Another Way of Living

In preparation for a professional growth event, I was asked to define my Guiding Principles for Ministry. It was a wonderful discipline which I recommend for others. Take a few minutes and define your Guiding Principles for your life and ministry. Here is the list I developed.

Call:	I am called by God and the Church to serve the Northern Indiana District as its District Pastor. Though by all human measurements, it is an impossible calling; it becomes possible as God is at work within me.
Continuity:	This ministry is not mine, nor is it new; rather it is a continuation of the ministry that was begun by Jesus and continued by those who have served in years past.
Creativity:	I am created in the image of a creative God and I am called to reflect that creativity in all I do.
Christ:	Jesus is the Christ and is the central focus of, and model for, my life and ministry.
Committed:	I am committed to serving Christ and the Church through ministry in the Church of the Brethren.
Church:	All churches are the right size to be all God calls a church to be and deserve to be treated with respect, even as they are challenged to become all that God intends for them to be.
Caring:	Congregations and pastors need to know that the district cares about them and will be there for them in times of need.
Connection:	District ministry connects congregations with pastoral leadership; local congregations with one another; and the local with the global.