Dealing with Anger in Ministry in an Indian Context: Constructive Expression Creates a Caring Impression
The minister is constantly confronted with people's many expectations of him. It is not easy for any one person to satisfy such diverse expectations. Yet, these cannot be ignored. Failure to meet the expectations of the community served may result in criticism, hostility and rejection from parishioners as well as anger and frustration in the priest. Some see spiritual growth or maturity as a process of eradicating bad emotions such as anger, cultivating good ones such as love, and moving toward perfection. When ministers are unaware of their own anger or unwilling to experience their true feelings, they cannot be really helpful to parishioners. It is important for a minister to display a constructive expression of anger for effective ministry. The purpose of this project is to design and implement a two-day workshop for transitional deacons to facilitate their dealing with and their expression of anger in diverse ministerial situations. The project is designed to increase their ability to understand the notion of anger in light of Christian theology and to empower them with spiritual and psychological tools for the constructive expression of anger in ministry. The results of the survey given at the end of workshop revealed that the seminarians had been led to a deeper and holistic understanding of anger, as a gift of God and as spiritual energy, and its revitalizing effect in their life and in ministry. We are called to create and work in a Eucharistic community where failures, losses and personal tragedies are shared, where people gather around in support. Anger when constructively expressed can become a source for restoring relationships and building equal respect. Vulnerability becomes a new strength. Compassion in community will move anger to affection and hostility to healing.
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