1. Describe issues related to family of origin that contributed positively and negatively to your leadership. How will you be better equipped for ministry because of your family? Growing up as the daughter of the son of alcoholic parents created an environment where acceptance was based on my performance. This was especially evident in sports. I did everything I could to perform well enough to make my father proud. Yet somehow I would always fail. I was rewarded when I did well and remembered when I failed. A drive to succeed in everything began my struggle with perfectionism. Although this allowed me to succeed in my studies, it came at the expense of my emotional and mental health. The last few breakdowns that led me to seek help have already had a positive effect in equipping me for ministry. With the support and encouragement I found through counseling, I was able to uncover the roots of my past. Unhealthy thought and behavior patterns that I had unknowingly carried over from my father, I can now recognize and choose to think and act differently. As a leader, this problem helps me be a more grace-based leader. I can respond with love and acceptance even when someone fails. Another positive contribution of my issues related to my family of origin is the heart of compassion and sensitivity toward others that developed in response to my father's emotional neglect. While this is definitely a strength and God has used it to develop me as a relational leader, it serves as a reminder of caution to not allow this strength to become limitless to the point of exhausting me. Describe some of the ministry communities that have contributed most to the development of your heart. How do you count...... middle of paper ...... me that I must be extremely diligent in recognizing the role I must fulfill in a community in order to be able to help others flourish in their own roles. I am responsible for reducing conflict, not creating more. Abraham demonstrates success in community by responding with a spirit of hospitality toward strangers in Gen. 18:1-16. Because Abraham kindly met the needs of men he did not even know, God gave Abraham confirmation of the covenant promise. Additionally, Abraham also had the opportunity to intercede face to face with the Lord on behalf of his community (Lot). This example of Abraham's hospitality teaches me the importance of recognizing small moments to build community, even through simple acts like preparing a meal for unexpected visitors. For just as Abraham received angels, so can I if I act in the same way (Heb.. 13:2).