An ongoing practice for growth
Reflection is the key aspect to growing in ministry effectiveness. It involves working to understand just what it is you are doing or not doing, why, what kind of changes God is calling you to, and how to accomplish them.
Reflection is ongoing. It is only as you reflect on your self assessment that you will come to discover where you are. It is only as you reflect on the ideas and practice of others that you will begin to discover where God might take you. And it only as you reflect on that combination of how He has made you and where He wants you to go that you will be able to plan to get there. And it is only as you reflect that you will be able to discern whether you have made any progress.
The reflection you will be asked to do in the Institute is structured. We want you to examine known practices that the Lord has used over and over in the lives of His servants. We want you to end up with action steps that you can use to measure your growth.
Reflection is personal. No one else can really do it for you, but you will find it most effectively if you work with some others. Collaboration contributes to reflection because as others share what they see in you you will be better equipped to see yourself.
Journaling is a primary means for reflection. If you have never used a journal, you can begin to learn here. There are other tools useful for reflection and you can learn about some of them here.
Journaling Other Tools for Reflection
Next page: Self-directed learning