Despite the Pastoral Leadership situation a graduate moves into we believe they will be required to have some level of competency in most of the areas listed below if they are to sustain a long-term ministry. While this is a lengthy list we think it is realistic.
A Pastoral Leader Graduate should have the ability to:
- Serve (rather than desire personal prominence, prestige, and power
- Respect people who think and act differently than they do
- Preach and teach from the Bible
- Model Christian living
- Develop communities of love and fellowship
- Develop within people a passion for mission
- Relate well with and care for people
- Undertake basic practical skills (worship, visitation, communion, baptism, wedding, funeral)
- Articulate vision and philosophy
- Sustain the day-to-day running of an organization
- Build and lead a team of people, and also delegate
- Motivate (encourage people in their faith and service)
- Communicate clearly in both spoken and written word
- Think creatively (with a freshness)
- Understand the world we live in and when appropriate provide a Christian response
- Relate well with organizations outside of their own
- Care for themselves; physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally
- Maintain a healthy marriage relationship (if applicable)
- Establish priorities and manage time well
- Respect existing ethos and manage change well
- Cope with ministry pressures and setbacks
- Handle conflict
- Continue personal development
