High Priest  | |
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The Quorum of High Priests has prepared a new Temple School
course, High
Priests: Ministers of Vision (PA 212), which was compiled by David Schaal.
This course is a result of a special meeting of thirty-two high priests from
around the world. They met to “catch a vision” of what the work and
ministry of the high priest is to be. As a result of that weekend, a
revisioning of the quorum’s ministry began to emerge.
It is important that we honor the past as we envision the future. We
are called to share the gospel in a modern world which is very much in need of
the good news. New understandings of our ministries and approaches may be
necessary in order that the gospel may be shared in the most faithful, relevant
ways possible in the current world climate. Out of the study, four basic areas
of ministry emerged as very important to the ministry of high priests.
- Bridging cultures and people
is of primary importance. Many
differences separate people from one another and from God. Cultures, age
differences, race, religion, sex, and other differences separate us. When we
build bridges, we can use them to interact with one another. When we build
bridges, we can pass over them.
Enhancing leadership effectiveness is a significant issue for all
ministers. High priests are called to recognize the gifts resident in persons
and seek to help persons develop those gifts. All ministers need mentoring,
support, and opportunities for growth through new experiences.
Standing for peace and justice is a major concern for high priestly
ministry. High priests give more than lip service to ideas; they put their
beliefs into action. High priests are called to be where Christ is active in
those situations that need peace and justice in a world that is often unfair and
hostile.
Fostering spiritual growth and wholeness in individuals and in our world
is crucial. The spiritual thirst apparent in the world needs to be quenched.
Fostering spiritual growth will draw people closer to God and help them become
whole.
As high priests, we also need to develop and build
support systems with others of similar ministries. Leadership roles can
often cause the leaders themselves to over-extend themselves. When this
occurs, a support system of others who are in similar ministerial positions
nee to be provided for the support of one another.
This Temple School course is just the beginning of a
process of revisioning of the ministry of the high priest. High priests are
encouraged to take the course. Other interested persons are invited to study
along with the high priests. May God continue to bless all who strive to
develop their ministries by “study and also by faith.”
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