The Qualities of a Christian Priest

I thought for my first post on this new blog I would submit an adaptation of a newsletter article I wrote for my former parish that was beginning their search process for a new rector. I often return to this reflection of mine as I consider my calling both as a follower of Christ, and as the priest of St. Anskar’s.

The qualities of a priest:

As I consider the many qualities a priest must possess, I thought I would offer for consideration the same ones that Michael Ramsey, the 100^th Archbishop of Canterbury, offers in his book, The Christian Priest Today, expanding on them in my own words. In this book, Michael Ramsey suggests a priest must be a man of theology, a minister of reconciliation, a man of prayer, and a priest of the Eucharist.

Michael Ramsey 100th Archbishop of Canterbury

First, a priest must be a person of theology. When most of us think of a priest, among our first thoughts are their ability to speak from the pulpit, from the lectern of the adult forum, and in our time alone in council. If a priest is not knowledgeable in the Christian faith, how can we expect them to transmit that faith to us? In addition, we must also consider that knowledge in the faith is more than mere learning; it is experience in the growth of holiness. After all, if a priest is not somewhat familiar with the obstacles besetting our path to Christ, how can they council us in our journey?

Next, a priest must be a minister of reconciliation. That is, a person of peace who desires collaboration instead of conflict and seeks God’s will over his own. A priest must work for reconciliation both between fellow members of the parish, but also between each of us and God. A good priest will be a person who helps us see and understand the barriers between us and Christ and will work to remove them.

Thirdly, a priest will be a person of prayer and by that I don’t mean the obligatory extemporaneous  prayer said before the parish potluck dinner. Rather they will be the sort of Christian who spends time on their knees in private making intercession for the needs of the church, themselves, and the world. This standard is something that every one of us should aspire to but it is especially important for the parish priest who will not be able to be successful unless they find their strength in Jesus and allow themselves to stand aside so each of you can come into His presence.

Finally, a priest must be a man of the Eucharist, which is a person who is able to be fully present in the worship of God. As a priest he must truly stand in the place of Christ at the altar and represent Jesus to the Church. At the same time the priest also stands before our Lord, representing the Church to God. The priest offers intercession for the church and pronounces the forgiveness of God to the church. The priest proclaims God’s love and Gospel not only to those in attendance on Sunday, but to the entire world and to everyone they encounter.

I hope you have found these reflections helpful and I hope this type of thought will help both clergy and laity understand the role of the priest as someone who’s primary job is not simply to guide the parish to greater numbers and better programs, but to the heart of Christ. Finally, I will leave you with these often quoted and ancient words.

O Sacerdos, quid es tu?

Non es te, quia de nihilo,

Non es ad te, quia mediator ad Deum,

Non es tibi, quia sponsus ecclesia,

Non es tui, quia servus omnium,

Non es tu, quia Dei minister,

Quid es ergo?  Nihil et omnia,

O Sacerdos.

O Priest, what are you?

You are not from yourself, for you are from nothing;

you are not to yourself, because you a mediator to God;

you are not for yourself, for you are spouse of the Church;

you are not of yourself, for you are a servant of all;

you are not yourself, for you are a minister of God;

what therefore are you?  Nothing and everything,

O Priest.