Date: 11/07/09
Define your long-range and short-range goals. Even though you may not be certain about some of your goals, you need at least a tentative goal to guide some decisions you need to make. Based on your best understanding at this point, describe your short-range and long-range goals in ministry.
My short range goals are to get a quality theological education and to spend some time in discernment about longer-term goals. I plan to dedicate myself fully to my studies, while at the same time intentionally assessing my academic and ministerial strengths, with the insight and advice of my peers and mentors. At the same time, I would like to find a way to become involved in and meet some needs in the Abilene community; I hope to find a non-profit to be involved with in the near future. As far as long-range plans, one goal which I do not foresee changing is my desire to be involved in work which serves people and changes lives. Options that I am contemplating at the moment include further study for the purposes of teaching at a theological school; non-profit work, probably related to social justice issues; and foreign missions, most likely somewhere in Europe. Specifically defining my long-range goals, however, largely depends on the findings of the process of discernment which will take place over the next few years.
Most ministry positions have minimal standards. Some of the qualifications are academic; others reflect a person’s personality, giftedness, experience, and maturity. You need to learn the minimal requirements for your desired short-range and long-range goals. You can learn what they are by contacting ministries that employ persons in those roles. Describe below the normal requirements and qualifications for entry into the ministry positions you have designated in your short-range and long-range goals.
short-range
theological education – dedication to school work, persistence, self-motivation, ability to plan ahead and organize tasks, attitude of openness and desire to learn
discernment – continued development of spiritual disciplines, willingness to engage in community, ability to accept direction and criticism, reflection on ministerial identity
community involvement – ability to see needs and find ways to join others to address them, humility, dedication
long-range
teaching – admission into and completion of a PhD program, dedication to and propensity for academic study, development of critical thinking and writing skills
non-profit ministry – a passion for helping people and overcoming difficulties, patience, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ability to motivate others to the task, visionary tendencies, a cause to work for, previous experience in non-profits is helpful
missions – a desire to spread the gospel, love for people, willingness to go where God sends, independence and confidence, wisdom, flexibility, versatility, patience, language skills and cross-cultural communication abilities, fundraising abilities, willingness to make mistakes and learn from them, theological education and ministry experience are helpful
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