Discovering My Passions

The key to understanding your passions is to look at your past accomplishments.   For instance, as you reflect back on your childhood you may remember items like these:

• “I put on plays for the neighborhood kids with costumes, props, etc. 
• “I started a ‘kool-aid’ stand in fourth grade and expanded to three stands by the end of summer.  I made money and had fun.”
• “I ran for president of everything and even won sometimes.”
• “I have always liked to build things and have never lived anywhere without modifying it.”

Each of these indicate a passion.  Think back through your achievements for a common motivational thread.   It may help you to list some of them out and then examine them.   See if you can match your passion with one of the ideas listed below:

• DESIGN/DEVELOP – I love to make something out of nothing.  I enjoy getting something started from scratch.

• PIONEER – I love to test and try out new concepts.  I am not afraid to risk failure.

• ORGANIZE – I love to bring order out of chaos.  I enjoy organizing something that is already started.

• OPERATE/MAINTAIN – I love to efficiently maintain something that is already organized.

• ACQUIRE/POSSESS – I love to shop, collect, or obtain things.  I enjoy getting the highest quality for the best price.

• EXCEL – I love to be the best and make my team the best.  I enjoy setting and attaining the highest standard.

• INFLUENCE – I love to convert people to my way of thinking.  I enjoy shaping the attitudes and behavior of others.

• PERFORM – I love to be on stage and receive the attention of others.  I enjoy being in the limelight.

• IMPROVE – I love to make things better.  I enjoy taking something that someone else has designed or started and improve it.

• REPAIR – I love to fix what is broken or change what is out of date.

• LEAD/BE IN CHARGE – I love to lead the way, oversee and supervise.  I enjoy determining how things will be done.

• PERSEVERE – I love to see things to completion.  I enjoy persisting until it is finished.

• FOLLOW THE RULES – I love to operate by policies and procedures.  I enjoy meeting expectations of an organization or boss.

• PREVAIL – I love to fight for what is right and oppose what is wrong.  I enjoy overcoming injustice.

• SERVE/HELP – I love to assist others in their responsibility.  I enjoy helping others succeed.

Remember these are God-given motivations.  They are only sinful if used selfishly.  Every one of these can be used in effective ministry.  Don’t be embarrassed if a passion you have doesn’t seem “spiritual”.    It is actually a gift needed in this church! 

You should be able to support your choices with examples from your achievements if these are really areas of passion for you.

For example, if you feel your passion is “AQUIRE/POSSESS”, your history may look like:

• I purchased my first car at age 16.
• I’ve collected a collection of rare stamps
• I’ve built up a large cash reserve.
• I’ve acquired options on three properties

Your answers to the following questions will help you define your passion:

1. What ministries, activities or causes do you enjoy thinking, reading or talking to others about?

2. What activities, causes or people-groups (i.e., children, youth, etc.) personally energize you?

3. Which activities do you truly enjoy doing so much that you tend to lose track of time in the process?

4. What causes, activities or people-groups would you like to personally make a positive impact upon?  (List no more than three.)

5. Based upon your response to the previous questions, make a list of TWO specific areas of personal passions and interests.

            a.

            b.

6. What is one area of passion in your life as it relates to possible ministry opportunities?

Send your reflection to your instructor:  roxy@asof.org

Subject: Session 2-5 - My passions