Integrity of Heart and Skillful hands

What does faithful ministry look like? In our data-driven and efficiency-obsessed culture, speed and results are often used as metrics for success. But is success the same as faithfulness? In our pursuit of optimization, what is the role of the Holy Spirit?

While there is much practical wisdom that may be gleaned from our cultural moment, we must admit up front that speed and efficiency are not necessarily kingdom values. Consider Jesus’ many organic metaphors for the kingdom of God: seeds (Mark 4:30-32), yeast (Matthew 13:33), farming (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23), and tending vineyards (Matthew 20:1-16). These things are slow and steady. They require patience and perseverance. What kind of people must we become in order to do this unhurried kingdom work?

After recounting Israel’s leadership history, the Psalmist reflects: “David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” (Psalm 78:72). Both of these are essential aspects of faithfulness in ministry leadership.

On one hand, faithfulness in kingdom ministry requires competence. We want to ensure that leaders are adequately equipped to lead through training, education, and formation. On the other hand, ministry faithfulness requires character. We need leaders who live and act the same when no one is looking. Lack of integrity has potential to undermine our Christian witness.

As the Gulf Atlantic Canon for Leadership, I believe strongly that our leadership development processes (whether ordination, church planting, or next generation) should cultivate “integrity of heart” and “skillful hands” in our people. This fruit bearing is only possible to the degree that we abide in Jesus and submit to his pruning process (John 15:1-5). At their best, our various diocesan processes aim to facilitate Christ’s spiritual formation of leaders for the organic kingdom growth. May God give us the grace listen to the Holy Spirit and patiently preserve in this slow, unhurried kingdom work.