Introduction
The work of a pastor, a shepherd for people in both trying and peaceful times, is noble but difficult. Some describe it as the highest of callings in life, while others add that it is very taxing (Tan, 2019). To provide for people in a God-honoring way, one must accomplish several self-development goals. These include theological-pastoral integration, ministerial growth, analytical thinking, and ecumenical knowledge and dialogue.
Accomplishments in Theological-pastoral Integration
Theological-pastoral integration represents a pastor’s ability to integrate theology with the practice of pastoral ministries. The striving force behind theology is the need to guide, so applying it practically is finding an efficient way to provide guidance to people. Considering the current state of the world, misshapen by the ongoing pandemic, arranging meetings and guidance sessions has become increasingly difficult. However, the entire world has faced the same adversities and managed to adapt to them. The use of online tools and the Internet was a significant help in establishing my personal integration of theology into practice. It allows reaching not only those who are concerned with the pandemic-related precautions but those who are generally unable to be present at gatherings.
Accomplishments in Ministerial Growth
Ministerial growth refers to the ability to identify which areas require development. It is closely related to the process of evaluation and figuring out issues existing within a ministry. In order to perform these tasks, one must possess high observational skills. Improved listening, in particular, allows for gauging an important modicum of information regarding various issues and advances. Clinical field experiences have worked greatly to hone this skill since this area of activity requires paying attention to information and thorough analysis of it.
Accomplishments in Analytical Thinking
Analytical thinking is the ability to view information critically and use it to one’s advantage. Analytical thinking is highly required if one sets out to perform the analysis necessary to answer questions arising in the church’s and theology’s dialogue. One of the most compelling ways analytical thinking can help analyze a delicate situation is to reflect on previous failures. For example, in case of a reoccurring disconnect between theological teaching and locally-rooted church groups, a better solution would not be to search for new ways to mend this problem immediately. Instead, it would be helpful to reconsider why the previous methods failed.
Ecumenical Knowledge and Dialogue
Ecumenical knowledge is essential for those who endeavor to bring ecumenical aspects of Christian theology into dialogue with Catholic approaches. Throughout my study and field experience, I have concluded that originality in research can hinder the achievement of a fulfilling dialogue between the two branches. When the driving force behind inquiry becomes the discovery of novelty rather than an exercise of faithfulness, it becomes heavy and labyrinthine for comprehension. This, in turn, creates greater gaps between the academic and the ecumenical.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the goals established by the pastoral ministry have been successfully accomplished. Theological-pastoral integration has been included through consideration for the appliance of new-age technologies in order to achieve its objectives. Ministerial growth has been developed by improving observation skills in fieldwork. Analytical thinking has manifested for reconsideration and analysis of failed means of communication between theology and church. Ecumenical knowledge and dialogue abilities have been improved through understanding that the novelty of the research is not always the end goal.
Reference
Tan, S. Y. (2019). Shepherding God’s people: A guide to faithful and fruitful pastoral ministry. Baker Academic.