Articles Directory | Free Articles | New Articles Daily

During this course with Rev. Daniel Moore, I impressed by the way Rev. Moore showed the areas of chaplaincy and ministering to the public in a variety of different services. Being somewhat familiar with most, the detail of the ministries and qualifications were quite overwhelming. I began to think and do some soul searching as to an avenue for me to pursue. At first I felt this is probably a career I will not be able to achieve, at least not on the ULC path. Then with more contemplation, I realized it’s what I make it. I have no grand plans, it is just me.

My Universal Life Church ministry will be spiritual guidance and listening to whoever crosses my path at any given time or place. I presently work at a hospital and the opportunity to talk with the patients is ever present. I look at all meetings as a chance to spread a word or two of encouragement and listen to the individuals’ ‘story’, we all have a story to tell, it is our story and we each want it to recognized, which brings up the next idea of listening skills.

As we listen to someone speak, who goes on and on, our attention span can sometimes get taxed. Staying focused, really listening and watching them with good eye contact is essential when giving ministry to a soul in their time of trouble. Realizing that what is significant to them might seem irrelevant to your personal issues at the time can be a task all in its self. This falls under the idea of service to all. We need to have the willingness to serve, without being dictatorial and always humble. Having our eyes to the heavens and at the same time our feet planted in the physical world.

Recently, I attend a servant leadership seminar and they gave a list of ten characteristics a servant leader. The first is listening. Again, I do believe this is the most important quality for a minister. The following are the remaining ten: empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people and building community. As I review these attributes, they so easily fit into all that would make a successful minister’s career with or without a physical building. We can hold all of these ideals close to us as we walk through the day helping and touching one another. Service is truly where we should put our first thought. The first question, “How can I be of service to you?” This to me is the beginning of a relationship, yo find what the person is in need of. It could involve prayers, kind words of encouragement or just the holding of hands during times of trouble or sorrow. My father passed away very suddenly and I can remember our parish priest coming to the house. He sat in the living room as family gathered. He didn’t talk much, but his presence was felt and comforting. Towards the end of the evening he offered a prayer for my father and the family. That was what we ‘needed’ from him at the time. I truly hope that someday I will be that quiet presence of God within another person or families’ life during crisis.

Thank you, Rev. Moore, for your presentation. The ULC course was well thought out and complete in every aspect. I was given the time and opportunity to look at myself for the strengths and weakness I have that will make me a great representative of God’s love and His work here on earth. This is a path I will (and AM) enjoying. I have gained personal satisfactions, which is all I can ask for. Now, it is time to put it all together and move forward into service of the Lord and Jesus. --Constance J. Hitts