PERSONAL GRACES

Lives congruently as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ
Loves and accepts others and receives love from others
Relates graciously with a range of individuals
Listens to and understands the viewpoints of others
Knows when to confront and when to refrain
Forgives appropriately
Takes responsibility for own actions
Admits mistakes and uses them for learning
Values the local church as a part of Christ’s Body
Inspires others and articulates a clear Christ-centered vision
Takes risks that are reasoned and faithful

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

Ministers as an effective, learning spiritual leader
Accurately assesses ministry appropriate for each context and offers vision for that ministry
Uses leadership skills appropriate to setting
Plans, makes decisions, implements, supervises others, and evaluates effectively
Integrates Scripture and theology with personal and spiritual life
Creates liturgy and leads worship services appropriate to the congregation and community
Leads and invites people into a relationship with Jesus Christ and his church
Utilizes a variety of teaching methods that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, will make disciples and transform lives
Recruits and equips laity to fulfill their call to ministry
Brings the needs of the world to the congregation
Manages conflict appropriately
Recognizes limitations in skills and knowledge
Thinks and speaks theologically and practically to life situations

INTELLECTUAL DISCIPLINES

Utilizes varieties of Biblical scholarship
Possesses a workable, coherent theology and recognizes its limitations
Understands UMC polity and doctrine
Possesses a general knowledge of church history
Possesses a basic understanding of life transitions and/or crises
Possesses clarity about own ability to counsel and when to refer
Possesses a working knowledge of theories of intellectual, physical, and spiritual development
Possesses an ability to interpret a variety of cultures in light of the Christian faith, to satisfactorily meet the cultural competency requirement
Understands and uses systems theory in relation to ministry setting
Understands professional boundaries
Communicates clearly using oral, written and technological media

SELF UNDERSTANDING

Possesses self-awareness: sees self realistically and is aware of how others respond
Acknowledges a saving, personal experience of Jesus Christ and articulates it clearly
Understands own spiritual gifts and leadership styles and their appropriate use
Articulates clearly a personal call to ordained ministry within the UMC structure
Seeks support and accountability
Understands own strengths and weaknesses
Responds appropriately to feedback and criticism
Values continuing education and is aware of the need for life-long learning
Maintains appropriate physical, emotional and ethical boundaries at all times
Understands the need for and follows a plan for physical, emotional and spiritual self care