Did you ever ask yourself...

 How can I remain a healthy leader in my whole being - body, mind and spirit?

 In today’s ministry context, how can I be a healthy pastor in every respect - spiritual, relational, emotional, intellectual and physical?

 How can I continue moving in the right direction?

Let me suggest some guidelines to answer these questions. One of the core values we have clearly identified with the workers in Quebec is the need to do ministry together, not alone. The apostle Paul is a good example for he was never alone when ministering to others. As a leader, I realize that we must not only believe this, but also personally commit ourselves to practicing it.

One of the main qualities we need to succeed is our ability to listen to others. In fact, it is essential that we learn to be attentive to people whom we trust. We all know that a good friend should tell us the truth, even if this sometimes hurts our ego. Are we really listening to those around us? Do we have a plan to move in that direction?

The District of Quebec wants to promote a positive environment which will contribute to the full support of its workers. We desire to do so in a measurable way.

With this goal in mind, support in our District will be characterized by the principle of accountability in a context of confidentiality, safety and mutual affinity. To be held accountable in our commitments is an effective way to remain in good health and to measure our progress. Accountability must also be experienced in a context of reciprocity. As leaders, we all need to give as much as to receive. There must be a balance between being accountable to someone and having someone be accountable to us.

Furthermore, we all have different callings and personalities. We want to respect these differences by recommending three types of support in our District:

 The first is that of a coach who is defined as someone who provides support to help the other move forward effectively in his ministry and be accountable on the basis of an agreed-upon plan.

 The second is a life counsellor who is someone to whom the person is accountable concerning his personal life, with the goal of helping him be responsible in his decisions and remain healthy on the personal, family and relational levels.

 The third is that of a mentor who is defined as someone who can transfer some ministry competence and makes sure the leader grows as a whole person. I am happy to announce that we are going to offer our workers two of these three types of support, namely that of a coach and that of a life counsellor. We will introduce this new stage at our next Conference on the ministry this coming October. We will also have other information to share with you. We are presently preparing ourselves to ensure that we will facilitate an environment that helps us remain healthy as workers.

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." 3 John 2 (NIV)

Paul Tétreault

Assistant to the Superintendent

We recommend warmly the following issue of Enrichment dedicated to this theme. Just click here to view it or download it.