from November 3, 2013 prayer update

I have heard from a number of sources that if our work and ministry engagements do not align at least 70% with our gifts and passions, it is not a good long-term fit. I believe there is a lot of wisdom in this statement.

Since I shifted from my 10 year role with ACMC into my role with Pioneers church partnerships team two years ago, I have been increasingly experiencing a lack of strong alignment. I love Pioneers, her mission, her core values, and her top leadership. But the fit I have with the team I serve on has been far less than a 70% alignment.

I am very grateful that Pioneers is supporting me as I seek to find a role that will better fit who God has uniquely made me to be. As I have reflected, sought input, and prayed deeply about this I have come to the conclusion that my gifting is primarily in four areas: teaching, consulting/coaching, writing, and administration. My passions lie primarily in six areas: adult education, discipleship, training workers, leadership development, developing ministry models and strategies, and church planting among the least reached.

I developed a life mission statement many years ago. It reads: “to honor God by serving as a model and catalyst to individuals and churches for reproductive engagement in the Great Commission locally and among the least reached.” This statement has served as a great benchmark for assessing opportunities that God brings into my life. It has been a huge help in determining whether I should pursue an opportunity or politely say no.

Rarely, if ever, does a job or volunteer opportunity provide a vehicle for us to engage 100% in our gifts and passions and also align well with our sense of life mission. But that 70% standard is an important one. It is one that is at the forefront of my thoughts and prayers as I seek out the next step God has for me in work and ministry.

How about you? Are you serving long-term in contexts that are a good fit for who God has uniquely made you to be?