say I am "real" and write exactly like I talk.
Evidently all writers do not have that gift. I feel like I'm very blessed to have it. I write a communication to my ladies every week on line, and they all say they feel like it's "their time" with me and I'm speaking directly to them.
I think that mine would be the ability to really encourage people that through the power of God, they can do what God is calling them to do. My ladies have often told me that I can build them up so much that they will agree to do something before they even realize what they've done. I'm sort of an "anti-drug" for low self esteem for those who are around me.
BTW Deanna, yours is truly a great gift. I have often read books and then once I was able to hear the author on TV or in person was surprised because they were not what I expected based up on their writing. I think that the first person to really strike me as writing exactly how they speak was Bishop Jakes. His books are just like his sermons! I love it. What great company to be in.
, he is dynamic when it comes to raising funds. He is fabulous at figuring out my finances, and an amazing graphic artist for all of my promotional stuff! Not to mention he is my resident "game guy," as the kids call him. I definitely could not and would not do ministry without him!! He's the perfect combination of a "manly man" and the "sensitive artistic type." No one else in the world is married to him (Duh!), and God shattered the mold when He made him!!
