Every ministry or church Leader should aim for Maturity, Peace and Inner Security
To be be Christ like takes maturity and brings an inner security that acknowledges that we cannot reach any higher than ‘sonship’. Acceptance of ourselves with all our strengths and weaknesses, in the knowledge that we belong to God, and that through Christ are made acceptable by him, is a route to deep security and peace from which may spring true altruistic leadership and use of power. This can lead to a healthy, safe self-evaluation that can enhance our leadership skills and use of the power and authority effectevely in His Kingdom.
The following test should be taken by every leader in the body of Christ.
It requires a good deal of honesty and courage to reflect your true character. It is a little self-test but BEWARE! Self-tests are not the final word on you and cannot see into your inner being. At best, they are helpful indicators. This self test is a simple procedure to help you discover the measure of insecurity that you may experience with your role in the ministry. You can beat the test and get around it. You can argue with its scientific value and point to its flaws, of which I am sure there are many. Or, you can take it honestly, and use the information for personal growth. Few of us will have a zero score. A high percentage does not indicate that you are unfit to lead; the test simply acknowledges feelings of insecurity that you can work on so you can be effective in your area of calling.
The ‘I’ Test
Instructions for the “TEST”
- Mark the the number of the statement in this list that are true regarding your case.
- Be honest with yourself.
- Do the test quickly without dwelling on any question for very long.
- I need to be loved by everyone
- I need to please the people
- I need not to be discovered for who I really am
- If only they knew what went on in my mind
- I need to be the best
- I need to be seen
- I need to be heard
- I need to have attention
- I need to have the biggest church
- I need the best income
- I need to pretend
- I need to do it all myself
- I am uncomfortable if someone questions my motives
- I frequently feel attacked by the people
- I wish people would take notice of what I say
- I feel vulnerable
- I am in pain
- I must protect myself
- I must make them see my strengths
- I must make them see what I know
- I must be seen to be mature
- I must be more mature than they are
- I must know more than they do
- I must be an expert
- No one listens to me
- No one knows who I really am
- No one cares for me
- No one understands me
- No one can help me
- I am not sure that I am intelligent enough
- I am not sure that I know enough
- I am not sure that I believe what I say
- I am not sure that I say what I believe
Now add up the number of statements that are true for you and multiply by three for your case. You shall result in ‘I’ percentage score. The higher your percentage, the greater your feelings of insecurity are likely to be. For the truly brave: ask a trusted friend, or spouse to mark this test from their perspective of ‘you’ and discuss your findings together.
Reflection
Whatever your score, make a list of the statements that reflect some of your insecurity, think through the causes, and reflect on what might help you to change this feeling.
If you know, either with the help of the ‘I’ Test or from general self-awareness, that you suffer from medium to high levels of insecurity, then you may want to opt for a period of professional counseling and reflection to enable you to grow in security. You will discover later in “Freedom to Lead” that I believe that counseling is a tool for the wise. Obtaining professional help to enable us to reflect on our lives is a mature thing to do and I strongly encourage Christian leaders to opt for regular periods of counseling as a commitment to personal growth.