Using 24 Common Character Strengths for Connecting With Others

National Association of Christian Ministers Manual to Ministry: Planning

Psychological research has identified twenty-four character strengths common to all humanity.

This does not mean that every human has them, but that they are found among humanity in general:

Wisdom and Knowledge

1. 1. Creativity [Originality, Ingenuity]
   2. Curiosity [Interest, Novelty-seeking, Openness to experience]
   3. Open-Mindedness [Judgment, Critical Thinking]
   4. Love of Learning
   5. Perspective [Wisdom]

Courage

1. 6. Bravery [Valor]
   7. Persistence [Perseverance / Industriousness]
   8. Integrity [Authenticity, Honesty]
   9. Vitality [Zest, Enthusiasm, Vigor, Energy]

Humanity

1. 10. Love [Loving and allowing Oneself to Be Loved]
   11. Kindness [Generosity, Nurturance, Care, Compassion]
   12. Social Intelligence [Emotional Intelligence, Personal Intelligence]

Justice

1. 13. Citizenship [Social Responsibility, Loyalty, Teamwork]
   14. Fairness
   15. Leadership

Temperance

1. 16. Forgiveness and Mercy
   17. Humility and Modesty
   18. Prudence
   19. Self-Regulation [Self-Control]

Transcendence

1. 20. Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
   21. Gratitude
   22. Hope [Optimism / Future-Mindedness / Orientation]
   23. Humor [Playfulness]
   24. Spirituality [Religiousness, Faith, Purpose]

Questions for discussion:

• How might this list help us discover our own God given personal strengths?
• How might this list help us connect with others (evangelism, etc.)? 
• What does this list tell us about God’s creation of humans?

Sources

“Character Strengths and Virtues,” C. Peterson, M. Seligman, Oxford Press 2004

Critical Thinking

https://community.criticalthinking.org/content/posts/942/UniversalVirtuesandStrengths.pdf

VIA Character Strengths Descriptions

https://www.weber.edu/WSUImages/leadership/docs/sq/azusa/general/via-character-strengths-descriptions.pdf