Mastering Personal Growth

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All the permanent fruits and progress that result from our leadership are based on strong character.
—Maxie Dunnam

For several years our church has debated whether people should applaud after special music, especially in the 11:00 A.M. service. Ata board meeting, someone caught me off guard by raising that issue out of nowhere.

For some reason it struck a nerve, and when I responded, my voice quivered and my blood pressure rose. "For anybody to criticize people who are responding to their feelings in worship," I snapped, "is as insensitive as anything I know."

Everyone in the room was taken back by my obvious anger. I rarely lose control of my emotions.

Eventually I took the edge off the situation by stumbling into a humorous story: "Can Christians dance?" a man asked a preacher. "Some can," the preacher replied, "and some can't."

I finally said, "If people want to applaud, I think we're going to just have to accept that."

Emotional outbursts at a board meeting can be the beginning of the end of a pastor's ministry. That's one effect character has on a pastor's ministry. But of far greater importance are the permanent fruits and progress that result from our leadership based on character. Character gives authority. It makes a person an inspiring example for others and guides sound decisions. Character brings stability to one's life and ministry.

Those are some of the reasons I've continued to work on my character as I lead the people of God. And here are some of the principles I've learned in my journey.

Although the average parishioner thinks being a pastor makes it easier to grow in character, we know otherwise. Vocational ministry can dry and stiffen the red, tacky earth of the human spirit for several ...

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