I’ve been working on my core lately, and it ain’t easy! Core workouts strengthen the back and stomach muscles. The arms get a bit of attention as well. While doing a long walk, I was surprised by the lift and stride I could maintain because my core had strengthened.
Perhaps core values function in the same way. Core values help us to step strongly into our mission and vision. The values of pursuing excellence, service, justice, and being a connected community permeate the mission statement of the presbytery. What are the core values of your hospital? Church? School? What core values drive your institution?
Core values apply to institutions and individuals. Our principles drive our work and vision of ministry. These foundational values strengthen our leadership and color our organizations. What are your core values? What are the principles you stand on? What values provide direction and vision for the ministry you serve?
Reflecting on my core values, I struggled to articulate a list. I struggled to find a list that reflected my values instead of those I would like to have. So, I decided to cheat and look for a list online! Wanting to cheat to find core values is contradictory, especially since I just took boundary training! I found this quote on Scott Jeffrey’s website (https://scottjeffrey.com/core-values-list/), “When people first hear about core values they often want to select them from a list of values. It seems easier to pick them from a menu. But as I’ve noted elsewhere, Values aren’t selected; they’re discovered. We don’t choose our values. Our values reveal themselves to us.”
Jeffrey suggested five as a good number of values. These six came to me (I never looked at the list, honest!):
Beauty
Loyalty
Curiosity
Humor
Risk-taking
Diligence
What core values come to you? How are they translated into your faith, work, play, and relationships? If you shared your values with your colleagues, staff, friends, or family, how would they respond?
May we always be guided from the core of our being as the Holy Spirit leads us. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Craig Howard
