I spent Saturday at a church leadership retreat. It was a long day, made longer by the fact that we Presbyterians are a verbal lot -- give us a chance to reflect on a question and we go at it with gusto!
One of the topics we addressed was credibility. Here are two questions for you all: (1) Identify one world and one ministerial leader whom you believe has exhibited credibility with their people and (2) What primary characteristics do you believe are responsible for that credibility?
My leaders were President Jimmy Carter and Sister Xavier, a nun whom I knew as a teacher, mother superior and, in my adult years, as a good friend.
The characteristics I came up with were:
Authenticity
Expertise
Committment
Gentle Guidance
****************************************
In the meantime, I "borrowed" a photo of the Blackwater eagles on Saturday. It seems that the third egg isn't going to make it, but the two surviving chicks look robust and hungry!
11 comments:
My first thought, when I read the question y'all discussed, was Jimmy Carter.
Awww such a cute picture. I'll have to think about your questions.... Pamela
I think of Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and of Cardinal McCarrick here in the US. The courage of Mandela, and the integrity of McCarrick stand out in my mind.
Mandela suffered an unjust imprisonment and saw his people persecuted, but lived to play a leading and inspiring role in the peaceful change in his country's government. His personal courage and wisdom created the credibility necessary to overcome years of violence and oppression.
McCarrick simply puts his mission ahead of his own comfort. He lives his faith in a way that inspires even a non-believer like myself. He is an intelligent and likable man, who can be very diplomatic and charming. His decency, humility, self-sacrifice, and desire to serve others are apparent to anyone who knows him.
Neil
HMMM! I'll have to think about that.I thought of the Pope cuz he helped save so many Jews during the war...but he's done a lot I don't like, too. Mother Theresa came to mind. She didn't blather on and on her life was her example. HMM.
The eagles are so cool!
Kathy
I also admire Jimmy Carter. I think he is true humanitarian and has not gotten the recognition he deserves.
Jimmy Carter was a very good choice... what a good man and what a good example he has set with his life. Mother Theresa is the only ministerial reference that comes to mind........... and she was a teacher by example. What a great entry! judi
Jimmy Carter. He was from outside the Washington establishment, so they got him. But has there ever been another ex-president with his measure of grace and dignity?
Jimmy Carter is my absolute hero. There are not too many people in this world that I admire, but he stands head and shoulders above the rest. Being agnostic, I can't choose a ministerial leader who has been "credible..." I guess I believe John-Paul is credible...I don't see him as being deceitful. You may not like the things he stands for, but he doesn't lie. Lisa :-]
Credibility. I think thats something not many people think about. But it's also a pretty important aspect to our lives. Without credibility, you can lose alot of chances. I'll have to think about what I consider in my list of crediable characteristics.
Rebecca
Gandhi's quiet dignity has always inspired me. Martin Luther King, as well, for his commitment to human dignity. Nelson's Mandala's humility appeals to me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credibilty for me is in the person's commitment to work for lofty goals, often at the expense of himself or herself. Selflessness. It doesn't matter to me that controversy surrounds King regarding his sexual life. I don't require a spiritual person to be perfect to have credibility.
It is a shame that women have been locked out of the system so long that none except Mother Teresa comes to mind.
A great question which is really making think. Jimmy Carter is an excellent choice. I'm having trouble leaving the measure as credibility alone as keep lumping other things in to my assessment. That, in itself, is interesting to me.
I was wondering what was keeping you away from your journal. I'm glad you had a good day.
Post a Comment