Friday Five--Gifts and Talents

From the RevGals:

Our Circuit (Methodist) is having a "Gifts and talents day" tomorrow- we have a minister visiting from another circuit who has modified the Myers Briggs personality test and added a few things of his own to run a day where we get to look at ourselves in the light of giftings and of the whole church. The idea is to encourage everyone with the news that there is room for you in the ministry of the church- and perhaps to discover where that ministry might be.....It should be an interesting day, and one where I hope people will leave feeling encouraged and challenged...So with gifts and talents in mind here is todays Friday 5;

1. Personality tests; love them or hate them?
Love them, when used correctly. I'm in the ELCA's candidacy process as an Associate in Ministry--as part of that, I underwent a psychological evaluation, wich included taking about 2 hours' worth of personality/psychological tests. A psychologist wrote up a summary of the results, and I'm tellin' ya, it was downright spooky how dead-on it was. I tend to be fairly introspective anyway, so there wasn't a lot there that came as a surprise to me--other than how a complete stranger could write such a clear and concise summary of who I am and what makes me tick. Very cool. For what it's worth, on the Meyers-Briggs I'm a very strong INFP...not even close to being anything else. Especially on being an introvert. Which comes as a shock to many who knew me out at camp. =)

2. Would you describe yourself as practical, creative, intellectual or a mixture ?
I try to be practical, I really do. I definitely fall into a combination of creative and intellectual, though. Yet I keep trying to be practical. Maybe someday. =)

3. It is said that everyone has their 15 minutes of fame; have you had your yet? If so what was it, if not dream away what would you like it to be?
I've always wanted to be a rock star--specifically, Billy Joel...only without the whole drinking/driving/crashing cars into trees thing. The closest I've come was in college...I was the intermission entertainment for the big spring skit competition, which was the highlight of a week called "Dog Days." I played and sang an Elton John song (I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues) and two Billy Joel songs (Everybody Loves You Now and Piano Man). Piano Man was my finale (of course) and I did it complete with a harmonica strapped around my neck. 1,500 students sang along with me...the last time through the chorus, I stopped playing and singing, letting them take it themselves, then came back in for the instrumental part at the end. Got a standing ovation.

It freakin' rocked.

4. If you were given a 2 year sabatical ( oh the dream of it) to create something would it be music, literature, art.....something completely different...share your dream with us...
I'd write a book. It wouldn't be the Great American Novel...rather, it would most likely be a collection of essays, along the line of Frederick Buechner or some of Walt Wangerin's stuff or Real Live Preacher. Essays that highlight the intersections between life and faith. It's something I've wanted to do for some time, but haven't had the time to even start.

5. Describe a talent you would like to develop, but that seems completely beyond you.
I wish I could draw. I love art--I love looking at it, I just can't produce it to save my life. I've been blessed with artistic gifts, but they definitely lie in areas other than the visual arts. Even if I could draw a decent stick person...is that too much to ask?!?!?!?

Bonus question: Back to the church- what does every member ministry mean to you? Is it truly possible to encourage/ implement?
As a Lutheran, part of my core theology includes the priesthood of all believers. We're all called to minister to each other, and so I do believe that every member ministry is not just possible, it's necessary in order for the church to truly be the church. Now, the question becomes, what does this look like? If you're wanting every member of the congregation to be on some sort of committee, then we're never going to see that happen. But if it means being intentional about equipping and empowering the people of the church to serve each other and the world through their gifts and talents...their individual callings...and then giving them the opportunity to do so...then heck yeah. That's what we ought to be about.

LH