Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Continuing Education and Spiritual Formation

1/17/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Tuesday provided an opportunity to travel off the island for a deanery training session.  It was good to meet many of the staff members from neighboring parishes.  We enjoyed prayer, study, and fellowship together.

One of the exercises of the day was taking a  personality "test."  I know it is actually an inventory, but it feels like a test when you are marking the boxes.  I had taken this particular inventory numerous times in the past so I knew where I would land in regard to the results.  However, some of my co-workers were a bit stunned to find out that I am an introvert.

One of the things to remember is that the inventory seeks your natural inclinations.  Do I prefer "this" or "that"?  If I answer that I prefer "this," it does not mean that I will never do "that".  It simply means my preference is "this."  Being in ministry for 20 years, or any occupation for that matter, requires us to learn new skills based upon our responsibilities.  If a person becomes a supervisor,  there may be different skills needed to fulfill the duties of the position.  Even if some of the job requirements are not our favorite tasks when we get promoted or moved around in various departments, we still have to learn to do them.

The one thing that people have commented on frequently during my years of ministry is in regard to my ability to speak in public.  When they find out I am an introvert their first reaction is not to believe it.  "You preach without using notes in front of congregations sometimes exceeding a thousand people.  There is no way you are an introvert."   My response is simple:

Public speaking is a learned skill.  It's so easy that even an introvert can do it.

In all seriousness, public speaking is like any other task that requires skill.  It takes a lot of practice and preparation.  After decades of being in front of groups and audiences, I still prepare vigorously for each presentation.  I owe it to the people investing their time to attend an event to give them solid content and a vibrant delivery style. 

If I am attending a workshop, a retreat, a conference, or even a liturgical service listening to a homily, I have a right to expect that the person doing the speaking has faithfully prepared for the gathering.  In the world of ministry, I also expect that the presenter has been praying during his/her preparations.  This prayer should include a prayer of blessing on his/her own work, but it should also include intercessory prayer for those who will be in attendance at the event.  That opens up the door wide for God's grace to move among us.  Those are my expectations when I attend an event.  Subsequently, I try to live up to those expectations when I am the presenter.

Please know that when I pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day, I hold all of you up in prayer.  May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion, fellowship, and power of the Holy Spirit be with you in abundance today!

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.