Creativity Gift

The Reconciler

Heart’s Cry Statement

Let me heal broken relationships, between people and between God and his people.

Highlights

Relates strongly to the concepts of “guilt” and “grace”
Highly relational individuals
Seeks to reconcile people with people as well as people with God
Commonly serves on the mission field or in mission and counseling organizations
May be hard on themselves for their own failures
Requires affirmation of self for who they are, not simply for the task they may perform

Who God Made You to Be

The Reconciler identifies well with the Apostle Paul’s tension between our guilt and God’s grace. The Reconciler is a grace-giver and seeks harmony and unity within an individual or people in interpersonal relationships, both emotionally and spiritually. However, they are often hypersensitive to sin within themselves and within others. While the Reconciler is gracious in helping others address and overcome their personal sin, they can be far less gracious with themselves. They can find that they “beat themselves up” emotionally for their “failures.” They may struggle with feelings of acceptance by God and His people. They may struggle with issues of self-worth and their place in this world as they wrestle with a sense of guilt. They may feel that they must perform “good deeds” to compensate for their failures. The Reconciler likes to work with people rather than ideas or tasks. They prefer a few in-depth relationships rather than many social contacts. They work alone well, and can be frustrated if interrupted too often. When communicating, Reconcilers may illustrate points using word pictures, analogies, and metaphors.

What You Can Contribute To the Ministry

Reconcilers are very receptive to personal involvement in causes that make a difference. This personality type would most likely respond to a missionary’s appeal to come join in the work they are doing in Africa or the Muslim world. Reconcilers want to make a difference and heal broken relationships. The combination of these two passions enables them to fit well in the role of pastor, missionary, counselor, city mission director, restoration and recovery ministry support staff, and cross-cultural minister. They may also serve well as a small group leader.

How Leadership Can Support You

It is important that pastors affirm and support the Reconciler in clear and consistent ways. The Reconciler needs to know that what they are doing and, more importantly, who they are personally is important, valued, and appreciated. To help the Reconciler be effective in their ministry, leaders should pour upon them blessings of grace. Leaders should emphasize the value of the Reconciler, not for what he or she has accomplished, but for who they are in Christ Jesus. Leadership should observe carefully whether a Reconciler is being too sacrificial or working too much. While this workaholic mentality may benefit the ministry, it is also likely a sign of spiritual ill-health in the life of the Reconciler. Their sense of personal guilt may drive them into a works-relationship with God and others, rather than trust in God’s gift of grace. Leadership should consider providing accountability relationships to help the Reconciler stay on a healthy spiritual path.

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