His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains methods of winning people for spiritual service from a practical and spiritual perspective, focusing on love, wisdom and humility as fundamentals in dealing with disciples and children.

Love and care

Dealing with genuine love; the servant must love his children spiritually and outwardly so that they love him in return and attendance and the ministry increase. Love appears in the servant’s care, in his missing them, and in helping them to love God.

Forbearance and patience

Enduring the children’s mistakes, their fuss and their absence is an important trait in winning them; a merely formal approach or reprimand that pushes them away is not enough.

Wisdom in teaching

Wisdom is necessary: choosing the right people, choosing the lesson suitable for the children’s age and psychology, the method of presentation, and how to handle mistakes with caution and intelligence. The Bible and the spiritual fathers are praised for wisdom in conduct.

Example and holiness

The servant must be an example in holiness; personal spiritual life affects and wins others — “If you want to serve a sound ministry, I sanctify myself.”

Praise and encouragement

The method of praise and encouragement is better than harsh criticism; discovering the white (good) points in people and praising them encourages them to progress, and harsh criticism may lose souls.

Humility and good treatment

Humility and a cheerful, kind manner attract people; the arrogant one fails and produces disciples like himself. Good listening and respecting each person’s level are elements of success.

Practical summaries

• Use love and practical care to strengthen spiritual attachment.

• Apply chosen wisdom in selecting lessons and method.

• Be a living example in holiness.

• Praise and encourage instead of destructive criticism.

• Be humble, respectful and listening.

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