Beyond that, it helps us to cheer the hearts of all whose joy in living has grown jaded. How such a minister comes into being is beyond the scope of these remarks, and frankly beyond my own understanding. Perhaps it is a gift of the grace of god. A good many ministers do embody these qualities in their personal and professional lives, disproving the argument that such a model of ministry is a fantasy. What congregations and ministers need is the wisdom to give such qualities priority, and to do what can be done to encourage their development and to deepen their screening, interviewing, auditing and deliberative procedures.
Ministers meet people at their most vulnerable.
A few ministers have abused their office, violating confidences, influencing counselees for personal gain, or harming people psychologically or sexually. True ministers wear the power of their office lightly, but remember that their power is given as an opportunity to strengthen others, not to control or exploit them. When UUA ministerial fellowship committee identifies a serious offender it ensures that his or her name will not appear on search committees' recommended lists. Still, careful search committees ask potential candidate to speak about their understanding of professional ethics, about specific boundaries they set for themselves in ministry, and about the things they do each day to keep themselves physically and mentally and morally alert. A minister who sustains a satisfying personal life and practices self-care will also be able to respect the rights and boundaries of others.