Make Space for Mistakes
By Michael S. Koppel

One Sunday in worship I inadvertently finished reciting the Apostles’ Creed ahead of my congregation because I had forgotten one entire line. After the service, a couple of prominent members greeted me warmly and commented about how glad they were to realize the minister makes mistakes. Still somewhat self-conscious, I realized in that moment that the blunder served an unintended purpose: it strengthened the bond of emotional intimacy between us by revealing my humanity. The members unconsciously felt that my mistake gave them permission to make mistakes themselves. Somehow by the grace of the Holy Spirit, my error became a teachable moment in which we all learned not to be overly self-conscious about making mistakes.

Making mistakes can be a potentially stifling experience if we become overly fearful of it happening again. Paradoxically, the more fearful and self-conscious we become, the greater the likelihood it will happen again. By responding playfully to the memory of my mistake, I was able to be forgiving of my own errors and claim humility and grace for my humanness.

Playful ministers make creative use of their mistakes. We show others that it is fine to make mistakes (here I am not referring to egregious boundary crossing or intentionally manipulative mistakes) by allowing ourselves to fall down, metaphorically speaking. If we feel upset over our mistakes, this emotion is communicated to those around us. However, an attitude of what James Dittes calls gracious nonchalance communicates something altogether different. By feeling free to make and acknowledge mistakes, we extend that freedom to others.

Michael S. Koppel (mkoppel@wesleyseminary.edu) is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care at Wesley Theological Seminary. This material is taken from Open-Hearted Ministry by Michael Koppel copyright © 2008 Fortress Press. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress Publishers. The book can be purchased at
http://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/item.jsp?isbn=0800662954&clsid=194865&productgroupid=0

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