Strengthsfinders 2.0

James N. Lanza Jr.

Tom Rees

PST 443 

Strength Building

After completing the strength finder test and reading over my signature theme results I initially felt humbled. When I think about them not in a boastful manner I believe they do make up my personality and character. Developer was the first strength revealed in my test, which has to do with the potential I see in others.  I feel that I have grown to know that all things are possible thru Christ and God expects us to apply our faith operating in our abilities. Secondly was belief and I do feel that I have a moral fiber character, believing it is essential, as character is defined as who you are when no one is watching. Having a strong core of value and standard keeps me real and that is essentially all I expect of others is to be true to who they are in Christ. The third signature theme discovered to me was restorative meaning problem solver. I was pleased to see this one shine as I believe I am being called to counseling therefore enjoying the challenge and analyzing symptoms, identifying the problem but most importantly finding a solution speaks to the core of my call and is essential to the previous two, developer and belief. The fourth quality is activator believing action is the best devise for learning. An area I believe for me a balance is needed. If I see an area that I possess the skill to complete the task I am all in but without a balance other things may suffer do to my intensity of wanting to tackle this new task at hand. Lastly responsibility…. My perfectionism is revealed to me. I do like to fix things and want it done correctly. I see there is the right way to get something done and then a wrong way. Excuse’s do bother me I rarely allow myself to give excuse I prefer to take ownership, of “yes I dropped the ball, please forgive me.” Shafting a responsibility will happen I get that, for me I just find it better to take the responsibility either way.   

In Summary as I am sure anyone can, I see good and bad in some of the so called strengths that have been described to define me. The fifth trait for instances can be to a fault if I am hard or rigid in my approach; if it is my way or no way, or if I feel,  I rather do it myself so I know it is done correct, both of these types of attitude are dangerous. Recognizing the difference I know is important and something I need to always be aware of. The same may be said about the strength of, Restorative, again problem solving is great but I  know enabling is closely aligned with saying, “ I am good at problem solving so let me help you……” Many of us learn this the hard way when we are raising our own children, saying no can seem cruel at times or allowing your child to have to learn their mistakes the hard way, when you could have spared them is also difficult but essential to their character building.

 The one I am most satisfied with would have to be developer. Seeing the best in others and helping them see that in them self is lifting to me. Helping someone achieve their full potential blesses me, encouragement comes natural to me as I reflect on the way my mom exemplified this as I was growing up.  Understanding why someone may feel a certain way and helping them to see it for themselves, being a good listener and giving sound advice through encouragement and prayer helps all of us grow in a situation.  I have a heart of genuine care for most people saved and unsaved and I give it to God to put the people in my life that I can help in this area.

In rereading my belief strength result paragraph, I have realized my beliefs have not changed but my maturities in my beliefs have changed and have grown. I continuously work toward a firm belief system by seeking what God has given as an example in his word. I pray and give it to God to use me, “in this or in that situation”, if that would be his will. Settings priorities and being consistent in knowing where I stand but at the same time being open to hear God speaking and allowing him to work in me. Our “doing” should be based on what we believe, what I am doing needs to be meaningful but more importantly it needs to align with my values.

Considering I feel called to pursue Christian Counseling I feel that the five strengths that are now revealed to me are very important. I feel encouraged with the statistics, as they are in a sense, my true gifts. I feel it is helpful to know where my natural bent is and the areas that I need to work on as some did not show up in my top five and yet are important to being well rounded. I believe knowing these signature themes can only help me in my future roles as God will use me and I am excited to see what type of opportunities in leadership will be opened to me.

As I shared my results with my father, wife and step daughter, who I feel cover a range of years of knowing me from childhood to intimacy and then with my step daughter I will say at times a strained relationship. The comments were about the same from all three. While Dad felt he watched the characteristics evolve over time my wife recognized the quality’s and explained to me that these were some of the things that attracted her to me. My step daughter speaking from a teenage perspective was the harshest and seems to make the quality of Activator a negative strength. Go figure this would be the area that I see her lack of maturity and initiative so in speaking with her I tend to challenge her in excelling in life over all. So I can understand why this may buck her. Overall I am satisfied with the results and hope to refine some of the areas as God leads me to.

New Believer #2

PST 443 Disciple Making and Equipping Ministry

New Believer.

Tell me about your journey to Faith in Christ?

Raised in a Christian home, went to church weekly, and took communion classes as they were called in our Methodist belief. Always felt that church was a “nice place” where I heard cute stories and we sand songs about a risen savior. I did not experience a personal conversion until tragedy struck and I found myself searching the Bible for an answer.

What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?

The relinquishing of all my worries and realizing that God has a plan and is always in control, that at no time did Christ turn his back and allow me to fall from his grasp.

What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?

Remaining in that laying down of my fears and concerns, It is so tempting to pick it up again and run with worry.

What is helping you grow the most in your faith?

The use of a good daily devotion that challenges me to read the scriptures and search for the answer that God wants for me, my prayer time and faithfulness in not just attending church but being involved in ladies bible studies small groups, even choir. Keeps me grounded and on the path to seek and be what God wants me to be.

What advice do you have for me in helping others like you grow in their faith?

Meeting people where they are at and accepting that in Gods timing change will come, the road is different for many. I believe there is no cookie cutter pattern to help spiritual growth. Being open to the Holy spirit to show you what someone needs, sitting in prayer or in silence as a new believer sorts in their own mind what their faith is built on.

Purpose Driven 19 & 20

Rick Warren The purpose driven Church

Chapter 19 Turning Members into Ministers

Warren points that one of the greatest needs of the church is the release of members to ministry. The point that Warren is making is 50% of church attendees have no interest in serving or involvement in any ministry, a sad statistic for sure. Helping people to know “Why” before they are taught “how” learning is some of the biblical basics. Based on Romans 12, states the belief that the church stands on four pillars of Lay ministry understanding the term lay ministry is important, so teaching them over and over is equally important. People have the ability to accomplish so many things helping an individual to find what their specific gift is and how it can be used to further the kingdom of God is key to turning your members into ministers.

Chapter 20 Gods purpose for your church

Be encouraged and do’ not worry about the growth of your church but rather focus on the purpose of your church. Calling on the power of the Holy Spirit and expecting the results to come from God through his people.  Being purpose driven and believing is what this book has been all about. Practical ways to reach the people in your community, but meeting the people where they are at is even more important. Using the developed skills that God has already equipped you with and using it for his glory is how we all grow. Together as a body of Christ working for his purpose will lead us to a purpose driven life in a purpose driven church with in your own community. The result can be more amazing then ever expected. Thank you, Rick Warren for a thoroughly written book, an example to excel toward in our own personal lives.  

Purpose Driven 17 &18

Purpose Drive Church

Chapter 17 ~ Turning Attenders into MEMBERS~

Forming your weekly attenders into a congregation of members is what this chapter is about. Warren connects the importance of Believing and Belonging. We grow in Christ by being in relationship with other Christians. Romans 12:10, “Says be devoted to one another in brotherly love.”  Using scriptures to further help in the understanding, and the benefits of membership in a body of believers, seeing how it gives personal meaning and value.  Being in and part of fellowship on Sunday mornings, evening or any other time of the week rather than participating as many attempt to do by just “Watching” church on a Sunday is just no substation for all that comes with the  family in community in fellowship. In closing Warrens states something worthy of remembering, “Preach it, Teach it, and talk about it” We belong together we need each other we are connected as parts of the human body joined together in one Body, the body of Christ.

Chapter 18 ~ Developing Mature Members

Ephesians 4:14 We are not to remain as children….. wow that is pretty direct. The steps of spiritual growth and becoming like Jesus has been Gods plan from the beginning for each of us. Pointing out that we become like whatever we are committed to may be offensive to some but the truth in that rings loudly. It can also be said becoming like Christ is the result of the commitment we make and to what we are committed to. Great commitments make great people. It amazes me just how much control we have over ourselves and what we become. Warren dispels some myths about spiritual maturity. Maturity be it spiritual or intellect is demonstrated in your behavior before beliefs are shown.  I love it when Warren says the last thing believers need is another Bible study….. “They already know far more than they are putting into practice” Ouch that has some truth that hurts.  Designing a strategy, that begins with commitment as a gradual process, developing healthy habits with stimulating relationships that requires participation in all areas of church fellowship.  You may want to read that again it is loaded.  Let’s be honest you had to know maturity would take work and commitment so hang in there lets continue to grow maturely together as we endure some more reading.  

  

Equipper Interview

James N Lanza Jr

Tom Rees

PST 443-GIS Disciple Making & Equip. Ministry

Fall 2012

11-6-12

Equipper Interview

1.     What is your process for making disciples?

“I lead by example.  Paul said to ‘Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.’  I cannot disciple anyone if my own relationship with God is strained.”

2.     What is your biggest challenge you face in making disciples?

“I am an extremely introverted person, so I tend to prefer to work alone when given the choice.  I let chances for discipleship come to me rather than seeking them out, which I am sure led to some missed opportunities.  Leading others is a daunting responsibility, and I am always concerned I will steer people in the wrong direction.  Thus, every discipleship opportunity involves a great deal of prayer and dependence on God.” 

3.     Who equipped you for ministry?

“In relation to my specific area of ministry, I really did not have a set person who traditionally mentored me through the process.  It involved a great deal of prayer, mistakes, observations, and finding others who were succeeding in the field and trying to acclimate their techniques to my own personal style.  Christ did the most work on my heart rather than specific interventions.  Working with special needs challenges a person to

4.     What are some ways you equip people for ministry?

“I show them and then let them try.  Sometimes the best way to teach is to let people experience lessons firsthand, mistakes and all.  My area of ministry requires a delicate balance of theory and practice, so it helps to have someone jump in and then refine as the processes unfold.  In my field of service, it is easy to forget the basics, so I also try and reinforce those notions.”

5.     How do you measure your effectiveness?

“Progress can be a red herring.  Some kids flourish, others stay stagnant, but most will move forward to some degree.  I measure my effectiveness based on whether I remain consistent in my therapeutic rapport building and interventions.  Being or feeling burnt-out is a sure sign that I am no longer effective with that particular individual.  It signals my need to either transfer care or return to the well.” 

6.     Where does discipleship making start?

“It starts and ends with Christ.  Nothing can happen unless God draws a person to another and then fosters that relationship.  God must begin the work, and the Holy Spirit is ultimately the one who teaches both individuals.”

7.     Where did discipleship start for you?

“Honestly, my first instance of discipleship was when someone came up and asked me.  Even then, I needed some time to pray about it because I did not think I was ready for that.  I am still not, but it forces me to depend more on Christ in those situations.” 

8.     How would you define a disciple?

“One who follows.” 

9.     What helps you stay effective in your discipleship role?

“Keeping Christ in perspective is key for me.  Trying to see the world through His eyes is the only way to persevere at times.  I burn out easier than most people, so staying rooted in Christ is the only way I have the endurance to continue.  Also, Jesus took time to be by himself, and I find myself needing to do likewise.  Investing in another human is rewarding but taxing, so I know I need to spend my own personal time with God to stay effective.  I have limits, and I need to respect them.”

10.  What do you believe is the most important thing in being a disciple?

“Leaving behind the self and following.  I think there is a fine line here, though.  When it comes to following Christ, there should be no compromise, but I believe that I still have a duty to ‘test everything that is said’ when it comes to discipleship in the church.  Even the best men can be wrong at times, so I cannot shirk my own personal relationship with God.”