WELCOME
Welcome to “Thriving in your Life and Ministry”. The Uniting Church in Australia, Qld Synod has prepared this site and its resources with the prayer that it will richly benefit you, your life and ministry, whether you are a lay person or a person in specified ministry.
Its purpose is to provide people with information, resources and links where they can assess where their life and ministry is currently thriving and to discern the areas where helpful changes can be made, in response to the Holy Spirit in our lives. Christ promised “life abundant”, and the expectation is that information, resources and links will help you to participate in that more fully.
It could well be argued that the health of a Congregation or agency is directly related to the (mental, physical, emotional and spiritual) health of its members and leaders. Seen in that light, self-care is actually a way of caring for others.
As one minister wisely said, “Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.” The same can be said for life.
WHAT DOES THRIVING IN YOUR LIFE AND MINISTRY MEAN?
People are constantly growing and changing across the many areas their lives. Thriving is a process by which people become aware and make choices which will enable the growth and change to be positive, enriching their lives and ministry. What the positive growth and change will be is individualistic, and, will be decided by the person.
The areas of life in which people grow, change and thrive are many but they can be grouped into the following key dimensions:
- Spirituality / Connecting with God
- Ministry Work / Vocation
- Leisure
- Friends / Social Network
- Family
- Development of Self – Physical, Emotional, Intellectual
- Environment, Community & Social Justice
- Financial Security
Research has consistently shown that people show greater satisfaction, appear happier and live more fulfilled lives when they:
- Have a meaningful and loving relationship with God and express this relationship through prayer, meditation, attending church and turning towards God in difficult times
- Engage in self controlled work that is meaningful, appropriately compensated and contributes towards greater goals within a supporting and safe environment
- Regular engagement in leisure activities reflecting their interests and expressing their creativity
- Develop and maintain meaningful, respectful, mutually supportive and loving relationships with their family and friends
- Actively engage in activities which maintain and enhance their physical, intellectual and emotional wellbeing
- Are connected to their local community, show concern for social justice and maintain life style choices and practices which do not harm the environment
- Engage in financial practises creating security for themselves and their loved ones within their means
For further information about the dimensions refer to the Model of Thriving in Your Life and Ministry.
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USEFUL CHURCH LINKS
QLD Synod
Pilgrim Learning Community
Healthy Church
USEFUL LINKS
The Wellbeing Manifesto |