Seminar (Part 1) : Reflection on pastoral excellence
Eldin Villafañe
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: The speaker thanks everyone for attending the event, which is focused on the pursuit of excellence in ministry. They acknowledge the various forms of excellence seen in different ministries and introduce the panelists who will be discussing the topic. The moderator, Dr. Elwin Villafañe, introduces the panelists and outlines the agenda for the event. Each panelist introduces themselves, sharing their background, family, and current ministry. The first panelist, Dr. Pablo Polichuk, shares his experience as an engineer turned pastor and psychologist. He also shares about his family and current ministry, including teaching at Gordon Conwell Seminary and founding counseling centers in Israel. The second panelist, Reverend Nelson González, shares his background as a Puerto Rican raised in Chicago and his early call to ministry.
The panelists are diverse in nationality, denomination, education, and ministry experience. Each panelist will answer three questions: 1) What is an excellent minister? 2) What is excellent ministry? 3) What are the criteria or characteristics that define excellence in ministry? The word excellence means to go beyond the norm and to fulfill a specific and special function as a servant and steward of God's tasks, functions, and people. Character, conduct, and influence are the three broad features that characterize an excellent minister. It is important to serve the Lord who called them, not just people.
The panel discusses the concept of excellence in ministry, with each member sharing their thoughts and experiences. They highlight the importance of serving God rather than people, and the need for ministers to have a strong vertical relationship with God and be accountable to other ministers. They also stress the importance of commitment to family health, diligence in the preparation of the word, and focus on singular purpose. The panel notes that a ministry of excellence fulfills the call from God, and that a great minister should seek to imitate the example of Jesus.
The speaker discusses the qualities of an excellent ministry, focusing on the importance of being a student of the Scriptures, avoiding false doctrine, exercising personal godliness, being an example of spiritual virtue, working hard, and teaching powerfully. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of addressing the whole being of a person, including their spirit, soul, and body, rather than just focusing on the spiritual aspect. The speaker notes that cultural and personal idiosyncrasies can affect how one interprets the Scriptures, and encourages a deeper understanding of God's creation and its various aspects.
The speakers discussed the historical and philosophical background of the elevation of spiritual values over material ones, which led to a focus on monasticism and asceticism. However, the Gospel teaches that God created both spiritual and material aspects, and both are important. Therefore, an excellent ministry must balance the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of life. The restoration of the material aspect is essential for ministry to have an impact on society, as resources are needed. These reflections apply to any type of leadership and ministry. The three questions of what makes an excellent minister, ministry, and the criteria for excellence are interrelated.
The panelists are diverse in nationality, denomination, education, and ministry experience. Each panelist will answer three questions: 1) What is an excellent minister? 2) What is excellent ministry? 3) What are the criteria or characteristics that define excellence in ministry? The word excellence means to go beyond the norm and to fulfill a specific and special function as a servant and steward of God's tasks, functions, and people. Character, conduct, and influence are the three broad features that characterize an excellent minister. It is important to serve the Lord who called them, not just people.
The panel discusses the concept of excellence in ministry, with each member sharing their thoughts and experiences. They highlight the importance of serving God rather than people, and the need for ministers to have a strong vertical relationship with God and be accountable to other ministers. They also stress the importance of commitment to family health, diligence in the preparation of the word, and focus on singular purpose. The panel notes that a ministry of excellence fulfills the call from God, and that a great minister should seek to imitate the example of Jesus.
The speaker discusses the qualities of an excellent ministry, focusing on the importance of being a student of the Scriptures, avoiding false doctrine, exercising personal godliness, being an example of spiritual virtue, working hard, and teaching powerfully. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of addressing the whole being of a person, including their spirit, soul, and body, rather than just focusing on the spiritual aspect. The speaker notes that cultural and personal idiosyncrasies can affect how one interprets the Scriptures, and encourages a deeper understanding of God's creation and its various aspects.
The speakers discussed the historical and philosophical background of the elevation of spiritual values over material ones, which led to a focus on monasticism and asceticism. However, the Gospel teaches that God created both spiritual and material aspects, and both are important. Therefore, an excellent ministry must balance the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of life. The restoration of the material aspect is essential for ministry to have an impact on society, as resources are needed. These reflections apply to any type of leadership and ministry. The three questions of what makes an excellent minister, ministry, and the criteria for excellence are interrelated.
TRANSCIPTION - PART 1 (read PART 2)
First I want to thank everyone for having come to this event in which we intend to reflect a little on a topic on which we work every day. Each of us in our ministries are constantly trying to do our best for..... and we are constantly working on what we call the pursuit of excellence.
First I want to thank everyone for having come to this event in which we intend to reflect a little on a topic on which we work every day. Each of us in our ministries are constantly trying to do our best for..... and we are constantly working on what we call the pursuit of excellence.
