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Do you currently, or do you think you might, struggle with any of the four success principles (Preparation, Engagement, Persistence, Patience)? For example, do you find it difficult to be patient or find it frustrating when you don’t have the access you would like to have? How might you overcome this?
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I appreciate the four principles of success because they are the same essentials that are vital to being an effective Pastor. Each of the principles, Preparation, Engagement, Persistence, and Patience requires a specific discipline. The challenge for the former Athlete, getting into Sports Ministry… is to be inconspicuous because they are used to being seen. This requires transition and a true sense of humility.
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I have the most challenge with persistence. It is easy for me to focus on administrative demands for my ministry when there isn’t a clear desire or response from athletes, coaches, or the program for engagement. These words (paraphrased) from the instructor were well received “We model care and concern when we are resilient in our commitment and persistence.”
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Persistence is a struggle for me because I find it difficult to think long-term and act act accordingly. Also it is difficult to manage expectations and balancing my expectations is something I would like to work towards as well. As a competitive person, I’d like to see the best in everyone and believe that they can achieve as far as they push themselves. But sometimes in the midst of it my own competitive spirit catches up and I lose sight on what is important. Especially in the area of sports ministry, I hope that I can overcome this by remembering that ultimately I am there to serve the Lord and His people, and I hope that by seeking God regularly I remind myself of why I do what I do
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I think preparation is difficult for me because I keep so much in my head and I have my hand in the sport I coach in so many ways (coach, minister, media, promoter, meet director), so writing down things could help me with the “preparation” principle. Although I function well by doing things from my head, I see that writing things down helps me ponder over things more in case I need to think deeper or differently about something.
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In my first year of serving as a chaplain, I have lived in the tension of knowing that being patient was crucial in this ministry. I spent much time this year praying for God to slow my steps and my mind, asking Him to not allow me to get ahead of Him. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit guides and directs in this way. I have learned that God opening the doors for ministry to take place is always more successful than when I barrel through.