Animal Kingdom

Many people have taken a personality profile. My experience has been that almost everyone dreads the results because those tests usually identity us correctly! Really, we shouldn’t be scared to see ourselves in the unique ways God has made us.

One test that I think is particular helpful was developed by Christian writers Gary Smalley and John Trent. They base their explanations around four animal characteristics: lion, otter, golden retriever, and beaver. It’s amazing how revealing these descriptors are for us as individuals, but they are also how helpful for us in working together as teams of married people, co-workers, or teammates.

Lions are visionaries. They are practical and decisive. They work independently to drive ideas. They feel the need to lead. Of course, sometimes lions, in their attempt to lead, run ahead of their teammates or act independently of others.

(There are pros and cons to each personality type which is why it’s good to know your self, or your spouse, or your boss, or your teammates well.)

Otters are outgoing and friendly. They are fun to be around and influence others by their personality. At the same time, otters can be undisciplined and spend too much time having fun to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Golden Retrievers are steady and dependable. Often they are the peacemakers among us using diplomacy or humor to help the other animals get along. Unfortunately, they can also suffer from indecisiveness, fear and worry.

Beavers are disciplined workers. They love details and organization. At the same time they can also be critical of others who are not as disciplined as they are and who want to talk rather than work (Otters).

Most people could not be described completely by just one of these animal descriptions. For instance, I am a Lion/Otter. If I am in the room with all lions, I move quickly to being a people person. When I’m with a room full of otters, I have fun but am quickly frustrated that no one is in charge. Most of you could probably be described by two of these descriptors as well. One general rule: You cannot be both a lion and a golden retriever at the same time. They are opposites. So are otters and beavers. Interestingly otters tend to marry beavers because they need them!

God really knew what he was doing when he created people. The world has people with all four of these descriptions and every team, every family, every work group, and every ministry needs all four to make them work at maximum efficiency.

Our new ministry POD system at Covenant seeks to utilize the strengths of a team of people in ministry to compensate for weaknesses so that we can give our best for God’s kingdom! In the Creative Arts POD (worship arts, production, communications) we have 3 lions, 3 otters, 3 Golden Retrievers, and 4 beavers. It should be fun to learn how to work together!

At one ministry meeting this week, a “lion” said to me, “Please…let’s don’t hire anymore otters!” He was sharing his frustration over his teammates’ enthusiasm and fun-loving ministries. (Of course, if everyone was lion, no one would have fun!) The golden retriever in the room affirmed the lion and otters and….well, it was a planning meeting so there were no beavers in the room; they were all out working!

The fact that it takes all four animals to make a team is why Covenant affirms the biblical truth that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. We need everyone’s personality and gifts. They are necessary in the total picture of how the church works to fulfill its mission in the world.

See you at worship,
Branson