Self-Audit
Friday, April 14, 2023
Dear Pastors
Self-Audit
Before I get into todays topic I do want to thank those folks who responded to my last blog on Inner Healing. It enabled me to have some great interactions and gather some additional information that will be added into an upcoming paper.
Another Easter has come and gone. Hopefully, we also took the opportunity to spend a little time in the 40 days leading up to Easter known as Lent to have a look at what is going on, ‘on the inside’…….in our private worlds. It has been said, “as the leader goes so the organization goes”. I am of the view that this is also true when it comes to churches but even if it is only partly true, then we as pastors have a huge responsibility to work on our inner issues, God being our helper. Here is the prayer of the self-reflective pastor followed by a few questions:-
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”. Psalm 139:23-24
- Are you needlessly defensive?
- Are you easily irritated?
- Do you feel angry some or much of the time?
- Do you invite critique and feedback?
- Do you know where you are vulnerable?
- Who else knows your vulnerabilities?
- How honest are you about the struggles you go through?
- How close do you feel to God?
- How close do you feel to your spouse?
- Do you have any ‘no go’ zones? If you don't should you?
- Do you have some clear boundaries?
- When you have made a mistake or bad decision to whom do you turn?
- How accountable are you……really?
I hope that these questions (and there are many others) will provide a helpful guide to some self-reflection. I hope that you will be brave enough and determined enough to do the uncomfortable work of some soul searching and if needed some remedial work and healing so that you are in great shape to continue your most important task of leading the people of God that He has entrusted to you.
Blessings
Alan
