Thoughts from my International Issues in Ministry class with Dr. Kent Eby. Some of the following statements are inspired by or direct quotes from Dr. Elmore.
Openness: Vulnerability: Opposite of judgmental: Flexibility -- the ability to invite people into your space and make them feel welcome
Acceptance: Invitation: Warm welcome: Identifying with: Not agreement -- the ability to communicate value, regard, respect, and worth to others
Trust: Vulnerable: Two-way: Safety: Lean into -- the ability to eliminate barriers in such a way that others can develop belief in your reliability, truthfulness, ability, and strength as a person (building consistency)
Humility: to Serve: Absence of pride, but not to the point of low self-esteem -- not thinking less about yourself, but thinking about yourself less (Rick Warren)
Compassion: Mercy: Action: Heart-driven -- not lifting people out of their situation to be more like you, but rather leaving your situation and stepping into their world to walk alongside them. We are called INTO it to ENGAGE. Often times our desire to help someone through meeting outward needs is rooted in the motive of helping them to become more us. Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life is in Dr. Eby's "Top 5" life-impacting books he's ever read.
I remember having so many of these same conversations in that class. Such good stuff, Case and challenging indeed :)
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