Health ministry leaders cultivate a humble dependence on Christ by
nurturing their relationship with God, others and self.
Relationship with God
Humility
Health ministry leaders are humble (Philippians 2:1-11). Humility was at the heart of Jesus as He provided for, protected, and guided us into His salvation, and it must be the heart of every leader who provides for, protects and guides God's sheep into His salvation and out on His mission.
Health ministry leaders do nothing out of selfish ambition or personal gain, but are compelled by the love of Christ (Philippians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14),
Dependence
All pastoral care, direction, protection and nurture find their Source in Christ, the Good Shepherd Who lays down His life for us as seen through the “I Am” statements of Christ (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9-11, 14-15; 14:6; 15:1-5).
Ministry Leaders must find their identity and ministry passion solely in Christ Jesus and must lead the flock as much by personal example as by teaching (1 Timothy 4:11-16; Philippians 1:21; Ephesians 1:3-14).
Spiritual Health
Healthy ministry leaders are authentic. A healthy leader’s outward appearance, actions, and speech mirror who the leader is at the core of his/her being.
Vocational Health
Health ministry leaders handle the Word of God faithfully. (Titus 2:1; Gal 1:9)
Health ministry leaders have a clear understanding of their calling before God – multiplying themselves through the making of disciples, co-leaders, and more leaders (2 Timothy 1:3-7; 2:1-2).
Health ministry leaders are willing to listen to views of the congregation without being defensive. (Proverbs 15:31-33
Relationship with others
Social Health
Health ministry leaders live with appropriate boundaries on work, family, and solitude - Matthew 15:39
Relational Health
The local church leader is an “under-shepherd” charged with leading a portion of those who belong to Christ (1 Peter 5:2-4).
Health ministry leaders grow continuously in both skill and in the fruit of the Spirit (2 Peter 1:3-8; Galatians 5:22-23),
Collegial Health
Health ministry leaders interact with supportive, loving and honest colleagues (Ecclesiastes 4:12; Proverbs 27:17)
Relationship with self
Emotionally Health
Health ministry leaders are rested, leading and serving out of a surplus of love and joy (John 15:5-8)
Healthy ministry leaders are unbusy: i.e. unhurried in such a fashion we are able to be fully present as we pray, preach and listen. (See Eugene Peterson’s very helpful discussion in The Contemplative Pastor chapter 2.) Psalm 46:10 Psalm 131 1 Isaiah 30:15 .; Luke 10:38–42 38
Health ministry leaders are happy. (Psalm 131)
Intellectual Health
Healthy ministry leaders develop their minds, growing in knowledge, along with wisdom in knowing how to use their intellect for the glory of God. (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:8; see John Calvin's teaching about knowledge of God and of man)
Physical Health
Healthy ministry leaders maintain the health of their physical bodies, in honor to the Lord who lives in them 1 Corinthians 6:19-20