Ministry Training: Assignment 4

How to Care for Yourself and Serve a Hurting World

In "What Really Matters," Hal Donaldson masterfully weaves together the vital importance of self-care and the imperative of serving a hurting world, arguing that these are not mutually exclusive but rather interconnected aspects of a meaningful life. He emphasizes that effective and sustainable service requires a foundation of personal well-being, urging readers to prioritize rest, self-reflection, and spiritual connection. Donaldson doesn't shy away from the realities of suffering and injustice, but he inspires action by highlighting the transformative power of compassion and the diverse ways individuals can engage in service, both practically and relationally. Ultimately, the book encourages readers to cultivate a balanced life marked by intentional self-care, a deep connection to their faith, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Assignment:

Reading:

What Really Matters: How to Care for Yourself and Serve a Hurting World  by Hal Donaldson (provided by ccdelco)

Respond:

Select ONE question from each section to answer.  When you submit your

homework to your coach, please be sure to include the full question along with your answer.

I. Self-Care and Well-being:

• Identifying Your Limits: The book acknowledges that we can't do everything. How do you recognize when you are reaching your limits, and what do you do to prevent burnout?

• The Power of Rest: Donaldson advocates for rest and renewal. How has our culture’s emphasis on productivity impacted our view of rest? How can we reclaim the importance of rest in our lives?

• Guilt and Self-Care: Do you ever feel guilty when prioritizing your own needs? How does the book challenge this notion of guilt?

• Individualized Self-Care: The book acknowledges that what is restorative for one may not be for another. What are some unique self-care needs and strategies that you have found to be effective for you?

II. Serving a Hurting World:

• Defining "Hurt": How does Donaldson's definition of a "hurting world" resonate with you? What are some specific ways you see hurt manifested in your community or the world at large?

• Finding Your Place: The book encourages everyone to engage in serving. How can we identify our unique gifts and passions and apply them to meet the needs around us?

• Practical vs. Relational Service: Donaldson touches on the importance of both practical and relational care. How do you see the balance between these two in your own service? Which one comes more naturally to you, and which one do you feel you need to develop more?

• Compassion Fatigue: How does the book address the risk of compassion fatigue? What are some strategies we can implement to protect ourselves emotionally when serving in difficult situations?

• Beyond Charity: The book suggests going beyond typical charity and addressing systemic issues. How can we be part of creating sustainable solutions for the problems in our world?

III. Faith and Purpose:

• Connecting with God's Heart: How does Donaldson connect serving others with a deeper relationship with God? How has the book challenged or encouraged your own faith perspective?

• Living with Purpose: The book calls us to live intentionally. How does understanding our purpose motivate us to serve others and prioritize self-care?

• God's Call: Do you believe that we are all called to some form of service? How does Donaldson’s perspective of calling challenge or affirm your own ideas on this topic?

• Hope in the Darkness: How does Donaldson encourage hope in the midst of suffering? Where do you personally draw hope from when faced with difficult circumstances?

• Spiritual Growth Through Service: How does serving others contribute to our own spiritual growth? In what ways has your experience of serving others impacted your personal faith journey?

IV. Putting It Into Action:

• Practical Applications: What specific action steps can you take in your daily life to integrate the ideas from the book?

• Accountability and Community: Who can you partner with to put these ideas into practice? How can we support each other in our goals for personal growth and service to others?

• Transforming the World: How can we collectively use the lessons in the book to bring about positive change in the world?

• Challenges to Implementation: What are some potential obstacles to implementing these ideas, and how can you proactively address them?

• Personal Commitment: After reading this book, what specific commitment are you willing to make to prioritize self-care, serve others, and live a more meaningful life?