Empowering Congregations to Embrace Diversity Through Virtue for Fruitful Ministry
Fostering Well-Being and Flourishing through Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment
Understanding virtues and values is crucial for effective ministry in a diverse world. By incorporating virtues into ministry, congregations can cultivate a strong, interconnected community that promotes well-being and resilience.
Virtues—wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence—act as a unified root system, much like the Pando, a single organism made up of interconnected aspen trees. Just as the Pando is resilient and thrives in varying conditions, virtues provide a strong foundation for communities, allowing them to flourish despite differences. In contrast, values are subjective and shaped by personal and cultural contexts, which helps congregations foster inclusivity.
Why Should You Care About Virtues and Values?
Strengthen Community: Shared virtues create bonds among diverse members.
Promote Well-Being: Emphasizing virtues enhances individual and collective well-being.
Guide Ethical Behavior: Virtues provide a framework for ethical decision-making.
Encourage Personal Growth: Focusing on virtues inspires self-reflection and development.
Enhance Ministry Effectiveness: A virtue-centered approach engages a broader audience.
Understanding Virtues and Values
Virtues are qualities that are universally admired and valued across different cultures and religions. They include wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. These virtues are considered objective because they are recognized and respected regardless of individual or cultural differences. On the other hand, values are more subjective, reflecting personal or cultural priorities and beliefs.
Seligman's Research on Cross-Cultural Virtues
Martin Seligman, a leading figure in positive psychology, studied virtues across cultures and religions to understand their universal nature. His research aimed to identify core virtues that are valued globally, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. This effort was part of the broader positive psychology movement, which seeks to understand what makes life worth living and how people can achieve well-being and fulfillment.
Seligman and his colleagues developed the Values in Action (VIA) Classification, which identifies six core virtues: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. These virtues are seen as foundational to human flourishing and are considered essential for leading a good life. By studying these virtues across different societies, Seligman demonstrated that despite cultural variations, there are common threads in what people consider to be virtuous behavior.
Virtues vs. Values
Virtues are objective and universal reflecting fundamental human qualities that contribute to well-being and are found in various philosophical and religious teachings worldwide.
The VIA (Values in Action) Character Strengths framework identifies six core virtues, each associated with specific character strengths. Here's how each virtue corresponds with its related strengths:
1. Wisdom
Strengths:
Creativity: Thinking of novel and productive ways to do things.
Curiosity: Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake.
Judgment: Thinking critically and evaluating arguments and evidence.
Love of Learning: Mastering new skills and topics.
Perspective: Providing wise counsel and seeing the bigger picture.
2. Courage
Strengths:
Bravery: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, or pain.
Perseverance: Finishing what one starts; persisting in a course of action despite obstacles.
Honesty: Speaking the truth and presenting oneself in a genuine way.
Zest: Approaching life with excitement and energy.
3. Humanity
Strengths:
Love: Valuing close relationships with others.
Kindness: Doing favors and good deeds for others.
Social Intelligence: Being aware of the motives and feelings of others.
4. Justice
Strengths:
Fairness: Treating all people the same and giving everyone a fair chance.
Leadership: Organizing group activities and encouraging others to achieve.
Teamwork: Working well as a member of a group or team.
5. Transcendence
Strengths:
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence: Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains.
Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen.
Hope: Expecting the best and working to achieve it.
Humor: Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people.
Spirituality: Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of life.
6. Temperance
Strengths:
Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and not seeking revenge.
Humility: Keeping one's accomplishments and failures in perspective.
Prudence: Being careful about one's choices; not taking undue risks.
Self-Regulation: Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined.
This framework highlights how various strengths contribute to overall character and well-being. Each virtue encompasses strengths that can be developed and cultivated to enhance individual and collective flourishing.
Values are subjective and personal. They can vary greatly between individuals and cultures, reflecting personal beliefs and cultural norms.
While virtues like wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, transcendence, and temperance are universally recognized as objective qualities, the values associated with them can vary widely among cultures. These values reflect personal beliefs, cultural norms, and priorities, leading to different interpretations of how these virtues are expressed in daily life.
Wisdom
Virtue: Wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments based on knowledge and experience.
Example: A wise leader considers multiple perspectives before making a decision, seeking the best outcome for all.
Cultural Values: In some cultures, wisdom is linked to age and experience, while others may prioritize innovation and new ideas over traditional knowledge.
Courage
Virtue: Courage is the quality of facing fear and adversity with determination.
Example: A firefighter risks their life to save someone from a burning building.
Cultural Values: Some cultures celebrate individual acts of bravery, while others value community cooperation and collective action as courageous.
Humanity
Virtue: Humanity encompasses compassion and kindness toward others.
Example: Volunteering to help those in need, such as feeding the homeless.
Cultural Values: Different cultures may prioritize varying expressions of humanity; for example, some may focus on family support, while others emphasize broader societal welfare.
Justice
Virtue: Justice involves fairness and the equitable treatment of individuals.
Example: A judge ensuring that all parties in a case are heard fairly and without bias.
Cultural Values: Some cultures may emphasize retributive justice (punishment), while others focus on restorative justice (rehabilitation and reconciliation).
Transcendence
Virtue: Transcendence refers to experiencing a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, which can bring meaning to life.
Example: A person finds joy and fulfillment in helping others and participating in community service.
Cultural Values: The expression of transcendence can differ; some cultures might emphasize spirituality and religious practices, while others may find it through artistic or natural experiences.
Temperance
Virtue: Temperance is the ability to exercise self-control and moderation.
Example: A person chooses to eat a balanced diet and avoid excess.
Cultural Values: Different cultures may have varying views on moderation; for example, some may celebrate indulgence in certain social contexts, while others strictly adhere to moderation.
Applying Virtues in Leadership, Patient Care, and Communities
Biblical Principles and Universal Virtues
Christian teachings, particularly the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-12, align closely with the universal virtues. The Beatitudes provide a framework for living a virtuous life, emphasizing humility, mercy, and righteousness. These principles can be effectively applied in various settings, including leadership, patient care, and community building.
The Beatitudes and Universal Virtues:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: Humility (Temperance)
Blessed are those who mourn: Compassion (Humanity)
Blessed are the meek: Gentleness (Temperance)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: Pursuing Justice (Justice)
Blessed are the merciful: Kindness (Humanity)
Blessed are the pure in heart: Sincerity and Wisdom (Wisdom)
Blessed are the peacemakers: Promoting Peace (Humanity and Justice)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: Courage
Practical Applications
1. Wisdom in Leadership:
Virtue: Wisdom involves critical thinking and informed decision-making.
Application: Leaders can foster wisdom by encouraging reflection and thoughtful decision-making. For instance, mentorship programs where experienced leaders guide others can help share insights and build a culture of wisdom.
2. Courage in Patient Care:
Virtue: Courage involves facing challenges and adversity with strength.
Application: Healthcare providers can demonstrate courage by advocating for patients, even in difficult circumstances. Recognizing and rewarding acts of courage in patient care can encourage a culture of bravery and resilience.
3. Humanity in Communities:
Virtue: Humanity emphasizes kindness and empathy.
Application: Community service initiatives that bring people together to help those in need exemplify humanity. Simple acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor or volunteering, can build strong, compassionate communities.
4. Justice in Social Systems:
Virtue: Justice involves fairness and equity.
Application: Implementing fair processes in community decision-making ensures that all voices are heard. This builds trust and promotes a sense of justice within the community.
5. Transcendence through Faith:
Virtue: Transcendence involves connecting with something greater than oneself, such as faith in God.
Application: Encouraging participation in faith-based activities and spiritual practices can help individuals find purpose and peace. Organizing community events that celebrate faith and shared values can foster a sense of belonging and transcendence.
6. Temperance in Daily Life:
Virtue: Temperance involves self-control and moderation.
Application: Teaching techniques for staying calm and balanced, such as deep breathing and focusing exercises, can help individuals manage stress and emotions. Programs that promote self-discipline in areas like diet and finances can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus describes those who are "blessed" as also happy (makarios) because of their alignment with the values of God’s kingdom (e.g., the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful). Happiness is also the result of the empirically proven model of well-being, PERMA.
Integrating PERMA and Virtues to Find Meaningful Accomplishment
The PERMA model—Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—provides a structured way to enhance well-being, grounded in universal virtues. By aligning these elements with biblical principles, we find not only personal growth but also meaningful accomplishment. Each element of PERMA, when practiced alongside virtues like wisdom, courage, and humanity, supports a fulfilling and resilient life in accordance with Christian teachings. This holistic approach leads to a life where achievements are not merely personal but aligned with God’s purpose.
1. Positive Emotion: Anchoring Joy in Faith
In the context of PERMA, positive emotion does not only refer to fleeting happiness but to a deeper sense of joy and peace, as modeled by Jesus. While Jesus wept and experienced sorrow (John 11:35), He also taught His followers to find joy in faith and in the promises of God. The Apostle Paul exemplified this, writing about joy even from prison, as he encouraged believers to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4).
Virtue Connection: The virtue of wisdom helps us maintain a balanced perspective, even in difficult times. By trusting in God’s greater plan, we can experience peace and joy regardless of circumstances. Positive emotions rooted in faith allow us to find hope and gratitude, even in adversity.
2. Engagement: Committing to Meaningful Work
Engagement in PERMA refers to being fully absorbed in meaningful activities, which resonates deeply with Christian teachings. Jesus demonstrated this in His commitment to His mission, fully engaging in His work of teaching, healing, and serving others. The Apostle Paul also exemplified engagement, dedicating his life to spreading the gospel, despite facing persecution and hardship.
Virtue Connection: The virtue of courage empowers us to fully commit to God’s work, even when it is challenging. Just as Paul persevered through suffering to accomplish his mission (2 Timothy 4:7), we too are called to engage deeply in the tasks that align with God’s will, knowing that they lead to eternal rewards.
3. Relationships: Building Loving Communities
Relationships are central to both PERMA and biblical teachings. Jesus commanded His followers to love one another (John 13:34), emphasizing the importance of relationships built on love and compassion. James, in his epistle, underscores the need for faith to be lived out through deeds, particularly in how we treat one another (James 2:14-17).
Virtue Connection: The virtue of humanity—kindness, empathy, and compassion—is essential for fostering strong relationships. When we practice these virtues, we build supportive and loving communities that reflect the love of Christ. Relationships grounded in humanity allow for the flourishing of individuals and communities alike, as they promote mutual support and spiritual growth.
4. Meaning: Finding Purpose in Serving God
At the heart of the PERMA model is meaning—the pursuit of a purpose larger than oneself. For Christians, the ultimate meaning is found in following God’s will and serving others, as Jesus modeled throughout His life. Paul often spoke about the meaning he found in living for Christ, famously stating, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
Virtue Connection: The virtue of transcendence ties directly to meaning, as it involves connecting with something greater than oneself—God. By living with a sense of transcendence, we align our daily actions with God’s eternal purposes, allowing us to find deep meaning in even the simplest acts of service. This gives direction and fulfillment, knowing that our work contributes to God’s kingdom.
5. Accomplishment: Achieving God-Glorifying Goals
In the PERMA model, accomplishment refers to achieving goals that bring a sense of pride and fulfillment. However, for Christians, true accomplishment is not measured by worldly success but by the fulfillment of God’s will. James reminds believers that faith without works is dead (James 2:17), indicating that our accomplishments should be rooted in faith-driven action.
Virtue Connection: The virtue of temperance helps guide our accomplishments by ensuring that our goals are aligned with God’s plan. Just as Paul completed his race and fought the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7), we are called to pursue accomplishments that glorify God and serve others. By practicing temperance, we maintain the balance and self-discipline needed to avoid distractions and focus on achieving what truly matters—eternal, God-glorifying outcomes.
To visualize how PERMA grounded in virtues leads to meaningful accomplishment, imagine the process as a tree with deep roots and flourishing branches. The roots represent the virtues that support and nourish each aspect of the PERMA model. The tree trunk symbolizes the integration of virtues and biblical principles, leading to a strong, flourishing life. The branches represent the elements of PERMA, each strengthened by a specific virtue, ultimately leading to meaningful accomplishment—the fruit that the tree bears.
The PERMA Tree
Pando, the vast aspen grove in Utah, serves as a powerful metaphor for unity and resilience. Just as the trees and their roots share nutrients and support one another, we too must recognize the strength that comes from unity. As Ephesians 4:3 reminds us: “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” This scripture encapsulates the essence of coming together, emphasizing the importance of laying aside differences to focus on strengths (think of the 24 character strengths identified by the VIA), virtues (think of the 6 universal virtues Seligman identified), and our shared faith in Jesus (faith without works is dead.) Just as a tree with strong roots bears good fruit, a life grounded in virtues and faith leads to meaningful accomplishments that glorify God in unison together harmoniously.
Roots: The Virtues
Wisdom: The root of clarity and understanding, helping us remain steady in our faith and grounded in God’s will.
Courage: The strength to push through difficult seasons, like a tree weathering a storm, ensuring growth even when facing adversity.
Humanity: The compassionate, nurturing root system that reaches out, connecting us with others and helping build strong, supportive relationships.
Justice: The root of fairness and equity, ensuring that we uphold integrity and ethical actions in everything we do.
Temperance: The balanced root that prevents overgrowth or depletion, keeping our goals focused and our actions disciplined.
Transcendence: The deepest root, connecting us to God, allowing us to find meaning and purpose beyond ourselves.
Trunk: Integrating Virtues and Biblical Principles
John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
The trunk represents the strength of integrating the virtues into our daily lives, just as the tree grows strong by receiving nourishment from its roots. Jesus is the source of life, the trunk, the vine. This strong trunk supports the branches of the tree, and we are the branches, that represent the elements of PERMA.
Branches: Elements of PERMA
Each branch is a manifestation of the different elements of the PERMA model, supported by the strength of the virtues:
Positive Emotion (Wisdom): One branch is filled with bright, healthy leaves, representing peace and joy rooted in our faith. Even when we experience sorrow (like Jesus weeping), wisdom helps us find deeper joy in God’s promises.
Engagement (Courage): A sturdy branch stretching high, symbolizing how courage empowers us to fully engage in meaningful work and service. Just like Paul’s commitment to spreading the gospel despite hardship, this branch shows that courage leads to meaningful engagement.
Relationships (Humanity): This branch is intertwined with others, representing the connections we build with people. It is rich with the virtue of humanity—kindness, empathy, and compassion—which fosters strong, loving relationships.
Meaning (Transcendence): A branch reaching toward the heavens, symbolizing the virtue of transcendence. Just as a tree stretches upward toward the sky, our lives find higher purpose by connecting with God and fulfilling His mission.
Accomplishment (Temperance and Justice): The final branch bears fruit, representing the meaningful accomplishments that align with God’s will. The virtues of temperance and justice keep this branch balanced and focused on producing lasting, meaningful outcomes that glorify God.
Fruit: Meaningful Accomplishment
The fruit of the tree represents accomplishments that are aligned with biblical teachings and virtues. These accomplishments are the result of:
Wisdom guiding us to make sound decisions.
Courage helping us take bold steps in faith.
Humanity fostering loving, supportive relationships.
Justice ensuring that our actions are fair and aligned with God’s principles.
Temperance keeping our ambitions in check, ensuring we pursue what truly matters.
Transcendence connecting our actions to a higher, divine purpose.
The Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Each piece of fruit symbolizes a goal achieved in alignment with God’s will—whether it is a project completed with integrity, a relationship mended, or a mission faithfully pursued.
Fruit of the Spirit and Virtues: Pathways to Meaningful Accomplishment
1. Love and Wisdom
The virtue of wisdom guides us to make sound decisions, and this is foundational for love. When we embody wisdom, our love becomes discerning, allowing us to prioritize relationships and actions that align with God’s will. Love, as a fruit of the Spirit, empowers us to navigate complexities in relationships and life situations with insight, ensuring our decisions foster harmony and growth.
2. Joy and Courage
Courage encourages us to step out in faith and embrace challenges, while joy is the result of living boldly for Christ. When we take courageous steps—whether in pursuing a calling, confronting injustice, or supporting others—we experience the joy of knowing we are fulfilling God’s purpose. Joy sustains our spirits during trials, reinforcing the strength we gain from courageous actions.
3. Peace and Humanity
The virtue of humanity emphasizes kindness, empathy, and compassion. Peace, as a fruit of the Spirit, is fostered through our efforts to build loving and supportive relationships. When we act with humanity, we create environments of peace, allowing individuals to feel safe and valued. The peace we cultivate leads to a sense of community and belonging, enhancing the quality of our relationships.
4. Forbearance and Justice
Justice ensures our actions are fair and aligned with God’s principles, while forbearance (or patience) reflects our ability to endure hardships and challenges with grace. In the pursuit of justice, we often face opposition and frustration. Forbearance enables us to remain steadfast and compassionate, allowing us to address injustice without losing sight of our commitment to fairness. Together, they empower us to advocate for righteousness, even in difficult circumstances.
5. Kindness and Temperance
The virtue of temperance involves self-control and moderation, which is crucial for practicing kindness. When we exercise temperance, we are better equipped to act kindly, managing our impulses and ensuring our actions reflect God’s character. Kindness requires us to prioritize the needs of others and choose generosity over self-interest, which temperance enables us to do effectively.
6. Goodness and Transcendence
The virtue of transcendence connects our actions to a higher, divine purpose, while goodness reflects the moral excellence that arises from living in accordance with that purpose. Transcendence inspires us to seek the greater good and serve others selflessly, aligning our actions with God’s will. Goodness manifests as we commit to acting in ways that promote righteousness and reflect Christ’s love in the world.
7. Faithfulness and Meaning
Faithfulness ties closely to the virtue of meaning. By remaining faithful to God’s calling and purpose, we engage in activities that resonate with the deepest values of our lives. The faithfulness we exhibit leads us to meaningful accomplishments that glorify God and build His kingdom. As we are faithful in our endeavors, we experience fulfillment and a profound sense of connection to God’s overarching plan.
8. Gentleness and Relationships
Gentleness complements the virtue of humanity in fostering loving, supportive relationships. Gentle actions and attitudes create safe spaces for others to grow and heal. In relationships, gentleness encourages open communication, understanding, and reconciliation, leading to deeper connections and trust.
9. Self-Control and Temperance
Finally, self-control directly aligns with the virtue of temperance. Both emphasize the importance of managing our desires and actions. By exercising self-control, we keep our ambitions and motivations in check, ensuring we pursue what truly matters—our spiritual growth, relationships, and service to others. This virtue allows us to stay focused on God’s purpose, enabling us to achieve accomplishments that honor Him.
Each aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit interweaves with the virtues of wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence, forming a comprehensive framework for meaningful accomplishment. Together, they guide our actions, shape our character, and lead us toward a fulfilling life that aligns with God’s will, ultimately allowing us to bear fruit that reflects His glory and purpose in our lives. Each accomplishment, whether a project completed with integrity, a relationship mended, or a mission faithfully pursued, stands as a testament to a life lived in accordance with these guiding principles.
Visual Breakdown
Roots (Virtues): Deep and widespread, representing the foundation of our lives. Without strong virtues, the tree cannot grow. Our unity is in virtues.
Wisdom
Courage
Humanity
Justice
Temperance
Transcendence
Trunk The core of the tree. Jesus is the vine. Our life is In Him and will flourish by living out the virtues by Him. He is our source of life. He is the Word of God. Without Him we can do nothing.
Branches (PERMA Elements): We are the branches. Each branch is an aspect of the PERMA model, showing how different elements of well-being are supported by virtues.
Positive Emotion
Engagement
Relationships
Meaning
Accomplishment
Fruit (Accomplishment): The tangible outcomes of a life lived with purpose, balance, and God’s guidance.
Love
Joy
Peace
Forbearance (Patience)
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-Control
By envisioning this tree, we can see how deeply connected the elements of PERMA are to the universal virtues and how they lead to flourishing, both individually and within our communities. Just like a tree with strong roots bears good fruit, a life grounded in virtues and faith leads to meaningful accomplishments that glorify God.
Establishing Deep Grounded Roots
As you embark on this journey to establish deep, grounded roots in the virtues and the Fruit of the Spirit, consider the following actionable steps:
Reflection and Affirmation
Take time to reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit and the virtues discussed. What resonates with you most? Affirm your commitment to embody these qualities in your daily life. Journal about specific instances where you can apply love, joy, peace, and other fruits, allowing these values to take root in your heart.
Create a Personal Development Plan
Develop a plan focusing on nurturing the virtues corresponding to the Fruit of the Spirit. Set specific goals, such as:
Practicing kindness and patience in your interactions.
Engaging in activities that promote joy and peace, like volunteering or community service.
Pursuing opportunities to gain wisdom and understanding through learning.
Build Community
Consider how you can create or join a supportive community. This can involve:
Organizing regular meetings or discussion groups focused on spiritual growth and biblical teachings.
Finding accountability partners who can support and encourage you in embodying these virtues.
Mentor Others
Look for opportunities to mentor others in these principles. Share your experiences and insights to guide individuals in recognizing the importance of virtues. Help them develop their own personal growth plans, providing support and resources to nurture their spiritual roots.
Engage in Service and Outreach
Take action by participating in service projects that reflect the values we've discussed. Consider:
Initiating or joining community outreach programs that embody love, kindness, and goodness.
Creating events or activities that bring people together to experience joy and peace through shared service.
Commit to Continuous Learning
Dedicate yourself to continuous learning about the virtues and the Fruit of the Spirit. Explore:
Reading relevant biblical texts, books on spiritual growth, and resources that delve into these concepts.
Attending workshops or seminars focused on personal development and spiritual formation.
Prompt for Meaningful Accomplishment
Now is the time to take action! Identify one or two steps from this list that resonate with you and commit to implementing them this week. Reflect on what you’ve learned, set specific goals, and start building the habits that will help you establish strong roots in your life.
What spoke to you most about the connection between the virtues and the Fruit of the Spirit? Share your thoughts with a friend or in a community group to encourage accountability and support. Embrace Jesus, His teachings and walk with Him, rooted and grounded in love.
Ephesians 3:17 "Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong."
Next Steps
Read Living a Purposeful Life of Faith Deepen your understanding of the importance of intentional living and consecration & REVIVE 2025
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