GSC MODULE 47: QUALITIES OF A GOOD PRIEST

The priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

QUALITIES OF A GOOD PRIEST

The Lord continues to shepherd His flock through the service of His ordained. 

  Qualities which are the hallmark of the good priest are many: a godly way of life, dignified appearance and clothing, dignified speech, humility, service with compassion, mercy, generosity, wisdom, firm faith, sincere spiritual life, hospitality, sobriety, patience, kindness, goodness of heart, avoidance of undue dependence on technological devices and use of telephone and social media in a balanced manner.

St Paul discusses good qualities in his pastoral letter 1 Corinthians.

  Paul advises witnesses to Christ –

& Not to be quarrelsome [2 Timothy 2:24]

& To think as Christ does; to ‘have the mind of Christ’ [1 Corinthians 2:16]

& To avoid jealousy and infighting [1 Corinthians 3:1-4]

& To carry out ministry without expecting to see results: to give service without counting the cost: to labour humbly in the Lord’s Vineyard without expectation of earthly thanks or glory [1 Corinthians 3:5-8]

& To give glory and acknowledgement to God alone, as it is He Who calls to ministry, and He alone Who causes the growth of good from ministerial labours [1 Corinthians 3:5-8]

& To realize that each in ministry is a temple of God and that the Holy Spirit dwells within the minister [1 Corinthians 3:16]

& The temple of God is holy, so those in ministry must realize that each is called to live out lives of holiness in the service of God and His people [1 Corinthians 3:17]

& Not to be proud of academic achievements or natural intelligence: rather to prize true wisdom, humility before Christ [1 Corinthians 3:18-23]

& To avoid boasting [1 Corinthians 3:22-23]

& To work as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Ministers are to be aware of the sacred nature of their calling, and to practise and hold in safekeeping both knowledge and praxis of holy service to God [1 Corinthians 4:1]

& To be utterly trustworthy with relationships, money, confidentiality and the reputations and emotions of others [1 Corinthians 4:2]

& To avoid being judgemental of others [1 Corinthians 4:5]

& To be willing to be judged as foolish due to putting the sacred nature of the service of God first, instead of working towards earthly wealth, fame and prestige [1 Corinthians 4:10-16]

& To call upon those practising immorality to change of life. The follower of Christ is called to be witness to that which is righteous and good in the Sight of God. [1 Corinthians 5:9-11] This requires compassion and understanding for the weakness of the person struggling within the difficulties of the immorality

& Those in ministry are called upon to be sincere and truthful as witness to all [1 Corinthians 5:8]

& Avoid lawsuits, together with the unbearable strain they place upon individuals [1 Corinthians 6:1-8]

& Avoid defrauding others [1 Corinthians 6:7-8]

& Faithfulness in relationships [1 Corinthians 6:9]

& Avoid stealing [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Avoid envy [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Avoid foul language and verbally abusing others [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Avoid financially defrauding others [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Maintain sobriety and avoid alcoholism [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Avoid giving scandal [1 Corinthians 8:1-13]

& Not to insist on personal rights [1 Corinthians 9:12]

& Avoid idolatry in any form [1 Corinthians 10:14]. Idolatry includes the worship of undue wealth, undue prestige, fame, pursuit of financially purchased intimacy, gambling, undue ingestion of drugs and mind altering substances, undue alcohol, cigarettes or immoral literature and forms of media

& Dress with good conduct and dignity, especially within liturgical assembly [1 Corinthians 11:4-15]

& Avoid arguments and contention [2 Timothy 2:23]

& Avoid divisions [1 Corinthians 11:18-22]

& Avoid disgraceful conduct in church [1 Corinthians 11:16-22]

& Not to desecrate the Blessed Eucharist [1 Corinthians 11:27-34]

& To develop personal gifts and talents given by God. Not to envy the gifts and talents of others [1 Corinthians 12:7-11]

& Give unconditional love to all. Avoid rejection of others who portray difference [1 Corinthians 12:12-26]

& Give godly love to all [1 Corinthians 13:1-13]

& Have patience [1 Corinthians 13:4]

& Be kind [1 Corinthians 13:4]

& Avoid arrogance [1 Corinthians 13:4]

& Avoid riotous behaviour [1 Timothy 3:2]

& Avoid retaliation to provocation [1 Corinthians 13:5]

& Forgiveness of wrongs done. Decline to hold a grudge [1 Corinthians 13:5]

& Do not enjoy or gossip about misfortunes and scandals of others [1 Corinthians 13:6]

& Be patient and bear difficulties for the love of Christ [1 Corinthians 13:7]

& Belief in all tenets of faith as taught within the Scriptures [1 Corinthians 13:7]

& Great hope in God and in the eternal future to come [1 Corinthians 13:7]

& Endure trials of life, health and faith in a spirit of love and reparation to God [1 Corinthians 13:7]

& Never fail or desert another in their time of need [1 Corinthians 13:7]

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care

                         

GSC MODULE 46: PRIESTLY EXAMPLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

PRIESTLY EXAMPLE 

The priest through the call from Christ becomes the ambassador of God Almighty, King of Heaven and earth. 

  This call settles definite responsibility on the shoulders of the priest. 

  The ordinee has been chosen as a signpost pointing to the road which leads to God and the heavenly Kingdom. 

  The priest is an anointed witness to the authenticity and message of the gospels.

  The priest has been chosen as a leader, a shepherd of the great flock of the household of God.  

  This means that all eyes are upon the ordinee, who needs to monitor personal behaviour in order to give a worthy example.

  Clothing, behaviour, speech, attitudes need to reflect the model set by Jesus Christ alone. 

  The priest finds strength for this task by seeking counsel, guidance and comfort at the Feet of the Lord in prayer.

  The priest is, indeed, but a servant of God: however, one with solemn responsibility. 

  The ordinee serves elderly and young, of all financial and social strata, as Jesus Himself served us.

The priestly knowledge of the Word of God brings peace to relationships, comfort to the sorrowing, support to the dying and the gospel to all who thirst for the true meaning of life as a forerunner to our eternal destination in Heaven.

  The dedicated priest can expect harsh judgement from the worldly and those entrapped in the snares of sin. 

  It is not easy for those who live far from the grace of the Lord and His Church to accept Christ’s teachings and the reproach of the example of the lives of Christ’s ambassadors.

  The priest may encounter hurtful words, deeds, and indeed spiritual attack from those under the influence of the adversary satan. 

  These are all designed to dishearten the priest and cause priestly defection from the priesthood.   Indeed, nothing can do that for once a priest, always a priest.”You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” [Psalm 110:4]

  When Jesus calls, He calls for life. Whether always worthy or not, the ordinee always remains God’s ambassador. 

  The priest needs to have patience, tolerance, gentleness, understanding and commitment to ecumenism when dealing with those who spiritually assail personal priestly ministry.

  The grace of Christ may win through to those who find the priestly ministry offensive, and help to save a lost sheep crying in the wilderness of a fallen world and carry the rescued back to the safety of Christ’s Fold. 

  No greater honour can be bestowed than that of trustworthily assisting the Great Shepherd with His Task of rescue, protection and sustenance of the flocks as they move towards their heavenly destination.

  It is important for the priest to remember that all, priests, parishioners and those outside the church, are sinners alike. 

After the Fall all struggle with the effects that original sin wrought upon us in body, mind and soul.

  Yet it is also true that the devoted priest of God may rise above personal flaws and strengthen personal godly character by humble prayer and attentive listening before the Lord.

  Priests need deep grace to rise above their personal fallen nature in order to witness to the goodness of God and the gospel. 

  God does not call the messenger without fitting the one called to the task.

  Priests may rest assured that God well knows what He is about: He holds the reins of the universe in His Hands. Just as He calls, so He will nourish and sustain the humble priest with grace, spiritual sustenance, love and comfort.

  The priest has not been called as a saint to the task of witness and leadership of  the people of God entrusted to personal priestly care. 

  The priest is called as a sinner and sent to other sinners. 

  It is through ministry, self-sacrifice and obedience to the Word of God that the priest becomes a saint.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRIEST

The priest leads the community to worship through the reading, preaching and teaching of God’s Word. 
  Hearts and thoughts are led to God’s Throne with prayer, song, repentance and praise.

  The Holy Celebration of the Eucharist is the priestly joy and responsibility. 
  The Sunday Mass and prayer service is the worship which sustains the believer and praises the Father.

The priest thus has the responsibility of ensuring regular Mass, prayer service, Benediction, Bible studies, Confession, absolution, retreats, house visits, pastoral ministry, reflections, meditations and rosary prayers which are all made available to parishioners and those in search of God.

  Celebration of the sacraments of  Eucharist, Confession, Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, last Rites for the Dying are not only the responsibility but the privilege of the priest.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care

GSC MODULE 45: MISSIONARY WORK

The priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

MISSIONARY WORK

The priest is called to mission - to bring the Word of God to those in need of the gospel.

  Priests are called upon to rise to the stature of dedicated and tireless witness to Christ: to administer relief to those in want and to strengthen those in need of strengthening.

  Priests are called to teach the gospel, serve as missionaries, baptize converts, administer the sacraments, visit church members and ordain others to the Priesthood.

  The priest as missionary requires dedication and spiritual strength. 

  The missionary is sustained by a life of deep prayer, and a close and loving relationship with the Son of God. 

  A priest prepares well for ministry by means of study, receiving wise counsel graciously and growing in godly character in the Lord.

  Priests need to follow the counsel of godly parents and priesthood leaders: and diligently to perform priesthood duties.

Each priest is called to individual mission by God, the designator of different duties in the Vineyard.   The mission may entail travel, or may be located in the local town or village.      

  What is important is not where God chooses to call the ordinee to minister, but that the priest faithfully responds.

  Each priest has been missioned in the light of what God is giving all at the end of earthly labours – eternal life in the Kingdom of God with Him, forever.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care

GSC MODULE 44: THE PRIESTLY OFFICE

The priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

THE PRIESTLY OFFICE

The priest holds an important office of great meaning for heaven and eternity.

  The priest is commissioned by Christ the King of the Church. Jesus gave the commission of servanthood as the template of holiness [Mark 10:44].

This is the ordinance that priests are called to fulfil: this is His message that must be preached.

  The priest is responsible to Jesus Christ for the manner in which personal priestly minsitry is carried out, whether in the spirit of the servanthood or for personal financial profit and societal prestige.

The office of the priest is a situation of relationships.

  Above the priest is Jesus Christ, Who called the priest to ordination, and thereafter continues to commission the ordinee to particular parishes or ministry.

  It is Jesus Christ’s message which must be preached in its integrity and spiritual clarity. 

  It is to Jesus Christ that the priest is responsible for the manner in which priestly ministry is carried out: with integrity, or otherwise.

  The priest needs to keep in mind at all times that priestly responsibility is to Christ and not to what people say or think.

  The priest owes full obedience to the Saviour, and can place full confidence in Him. 

“The One Who calls you is faithful, and He also will bring it to pass.” [1 Thessalonians 5:24].

Before the priest is the congregation. God highly treasures His gathered people, who are precious in His Eyes. They are highly honoured and the object of His Love [Isaiah 43:4].

  It is essential that the priest has the right approach to the congregation. The ordinee’s work must be carried out with the understanding that the herd is that of the Chief Shepherd. [John 10:10-12]. 

  How much is entrusted to the priest: - the Body of Christ [1 Colossians 1:24].

  Christ’s Body is the church. The church is not a building nor a particular group of people. 
  The church is made up of people all over the world who have discovered the love of God as testified to by Jesus Christ. 
  The congregation is part of the Body of Christ; the household of God. [Ephesians 2:13-22].

Alongside the priest are the church staff. The priest works alongside the holders of office in the church, and not above them.

  Together with fellow congregational brothers and sisters, the priest is responsible for the welfare of the church to Christ. 

  The priest is co-responsible with others.

The priest of integrity often has concerns while carrying out tasks in the service of the Lord. 

  Yet the ordinee need not be anxious that sole responsibility is that of the priest alone.

  There are others who carry co-responsibility in the service of Almighty God. 

  The priest thus does not work alone in God’s Vineyard; there are many more who labour alongside.

  It is essential that church tasks be shared among church staff and congregation members. 

  It is not advisable for the priest to continually commission the same church staff or parish members with necessary tasks. 

  Tasks need to be shared, to avoid overburdening willing staff members beyond their abilities and personal strength.

 

  It is also the priest’s responsibility to ensure equal distribution of tasks. 

  The priests and church staff leaders do not carry the responsibility of the church alone: the members of the congregation are co-responsible. 
  The congregational members also need to bring the office of the believer to action.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care

GSC MODULE 43: CONGREGATION AND CHURCH GOVERNANCE

The Priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

TO WHOM IS THE PRIEST CALLED TO MINISTER? THE CONGREGATION 

All the reins of the world rest within God’s able Hands. It is He Who ordains who the priest is to meet and to whom the ordinee ministers.

  God is sovereignly able to care for those priests are called to minister to. 

  Yet our Gracious God chooses to use priests as shepherds to help Him lead His flock.

  That makes the people priests minister to important in their lives, and worthy of the best service they can give.

CHURCH GOVERNANCE 

Every priest will be faced with the need for some form of church governance. 

  To priests fall the duties of preaching, teaching, baptizing, administering the sacraments and celebrating the Eucharist, visiting church members, evangelization and missionary work.

  Some priests ordain others to the Priesthood. Priests are called on to teach others the principles of Jesus Christ enshrined within the gospels.

  Priests obtain the Word of God in several ways: in their homes or institutes of care, from their parents or guardians, in Sunday school and in the priestly seminary.

  One of the best ways to learn the Word of God is through daily personal study of the Scriptures.   Priests fulfil their duties first and foremost by teaching others the gospel of Jesus Christ through godly example.

  The good example of  dedicated priests encourages others to live the gospel.

  The priest organizes the sacrament of Baptism as the sacred ordinance by which people become members of the church, are healed of original sin and receive forgiveness of personal sins. 

  The baptized enter the path to the celestial kingdom by means of the sacrament of Baptism.

  Priests have the sacred responsibility of administering the sacrament of the Eucharist to members of the church. 

  Priests should be fully familiar with the sacramental rites and prayers. 

  They should dress appropriately and respectfully and wash their hands before performing this ordinance.

  Priests should be worthy to perform the sacred ordinance as true representatives of the Saviour.

  The Lord sent out the disciples with a commission to ministry[Luke 10:1]. 

The mandate Jesus gave to the disciples was clear;

& Pray for priests to labour in the harvest of the Lord [Luke 10:2]

& Depend on God for provenance of money and necessities [Luke 10:4]

& Be safety conscious [Luke 10:5]

& Bless family members of the household with the blessings of peace [Luke 10:5]

& Deal with rejection of both the blessing of peace and the gospel message [Luke 10:6]

& Accept assistance and meals from those to whom they preached the gospel [Luke 10:7]

& Establish a church base in one home in each area [Luke 10:7]

& Accept whatever welcome and meals – whether offered by rich or poor – with a spirit of acceptance and gratitude [Luke 10:8]

& Heal the sick [Luke 10:9]

& Preach the gospel to the sick. Inform them that the message of the Kingdom of God - as sent to them by the Son of God, Jesus Christ  - has drawn near to them [Luke 10:9]

& Accept rejection of the gospel message and move on to evangelize those who prove more receptive. Disciples are thus not to waste valuable evangelization time on fruitless discussion with those as yet unreceptive to the gospel. They are to warn of the serious nature of rejecting the truth about Jesus Christ the Saviour. Thereafter the disciples are to disengage from their preaching task, and immediately move on with their task of evangelization to the next town [Luke 10:10-11]

& Disciples are given the authority of Jesus Christ within their commission [Luke 10:16]

& Disciples are given the ability of exorcism [Luke 10:17]

The priest requires helpers in the church: there is too much work in parish and ministry evangelization for one person to carry out alone and unaided.

  Church staff may include church leaders who can oversee various parish tasks and ministries when duty or situations require priestly absence.

  

Leadership training is important within the church in various ministries:

& Church Board of management

& Parish councillors/ church elders

& Church facilities management i.e. administrative positions which oversee the physical church environment, finances and staff elections. Frequently, these are parishioners voted into office by the parish and/or Board of church management, and those voted in serve specific terms

& Church safety guidelines

& Child safety guidelines

& Christian education of children and adults

& Sunday school programme

& Music ministry

& Choir directors

& Pianists, organists and church musicians

& Hospice ministry

& Hospital visitation

& Home visitation

& Prison ministry visitation

& Prayer ministry

& Care of senior church parishioners

& Food for the poor

& Clothes closets for those in need 

APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH STAFF 

Members of church ministries must be men and women of faith in God. 

  They should have a sense of responsibility. Service to God through duties in the church should be their solemn commitment. 

  However, the priest should be aware not to overburden willing church staff with onerous or overly heavy burdens.

  The responsible priest takes care not to place undue pressure on marriages of church staff. 

  This the priest does by having due respect for the boundaries between church and family life.

  The Parish Board and church elders carry the following responsibilities;

& The good order of the congregation:

& Ensurance of the integrity of Christian instruction and education

& Ensurance of the integrity of the preaching of the gospel message to parishioners

& Ensurance that the church remains true to the authentic message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and does not become a false or profit-based organization

& Support and assistance of the priest by means of wisdom and good counsel.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care

GSC MODULE 42: IMPORTANCE OF PRIESTLY PRAYER AND MINISTRY

The priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

PRAYER AND HUMILITY

The priest needs to sit at the Feet of Jesus in prayer and humility, to take time to be with Him in this busy world of ours.

  The priest has the privilege of blessing bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. 

  The ordinee has the further privilege of placing the Sacred Elements into a tabernacle, where people can come and pray in the Presence of the Master.

  A good practice is to make time for prayer each day. It is an excellent practice to pray daily in front of the Blessed Sacrament within the church.

  It is important for the priest to pray as often as possible within the ordinee’s work schedule. Prayer means talking to Jesus within your heart, asking for guidance.

  Prayer also involves thanking Jesus for blessings you have received, sharing your worries about your life and others, and asking Him for help with difficulties.

 

Jesus encouraged us to spend time in communication with Him, telling us that He would assist us with our difficulties.

  To this end He said, “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” [Matthew 11:28-30].

The priest thus takes time daily to speak to Jesus. Also talk to Him within your mind at various times during your working hours, while you are carrying out your normal tasks.

  Ask Jesus for assistance and inspiration when you are facing a complex situation, or need grace to minister effectively.

  In these difficulties, pray for assistance and ask the Holy Spirit of God to guide you with the right choice of words you need to help someone who is heartsore, repentant or in trouble. 

  Jesus will never fail you.

Reflect on Jesus’ words of inspiration to you received during personal prayer.

  You will be surprised at times at the wonderful answers He gives to you during your special times of prayer together.

 IMPORTANCE OF PRIESTLY MINISTRY 

Every person is made in the Image and Likeness of God. Each one of us is unique and important to Him.

  When God chooses an individual to consider priesthood, His call is part of the greater Plan God has for the ultimate good of all in the world and the ultimate success of good in the Plan of Creation.

  Each priest has a unique contribution to make. Each priestly ministry is vital in the lives of people. Have no doubt, spiritual warfare continues to rage between the forces of God and satan.

  Ordinees are spiritual warriors leading others during their journey towards the Kingdom of God.

  Priests strengthen others to withstand the assaults of the adversary satan who wishes to deny us our eternal inheritance within the Kingdom of Heaven.

The priestly ministry is important to strengthen others in the spiritual battle for goodness and godliness in this world.

  Ordinees enable people to win their destiny of eternal life of glory and happiness in Heaven.

  Priests are signposts pointing the way to God to others on the road of life.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care

GSC MODULE 41; REQUIREMENTS AND NECESSARY QUALITIES FOR A PRIEST

The priest follows Jesus, the Son of God

JESUS' FIRST DISCIPLES

Jesus did not expect His disciples to be intellectual giants among their peers. 

  In fact, people laughed at Him and some of His disciples, for being from the country area of Nazareth.

  Poor reputation was attached to Nazareth 

[John 1:46]. The Galilean disciple Nathanael, before His call by Christ, asked; 

“From Nazareth? Can anything good come from that place? “ [John 1:46]

Jesus’ disciples in the crowds were from all age groups. He believed that children should always be allowed into the company of adults, and overturned His disciples’ decision to refuse children to visit Him.

  People had brought little children to Him, so that He could lay His Hands on them. 

  The disciples scolded them, but Jesus said, 

“Let the little children alone, and do not stop them from coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of Heaven belongs.” Then He laid His Hands on them, and went on His way. [Matthew 19:13-15].

Jesus did not require that either His disciples to whom He preached, or His disciples whom He chose for ministry, have university degrees.

  Jesus does the same today. However, in today’s society, accredited ordination and qualifications open doors in ministry that otherwise could well remain closed. 

  The sensible priest takes this into mature consideration.

SEMINARY REQUIREMENTS 

Seminary requires of students to study Theology and Philosophy as servants of Jesus. 

  This requires priests to develop a devotional discipline.

  Priests need to know and live the words of the Bible; in particular the blueprint for human life as put before us by Jesus in the Gospels.

 

Seminary requires that priests open their inner beings to the Grace of God in Christ. 

  This enables their inner selves to strengthen and grow in the Light of Christ.

  Devoted and lengthy priestly prayer is conversation with God.   

  Priests need to let the power of the Word of God go deep within their hearts, encouraging their relationships with God to grow.

  If each priest’s relationship with God is strong and right, then all the other relationships in their lives will be correct.

  This is due to the fact that the relationships flow from the strength of the union between Jesus and priest.

    NECESSARY QUALITIES FOR A PRIEST 

Priests need to be of good heart and to do that which is right in the Name of Jesus.  

  Priests also need to be thoroughly prepared to minister as worthwhile priests of Jesus, Who is the Son of God the Almighty Creator.

  The priest who has completed seminary courses is enabled to take ministerial place in society with confidence. 

  Seminary studies empower priests to develop the basic attributes required to communicate well with people and to carry out pastoral ministry with ease and confidence.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care