I guess the difficulty I have with personality tests is that they say this is how this person is and doesn't allow for development or change. I do know that many people have found them useful; but I would want people to use them carefully and not to let them be the judge of someone's character alone.
Phil and I are not church planters - we are pastors - and maybe if we had taken a personality test we would not have been seen as suitable for church planting!! (maybe we're not?) Another member of our team had come out of a very difficult church situation, and there was question as to how he would cope in the church planting situation. We gave him a go - and he was fabulous! Yes there were things that needed to be worked through but he was a very valuable member of the team and church.
When do we deem that someone is healed enough to be a part of the team? I myself have had to have counselling whilst being in London - and although this was a difficult time for me, I do believe that I have come out better from being in that situation, and indeed it has really helped my ministry.
Of course I think people should go through a 'vetting' and for us to sure as we can be that they are right for the team and the team are right for them. I guess I was just flagging up that in being too cautious we may not choose anyone! Sometimes it is the weakest who end up being the best and the strongest who end up having difficulties. I do not want you to think that I was making too much of an innocent statement about trusting the Holy Spirit. I am a strong believer that he has given us minds for a reason! I was just trying to make sure there was that balance.
Of course I am talking about 10 years ago now, so maybe there are some rose tinited glasses around as well!!
Hi Paul, I guess the
Hi Paul,
I guess the difficulty I have with personality tests is that they say this is how this person is and doesn't allow for development or change. I do know that many people have found them useful; but I would want people to use them carefully and not to let them be the judge of someone's character alone.
Phil and I are not church planters - we are pastors - and maybe if we had taken a personality test we would not have been seen as suitable for church planting!! (maybe we're not?) Another member of our team had come out of a very difficult church situation, and there was question as to how he would cope in the church planting situation. We gave him a go - and he was fabulous! Yes there were things that needed to be worked through but he was a very valuable member of the team and church.
When do we deem that someone is healed enough to be a part of the team? I myself have had to have counselling whilst being in London - and although this was a difficult time for me, I do believe that I have come out better from being in that situation, and indeed it has really helped my ministry.
Of course I think people should go through a 'vetting' and for us to sure as we can be that they are right for the team and the team are right for them. I guess I was just flagging up that in being too cautious we may not choose anyone! Sometimes it is the weakest who end up being the best and the strongest who end up having difficulties. I do not want you to think that I was making too much of an innocent statement about trusting the Holy Spirit. I am a strong believer that he has given us minds for a reason! I was just trying to make sure there was that balance.
Of course I am talking about 10 years ago now, so maybe there are some rose tinited glasses around as well!!
Sarah