TMS Alumni Blog has a piece on Pursuing Pastoral Virtues.
Here’s the abreviated list, but you should read the full post.
“Considering the difficulties of ministry and what it is that moves us off course – what are those things that keep us on the course?”
WISDOM – I need an abundance of wisdom (James 1:5). Although I have a framework and a vision for what the ministry of our local congregation ought to look like, knowing how to get there is a duanting task…
HUMILITY – I am ever more aware of how crucial this virtue is for the ministry (James 4:10; 2 Tim. 2:24-25). Armed with confidence in the truth is no excuse for arrogance…
BOLDNESS – There is a neccessary boldness I crave that is also compatible with humility minus the arrogance…
PATIENCE – I desperately need patience (Again, 2 Tim. 2:24-25). It is only natarul that patience correspond with the latter 2 virtues…
DILIGENCE – I think most of us have been sufficiently weaned from those romantic notions of ministry being the path of ease and comfort. Ministry is excurciatingly hard labor…
POWER – I can’t imagine going one step further in the ministry if my diligence rested in my own power…
FAITH – Not only do I need power, I need faith in the one who will accomplish His purposes…
LOVE – Finally, I need love – but not the Beatles kind. I need the supernatural love upon which our whole faith rests…