4.2 – Equipping and Training for Mission

[Micah]

I think I’ve seen a lot (certainly not all) of Christian ministry and specifically pastoral roles forsake the integrity of heart and shepherding and focus on leading with skilled hands. It seems to me like there is an emphasis on pastors being the “vision-casters” for the church and leaning towards the CEO mindset of offering a service rather than shepherding people. This is not necessarily out of a crooked heart, but certainly reveals a lack in this kind of leadership that David provided as a shepherd of people. I think that there needs to be a reset of focus of the internal ministry of a leader in the church to shepherd the people in the fellowship first, and part of this is just seeing how some pastors go about loving people well, listening, and providing counsel when needed rather than spending the bulk of the week perfecting a 40-minute sermon.

[Rachel]

This verse reminds me of another verse in Matthew, where it talks about being as shrewd as a snake but as innocent as a dove. We need to have our hearts prepared before the Lord in order to lead his sheep. Let him lead us first before we lead others. But we also need to be using our brains and practically thinking about the way to do things. In Christian ministry, this looks like accountability. When accountable to others, we have the opportunity to flourish while also seeing fruit in the lives around us. It becomes harder to lose sight of the task God has put before us.

[VICTOR]

We will see in this verse the balance of skillset and heart as we do anything that God has tasked us to do—ie. we should do things with excellence (skillful hands), and with pure motives (integrity of the heart). In many cases, Christians have the good motivation (heart's desire) to serve God, but no skills. Or skillful, but no integrity of the heart. For example: a person loves to sing, but the 'song doesn't love the person'—ie. no talent in singing. Or, a person who's very good in playing instrument, but always late in worship team practice or has a bad attitude. Heart and talent must be balanced. It cannot be just pure talent/skills and no heart; it cannot also be just pure heart (desire/good motives) but no talents/skills. David, as described in the Scripture, did his task with integrity of the heart (pure motive) and with skillful hands (excellence). In secular view, a lot of times they put too much premium on skillset, and less in attitude/behavior (integrity of the heart). But in serving the kingdom of God, both skillset and attitude/behavior matter.

[Charla]

Integrity of Heart is applied in our own discipleship journeys, staying connected with Jesus as the True Vine. Having a heart that remains soft and ‘lead’able. Accountability in relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ is key as well.

We lean into having skilled hands when we remain teachable. Mentorship relationships, courses, leadership training, continued reading and openness to feedback can all be contributors to developing our skills. We “stir up the gift of God” within us also, through prayer and faithfully using those gifts.