1. Describe family of origin issues that have 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 has been highlighted especially in sport. I did everything I could to perform well enough to make my father proud. Yet, somehow, I would never measure up. I was rewarded when I did well and held back when I failed. The drive to succeed in everything began my fight against perfectionism. While this allowed me to achieve academic success, it came at the expense of emotional and mental health. The recent breakdowns that led me to seek help have already had a positive effect in preparing me for ministry. Thanks to the support and encouragement I found in counseling, I was able to discover the roots of my past. Unhealthy patterns of thought and behavior that I had unknowingly perpetuated from my father, I can now recognize and choose to think and act differently. As a leader, this issue helps me be a more grace-based leader. I can respond with love and acceptance even when someone fails. Another positive contribution of my family of origin problems is the heart of compassion and sensitivity towards others that developed in response to my father's emotional abandonment. While this is certainly a strength and God has used it to develop me as a relational leader, it stands as a warning not to allow that strength to become limitless to the point of exhaustion.2. Describe some of the ministry communities that have most contributed to the development of your heart. How do you expect… mid-paper… that I have to be extremely diligent in recognizing the role I have to play in a community in order to help others thrive in their roles. I am responsible for reducing conflict, not creating more. Abraham shows success in the community in responding with a spirit of hospitality to strangers in Gen. 18:1-16. Because Abraham responded kindly to the needs of men he did not even know, God gave Abraham confirmation of the covenant promise. Furthermore, 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 the small moments to build community, even through simple gestures like preparing a meal for unexpected visitors. For just as Abraham entertained the angels, so might I if I do in the same manner (Heb. 13:2).