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Purpose and Calling

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This manual is copyright to Stairway College Whitehorse the training college at Stairway Church Whitehorse. It is illegal and a breach of ethics to reproduce any portion of this course (including series, teaching sessions, facilitator resources and/or participant manuals) in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying without written permission from the Stairway College Whitehorse.

Purpose and Calling


Contents Contents 3 Session 1 4

Setting the Scene 4

Session 2 10 Discovering Your Unique Identity 10

Session 3 15

Exploring your Passions 15 Session 4 23

Identifying Your Strengths 23 Session 5 25

Pursuing Your Dreams 25

Session 6 31

The Panel 31 Session 7 32

Discovering your Spiritual Gifts 32 Session 8 36

God Spaces 36 Session 9 37

The Power of Life Messages 37 Session 10 41

Overcoming Obstacles 41 Session 11 48

Discover your Sphere of Influence 48 Session 12 52

Embracing your Calling 52

Reading List & Websites 55 Appendices 56

APPENDIX 1 Shaping Your Personal Ministry Plan 57 APPENDIX 2 Are You Keeping Your Priorities Straight? 61 APPENDIX 3 How do I Communicate my Unique Calling and Kingdom Purpose Effectively to Other People? 62

Purpose and Calling


Session 1 Setting the Scene

God’s love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic, yet in His largeness, nothing gets lost; not a man,

not a mouse, slips through the cracks Psalm 36:5-6 (Message)

Introduction to Purpose and Calling Purpose and Calling is a course designed to take you on an exciting journey of discovery.

You will explore the depths of who God created you to be, and be empowered to start

moving in the fullness of your calling. We will use a variety of discovery tools which act

like a compass providing many insights into your individual design and unique calling.

But before we start looking at ourselves and the way God has wired us, it’s important to have a Kingdom perspective, an approach that says “Where do I fit into God’s story?” This is all about Him and His story – so our role is to find our place in that. Yes, God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. There are more than 1000 references in the Old and New Testament that speak to this. And that is wonderful, exciting, stretching,

encouraging and more. Let’s find how that fits into His story. Colossians 1:16 Everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God is good and He has made great plans for our lives.

The search for Purpose Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; it is the glory of kings to search it out. This verse talks about searching . . . a gold digger does not expect to see treasure just lying around on the ground, they know they need to dig for it, some work is involved. In the same way, we can earnestly search for God’s plans for our lives in the following ways:

Jeremiah 29:12 Call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the

Lord. This is an encouragement to be wholehearted in your pursuit. Call to me, pray to me, seek me with all your heart. Matthew 7:7 Ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open. Psalms 37:5-7 Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Purpose and Calling


The longing for purpose

From the beginning of time, every civilization has asked the question found above which is found in Psalm 8:4 These words express the truth that human beings long to know their Purpose and Calling.

There is deep cry in the human heart for meaning and significance. Psychologists agree that the three most pressing questions facing someone at the end of their life are these:

1) Have I really lived? (not just existed) 2) Have I really loved? (not just superficially, but sacrificially) 3) Have I mattered? (What difference did I make?)

God created us with a hunger for significance and a purpose. We long for full and adventurous lives. Jesus came to fulfil these needs (John 10:10). Didn’t we play king of the mountain/king of the castle when we were young? We desire to be great because

God built that into our spirit. Greatness is part of our divine calling. Jesus never rebuked anyone for wanting to be great, only for wanting to be great in the wrong way (Luke 11:43).

The value of knowing your Purpose and Calling In the table below, identify what difference it makes to our lives when we have a strong sense of calling.

With a sense of Calling Without a sense of Calling

Purpose and Calling


Imagine it’s your 90th birthday and a party has been planned in your honour. A large group of your family and friends have gathered to celebrate your life. One by one they come

to the microphone and speak to the three topics below. What do you hope to hear them say? Write your answer to each question, then take turns in sharing your answer with a partner.

Ignorance is not bliss - Understanding our calling changes the way we live! James Champey “People who reach exceptional heights in life all share one thing in common - they have a clear sense of calling that calls them forth, gives them courage and keeps them on course.

Q. What does a life of purpose and calling look like? EXERCISE:

1. “What I admire most about you is … 2. “The difference you made in my life was …” 3. “Your #1 lifetime achievement was …”

Purpose and Calling


Discovering our purpose and calling Understanding the fullness of why we are here is a journey and life-long adventure. The Bible has a great deal to say about what God has destined for every believer. Paul describes this as something that has not even entered the human mind! 1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can know the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

There are many passages which describe what God has in mind for us. One of the most comprehensive is found below in Ephesians Chapter 1:1-14

Class Activity: Read the passage below and underline/highlight what Paul states we have been destined for

Ephesians 1:1-14 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

We have been destined for: - - - - -

-

Purpose and Calling


The battle for purpose If we live with a poor self-image it will impact negatively on everything we do in life – it affects all our decisions, expectations, relationships, dreams and ultimately our ability to live in the fullness of our God-given inheritance and calling. Proverbs 23:7 As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

We are in a battle for our identity. C.S. Lewis said it this way “this world is enemy occupied territory”. The enemy is an identity thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10b). His strategy in the Garden of Eden was to steal Adam’s identity. He also attempted to do it with Jesus (Matthew 4:6). However, Jesus knew who he was “And a voice came from heaven saying “you are my beloved son, in you I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

Restoring Sonship John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you

Servants: Sons:

Have a master Have a father

Told what to do Asked what to do

Obey Love

Live for connection Live from connection

Restricted access Full access

Hold on Held on

Payment Inheritance

The Great Exchange was not just a transfer of ownership and the purchase of freedom,

but the restoration of family, adoption of sons and adoption as reinstating inheritance

• Sons carry His name (power/authority)

• Have full access to His house

• Have full access to His presence

OLD WINE SKIN NEW WINE SKIN

Beg Declare

Pray hard Pray believing

Many words Few words

Belief during prayer Belief after praying

Reactive Proactive

Talk about problem Talk to the problem

Stop devil and curses Release God and blessing

Focus mainly on problem Focus on testimonies and promises

Mostly asking Mostly thanking

God is reluctant or hindered God is good and has won the victory

Uncomfortable with silence Values soaking prayer

Worship prepares for prayer Worship is prayer

Fasting is an event Fasting is a lifestyle

Burdened Joyful

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Embracing our true identity Walking in our calling follows a clarity of understanding of our identity. Our identity as a greatly loved son of God lays a foundation for and must precede everything we do. When we catch the revelation of Father’s affection towards us, our lives and ministry will never be the same. Knowing His affection and approval heals us of our need to perform to win God’s approval, or the approval of others. There is freedom in this revelation! 1 John 3:1 What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it – we are called children of God! That’s who we really are, and that’s only the Beginning!

God’s desire is that we live fully secure in the revelation of who we really are. It is paramount that the issue of identity is fully settled in our hearts so that we are able to pursue the plans and purpose He has for us. When we embrace our true identity, we are free to pursue the fullness of our dreams and calling with courage and faith. God wants you to reign in life, to partner with Him to see his love and power released over the earth – but He wants you to do this from a place of rest, joy, peace, confidence, power and supernatural love. People secure in their identity can pursue life and their calling like the dog in this picture below!

Charles Spurgeon: We can be certain that whatever God made prominent in His word, he intends to be conspicuous in our lives. In other words - You are the beloved of God – act like it! BE EXTRAORDINARY and start living like the King’s Son! THIS IS YOUR WHO YOU WERE CALLED TO BE!

ACTIVATION

Laughing is rare Laughing is frequent

Focus on duties of prayer Seek the depths of God

Expect spiritual attacks Expect blessings/protection

Purpose and Calling


Session 2 Discovering Your Unique Identity

Make a careful exploration of who you are

and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.

Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility

for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Galatians 6:4-5 MSG

This is an amazing verse! Firstly, it encourages each of us to “explore who we are” – this means we MUST be INTENTIONAL ABOUT DISCOVERING AND UNDERSTANDING WHO WE ARE. This journey is to be done in partnership with the Holy Spirit who reveals us into all truth. We are also reminded of the purpose of getting to know ourselves – which is “so that we will come to know the work we have been given and sink ourselves into that”.

Let us start to explore the first part of this verse - who we are. Our uniqueness comes from our distinct DNA – our personality, sense of humour, talents, strengths, creativity, passions, dreams, prophetic words, spiritual gifts and life experiences … and the list goes on! No two destinies are the same because no two people are the same!

God’s Handiwork is Extraordinary We can tell from the beauty and vastness of creation how much God delights in diversity and variety! Zebras have stripes, giraffe’s long necks and spots, the tortoise has a hard shell, and porcupines are prickly. God doesn’t even make two snowflakes the same.

If this is true of nature, how much more for the very apex of God’s creation – human beings who are made in His very image!

Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life!

Job was declaring that he was created by God – and the Almighty gave Him life! There is something of Job’s personal celebration in this verse that God made him! In the same way, you are made by God! You are not just a coincidence of chromosomes and you have not just randomly been plucked from the assembly line. You have been created by God

Purpose and Calling


and His very breath gives you life. Everything about you is unique – your fingerprint is only the start of what makes you unique. C.S.Lewis: There are no ordinary people; you have never talked to an ordinary human being.

Wonderfully made In Psalm 139 David wonderfully expresses a deep and profound revelation of his own

creation and personal uniqueness. He was in wonder and awe at the care and detail of his design by God.

Psalm 139:13-18

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well

15 My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17

How precious to me are your thoughts,[a]

God! How vast is the sum of them! 18

Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—

when I awake, I am still with you.

These verses describe David’s profound revelation of who he was.

- he acknowledged God as his creator

- he was amazed and in awe at the care and detail of his creation - he thought his creation was remarkable - he valued and celebrated who he was - he declared he was wonderfully made

David was in awe of how God had created him! In praising God for how he had been made, he brought honor to God. He understood that his uniqueness enabled him to do all God had called him to do. Like David, you are a remarkable expression of supernatural authorship!

What makes you Unique?

Your uniqueness is under attack because the enemy knows your uniqueness is potent and powerful – it is a gift to the world. There is a pressure from the world to conform and lose our individuality and those traits which make us dynamic and distinct. (Romans 12:2)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=NIV

Purpose and Calling


This world is designed to brainwash us, and make us feel insecure, inadequate and unhappy with ourselves, including the way we look. All advertising depends on it! In addition to this, many people struggle to accept and like themselves and wish they had other talents, gifts and looks. They may wish their personality was different, they might wish they weren’t so quiet but had a more outgoing nature, they were more charismatic or “popular”, could tell better jokes, be the life of the party etc. They may

think their body is too small or too big or they are too short or tall, or might not be happy with their facial features, or the colour of their skin or their ethnicity. We need to STOP rejecting ourselves and parts of our body such as our big feet, curly hair, and quiet nature and on and on it goes! Bill Johnson: I cannot afford to have a thought in my head about me that is not in His.

No Cookie Cutters in heaven You were not an accident, you were not mass-produced, you did not come off an assembly line… instead you were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly

positioned on the earth for such a time as this. You are also a valuable and important part of God’s plan in bringing transformation to the earth – you have a unique contribution to make and God wants to display himself uniquely and majestically through you. The things that make you different are the things that make you YOU, so be authentic. The dictionary describes authentic as: “real, original, actual, true to one’s own personality, spirit or character – not reproduced, false, or an imitation.”

The wonder of you God wants you to be established in your truest identity. You are a gift to the world and He designed you with absolutely everything you need to be and do everything He has called you to be and do. Archbishop Desmond Tutu: God has called you for who you are. He wants you as you are for your uniqueness. Do not let others change what is unique about you. Ralph Waldo Emerson: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” St. Catherine of Sienna: Be who God meant you to be, and you’ll set the world on fire

Everyone repeat

after me: “We are all

individuals.”

Purpose and Calling


Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

God takes GREAT DELIGHT IN YOU and REJOICES OVER YOU WITH SINGING!! Have you ever wondered what Father's singing must sound like? What images come to mind?

Anne Frank – “Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be. How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!”

How often do you thank God for how he made you?

• Are you able to say, just as David did “I am marvellously breathtaking”?

• Can you honour God by declaring that you are extraordinary?

HOW DOES HEAVEN KNOW YOU?

Often, when we look at ourselves, we don’t see what we can become. But when God looks at us, He sees what we can become.

When Jesus first saw Simon, whose name meant “reed”, (as in a plant that sways when any force pushes it) He changed his name to “Peter” which means “rock”. But did Peter instantly become someone with the characteristic of a rock – solid, stable and unshakable? No, not for a long time. He continued to act like a reed that bends in every direction of the wind. But Jesus kept calling him “rock” until one day, Peter believed it and he stood up on the day of Pentecost and preached and 3,000 people were saved (Acts 2:41). Peter had indeed become a rock, a pillar in the early church. That was how Jesus transformed Peter. And that is how God will change us. (Romans 4:17 He “calls

into being things that were not”.)

CLASS ACTIVATIONS

Purpose and Calling


IDENTITY DECLARATION BASED ON PSALM 139

Purpose and Calling


Session 3 Exploring your Passions

Definition of Passion:

(Noun) “A strong, powerful and intense emotion. A sometimes barely

controllable feeling of enthusiasm; a deep desire for someone or something.

We see from this definition that Passion is not merely a “slight feeling”, but an intense emotion. Our passions are a gift from God. He created us to feel deep emotions so that we would enjoy life, inspire others, and bring transformation to the earth. Our passions are the fuel of life – and our motivation behind where we invest our time.

Our passions are the underlying energy behind our calling. They create powerful motivational urges within us which inspire us to take action.

God wants us to be aware of our passions because they are sign-posts as to where he calls us to make a difference for the sake of the kingdom. Your passions are a clue to your purpose and calling.

Often a person’s spiritual gifts will be outworked in the area of their Passion. For example, someone may have a spiritual gift of teaching, with a passion for children. They might feel called to teach within the education system, or within the children’s ministry at church. Passions may also change, evolve and shift over time, depending on the season of life we are in.

The power of passion We will be most passionate about our strongest convictions, deepest values and those things we are most motivated to pursue.

How one man’s passion has changed the world: The following is a video of one man who felt moved with passion to take action. Adam Braun, Founder & CEO of Pencils of Promise has an amazing story of how he followed his heart and looked out for the signs that ultimately led him to his calling Following his passion ultimately altered the trajectory of his life, and also the lives of millions of others. http://tyomd.com/2014/03/19/pencils-of-promise-a-for-purpose-non-profit/

It was William Wilberforce’s passion which eventually led to slavery being

outlawed in England.

http://tyomd.com/2014/03/19/pencils-of-promise-a-for-purpose-non-profit/

Purpose and Calling


It was Mother Teresa’s passion to show mercy which motivated her to work a lifetime in the slums of Calcutta.

It was Paul’s passion which led him to write in 1 Corinthians 9:16 “I am

compelled to preach the gospel”. His passion to preach the love of God continued to energize and motivate him despite all his many trials, hardships and persecutions

Activity: Working with a partner, let them interview you by asking you the question below. Have them write what you say in your notebook/on a sheet of paper. Next interview your partner and write his/her responses in their notebook/sheet of paper. Q1. Tell me a story of when you were at your best – when you were most passionate, engaged and effective. (Often, we feel like time flies in this space.) What was happening? ____________________________________________________________________________

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Some problems with passion … Quite a few people can struggle with the subject of passion; it can raise all kinds of issues and disappointments, such as those below:

1. Passions can be buried. For many people, their passions have become buried under performance expectations, responsibilities, demands and the normal activities which come with a busy life. However, your passions are waiting for you … they may be like a hot coal buried under a blanket of busyness, obligations and responsibilities … but you just need to pay them some attention! Spend some time praying and journaling and ask the Holy Spirit to help you re-discover and re-connect with your passions.

2. Passions can remain undiscovered. Some people can be unaware of their inner

passions and deepest drives. Many people say “I have no idea really what they are; I’ve never discovered my passions.” In order to identify your passions, it’s necessary to get in touch with your emotions. Spend some time in self-reflection. Also try and discover what they are by exploring new things, try to find things that peak your interest, take a class, join a group, read a book, do whatever you do to become engaged. Then analyse it. Don’t just stop at whether you liked it or not. What specifically did you like? What specifically didn’t you like? You could also ask a friend or family member … “What do you think I’m passionate about”?

Purpose and Calling


3. Passion is too risky! Quite often people pull back from expressing their passions because they’ve been hurt, and don’t want to risk being hurt again. This is common especially with leaders. The enemy targets our passions and aims to steal them from us because he knows how powerful they are and how much they are connected to us moving in our calling. God wants to heal our wounds, and restore our passions. Your passions are needed for your calling – ask God to restore and renew them.

4. Passions are ignored. Some people are involved with activities that they are not even passionate about! (I don’t mean doing housework!) Be careful not to consistently say “yes” to requests for help because we don’t want to let people down. If we keep doing things we don’t enjoy doing, life becomes drudgery. We feel drained, agitated and bored – clearly when we feel like this we are not moving in our passions or anointing! Perhaps it’s time to check what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, and then consider letting certain things go. Give yourself permission to explore your passions. When you do this, you have room in your life to pursue your real passions.

IDENTIFYING PASSION:

Below are a number of indicators of passion. Make a mental note of which ones you

identify with the most.

YOU MAY FEEL GREAT EXCITEMENT

People who have a passion for something will always speak with excitement and enthusiasm on that topic. You know that some people could literally talk for hours about their passion! Their passion is seen in the body language. If you are meeting face to face you’ll often see a person sit up, become more alert, and lean forward. Usually, the tone of their voice is different, or they speak more quickly, directly, confidently or loudly. Their facial expression is more animated expressing joy, anger or grief.

Some will even want to stand up because they need to express their energy! When we speak about our passions, we want others to get it – to understand that this is something we care about, and to know why we care. Q. Who do you know who fits this description? What are they passionate about? ______________________________________________________________________

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Note: If you have a more reserved nature do not feel that you’ve missed out on receiving passion. You may not express your passion with the same degree as

vibrancy, but your passions are inside you and they are just as valid, deep, powerful and enduring.

Purpose and Calling


WHAT BREAKS YOUR HEART? Passion for a cause can rise in our heart when God stirs us with compassion for what breaks His heart.

Darrell Johnson talks about what breaks his heart and what he longs for http://www.theworkofthepeople.com/fulfill-what-he-started

Our passion for a need may cause us to respond with a feeling of wanting to SERVE and say “I am going to do something about this”. Mother Teresa didn’t need someone to plead with her every day to bath and feed the homeless on the streets, she was motivated with compassion. Her passion is seen in her words: “I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper’s wounds I feel I am nursing the Lord himself.” She was so fulfilled in her calling that even her dreams in the middle of the night reflect her desires! “The other day I dreamed that I was at the gates of heaven. And St. Peter said “Go back to Earth. There are no slums up here”.

Albert Schweitzer - I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. What breaks your heart? Do you have a passion for a cause which comes from deep concern or a heavy burden?

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YOU ARE ENERGISED

People who are passionate for something usually feel great energy for it. They are fired up to make things happen, and hardly look at the clock – if they do, they often feel that time has flown! You also have the energy to commit for the long haul, even staying motivated under a great workload or difficult circumstances. It is our passion for the dream which keeps us motivated and on track despite the challenges and setbacks. Passion will find a way to see a dream realized! The wave of passion can become an unstoppable force.

YOU MAY EXPERIENCE GREAT JOY

Many people underestimate the importance of JOY and its place in our fulfilling our calling. Jesus didn’t seem to think joy was a luxury. John 15:11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 16:24 “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name, ask and you will receive that your joy will be complete.”

http://www.theworkofthepeople.com/fulfill-what-he-started

Purpose and Calling


Your calling is not going to be a misery to you, but one of great joy even though challenges will be involved. On one occasion Mother Teresa wondered what she should do with her life. An elderly priest’s advice was “joy should be the compass with which you make all your life's decisions".

Frederick Beuchner: “The place God calls you to is the place where you

experience your greatest joy.” C.S. Lewis rated joy very highly saying “Joy is the business of heaven”!

WHAT MAKES YOU COME ALIVE?

Our passions act like a kind of GPS for the soul because they lead us to the places where we most come alive.

Howard Thurman “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask: what makes me come alive? Then go and do it. Because what the world needs, is people who have come alive.” Jesus said “I have come that you might have life and have it in abundance”. (John 10:10). Clearly it brings God joy and honour when we are “fully alive”. Saint Irenaeus “the glory of God is a man fully alive”. (AD 202)

Q1. What do you LOVE doing that makes you “COME ALIVE”? It could be anything from building a coffee table to a hundred other things. ____________________________________________________________________________

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We often need to take the time to examine our activities and behaviours intentionally to

become aware of our passions.

Purpose and Calling


EXPLORING YOUR PASSIONS Q1. Out of the interests below, circle two interests you are passionate about? (Write your own if they are not listed).

Writing Sport Flying Inventing

Theatre Music Art Nature

Animals Craft Sailing Building

Gardening Fixing things Cars Worship

Design Photography Cooking Inventing

People

Q2. What causes or people groups move you most deeply? Choose two and rank them

in order of importance (add any others you want to.)

Children Teens Elderly Married

Poor Singles Disenfranchised New believers

Human rights Grieving Babies Homeless

Environment Abused Disabled Widows

Athletes Seniors Government leaders

Human trafficking

Business leaders Manufacturing Education

Q3. Circle two Roles that energize you the most (if they are not there write your own).

Managing people Consultancy Advocacy Organizing events

Maintaining systems Pioneering Problem solving Strategic thinking

Counselling Teaching Coaching Justice

Carer Entrepreneurship Creating Managing projects

Assisting People development Repairing Influencing

Initiating Designing Empowering Promoting

Challenging Following Serving leading

Organising Communicating Discipleship Encouraging

Mentoring

Purpose and Calling


Next, from these THREE tables above, write down five things you are the MOST passionate about?

1) _________________________________________________________________

2) _________________________________________________________________

3) _________________________________________________________________

4) _________________________________________________________________

5) _________________________________________________________________

Three final discovery questions …

1. What do others commend you for?

2. What is your favourite Bible verse or passage, and why?

3. If ALL the constraints of personal fear and lack of resources were removed so that you could do anything at all, what would it be? ____________________________________________________________________________

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Purpose and Calling


SUMMARY OF PASSION OBSERVATIONS: I am most passionate about …

Is it possible to combine some of your passions? For example: I am passionate about

organising aid for homeless teenagers

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Class Exercise: Share your discoveries in groups of three ACTIVATION

Purpose and Calling


Session 4 Identifying Your Strengths

The importance of functioning in our strengths God wants us to thrive and live in fullness of life. He has created us with strengths so that we can soar in life and produce outstanding results in the area of our purpose.

Operating in your strengths is an important component of succeeding in your life purpose. Yet from the cradle we seem to devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than we do to developing our strengths. Many of our strengths and natural abilities go completely untapped or under-utilized.

Charles M Schultz

What are strengths? The root of the word strength has to do with power, and personal strengths are your innate power to do something exceptionally well. If we don’t function in our strengths, we experience disappointment and frustration and we don’t thrive in our roles or in life generally. When we focus on those things that we do outstandingly well, they not only positively impact others, we are also energised. One person may be good with numbers; another with being organized, another with athletics. Parents will often notice their children’s strengths from a young age. They may observe that one child is fearless, adventurous and risk-taking, whilst another is very social, able to walk up to someone they’ve never met before and start a conversation. Other children have an aptitude for creativity, language or numbers.

Strengths are … 1. Natural abilities which can produce exceptional results

2. They are innate, often seen in childhood.

3. They come naturally, without strain.

4. They are things you have a knack for learning and can pick them up quickly.

5. They are energizing and satisfying to function in.

6. They are recognized by others when they are used. What three activities do you enjoy doing and know you have done very well in your life to date?

Purpose and Calling


1.__________________________________________________________________________

2.__________________________________________________________________________

3.__________________________________________________________________________

Skills are different to strengths although there can be similarities. Some people

confuse the two, however a skill is the practiced ability to do a task well. It is proficiency at something. It’s almost impossible to be proficient in something that doesn’t come naturally!

Struggles (you might think of them as weaknesses) that you’ve been able to

overcome or compensate for are not the same as strengths! If you naturally struggle in an area, you may gain proficiency at it, but the level of effortless excellence displayed by those who are truly gifted in that area will forever remain out of reach.

Handout: This exercise will help you focus on those few things that you are outstanding at AND gain energy from doing.

Complete the handout Strengths List. First, quickly scan the list and select 5-7 strengths that strike you as activities you do well and you could engage in for a prolonged period of time (2-3 hours) and still be energized when you stop. Next, pass through the list again and narrow down your list to just 2-3 strengths that REALLY energize you. Your answers are clues to how God has wired you. Write down your top 2-3 Energizing Strengths below.

1.

2.

3.

STRENGTHS ACTIVATION:

Purpose and Calling


Session 5 Pursuing Your Dreams

This session is designed to help you discover and pursue your God-given dreams. Your dreams are an important key to understanding your calling and God’s plans for your life.

Dreams are more than a bucket list; they are a road-marker of God’s heart for you. Discovering and going after your dreams is like a journey of adventure with Father God where you experience more of your purpose and more of the greatness He has placed inside you.

Definition of dream . . .

A dream has been described as:

• a cherished and unrealized desire, something which is longed for in the mind concerning the future

• a picture of the future I want to live in some day

• the seeds of desire planted in our soul In this session, we focus on our dreams of the heart rather than night dreams.

EXERCISE:

Recall a childhood dream, write it down and then briefly share with someone else how the dream affected you.

Unfortunately, what can happen so often, as we move from childhood to adulthood, is that we can stop dreaming. When this happens, we start to lose our way and who God created us to be.

Purpose and Calling


Barriers to Dreaming The enemy is a dream-stealer who understands the power of dreams. The dreamer inside us can shut down for many different reasons.

1. Busyness is perhaps the biggest obstacle to dreaming in our culture. We have

busy lifestyles with work, career, family, responsibilities like the mortgage –

life is like a treadmill and we keep running but don’t take the time to get off

and dream

2. Our own dreams can be buried beneath the dreams of others – we can start to

live a vicarious life instead of finding our own dreams

3. We stop dreaming because we’ve been hurt in the past when things haven’t

worked out. We don’t want to risk being hurt again, so we settle for a life

without exciting dreams.

4. No-one has encouraged our dreams or given you permission to go for it.

5. You’ve disqualified yourself because you think you’ve made too many

mistakes, you’re not worthy, or you are too old

6. You have a false identity as a servant not a son

Lies can creep into our belief system, and if we do not reject them, they lodge there

and become a blockage to our ability to dream.

Identifying the lies:

• I can’t dream

• I don’t have time to dream

• My dreams will never come to pass

• No-one is interested in my dreams

• People will laugh at my dreams

• I don’t deserve to have dreams

Class Activity: A five-step simple process to get your dreamer going again!

Class Question: Think of one dream that you accomplished in the past. Perhaps it was a sporting event, a promotion, birth of a child etc… Let your thoughts go back to the details of fulfilling that dream and allow yourself to relive the emotions of seeing that moment realized. How did you feel when that dream was achieved? What were your emotions?

Purpose and Calling


How did fulfilling this dream affect others?

Five reasons to dream: 1. Dreams connect you to your calling You are part of God’s dream. He has put His dreams within you so that you will discover

them and start to connect with your calling. Your dreams are a key to understanding your God-given purpose and how God has called you to influence and impact the world. Perhaps that is in the area of politics, media, arts, the community, or raising history-changing kids. Perhaps it is in the education system, or in business or through your small business. Our God-given dreams are clues to where God wants us to impact the world – the earth won’t be transformed if we are all preachers. Some people who dream of being a jazz musician have given up their dreams because they think they should be on the worship team! Your dreams are a part of God’s plan for global transformation and releasing heaven on earth.

2. A dream creates a vision for your life To flourish in life we must have a vision. Many people have either no vision or a poor vision for their future because they have disconnected from their dreams. Proverbs 29:18 …without a vision, the people perish… But conversely people with a vision for their life are excited and motivated; they are joyful and more productive. Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. You were not created for hope deferred, but desires fulfilled. Then you will be a tree of life. A tree of life bears fruit. You were created for abundance (John 10:10) and fruitfulness (John 15).

3. Dreams are powerful:

They ignore obstacles and they open up to us what’s possible, which goes far beyond the

place of logic and rationale. When someone catches a dream they are excited about, they find a way to do it. They are like Caleb and Joshua who say “we can surely do it”. Dreams motivate us; they are pregnant with hope, persistence, creativity and

inventiveness. Dreams are hope carriers and are not bound by time or reality. Dreams

Purpose and Calling


can and do move mountains. Dreams keep us on course so that we don’t settle for a mediocre life. They spur us on to action and offer the hope that a better future is not only possible but imperative. Throughout history, every great feat began with a dream. The power of a dream can be so powerful, that it becomes a catalyst to changes the culture in society. John Wesley said “I continue to dream about a revival in my day that transforms our

nation” - the Wesleyan revival did exactly that. We could say the same for other culture changes such as Wilberforce, Rosa Parkes, and even people at Stairway are releasing dreams that are changing the culture in Cambodia, and even in Vermont!

4. Heaven’s resources are released when we dream. Many people who dream experience amazing stories of provision. God wants to partner with your dreams and will bring the resources of heaven to you, you will walk in his favour. Angels are waiting to be released to act on your behalf. He is waiting for you to make a commitment to go after your dreams.

5. The earth is waiting for the sons of God to reveal the goodness of God. Life is released all around us as we start to live out the dreams God has placed in our

heart. Our soul starts to wake up like never before, we start to come alive. When we walk in the fullness of life, we spread hope and joy wherever we go. People will be drawn to God because we are enjoying who God has created us to be.

Your Dreams are needed! The world needs you and your dreams, heaven is waiting God is excited about your dreams. Perhaps you dream of being a photographer, writing a song or a book, or inventing something?

• We have light bulbs because a man dreamed of light without fire.

• We have telephones because someone had a dream of talking through wires.

• Cars exist because someone dared to dream of a horseless carriage.

• Someone dreamed of a computer … then came the internet, Facebook, and twitter

Perhaps you have a dream to own your own café; be on Broadway; be a fashion designer,

or a photographer, or a builder or perhaps you have another business dream in your heart…. Where did those desires come from??? God would not have given you that dream if he had not already given you the means to fulfil it. Listen to your heart and your dreams; they will lead you into your calling.

How does knowing that God is for your dreams change the way you think about dreams?

Purpose and Calling


Permission to dream! Today is a new day. Right now, Father God GIVES YOU PERMISSION TO DREAM! He is excited and very interested in ALL your dreams! He WANTS TO PARTNER WITH YOU TO SEE YOUR DREAMS COME TO PASS. He designed you to have dreams and to live a John 10:10 life!

How to Discover Your Dreams in 4 Simple Steps:

- Spend time in God’s presence

- Listen to your heart

- Record your dreams

- Have Fun!

2 Rules:

1. Approach your dreaming with the attitude:

“Nothing Is Impossible!”

2. Do not try and work out how the dream can happen. That

comes later.

It’s time to get excited – think of all the possibilities and dreams before you!

Activating your dreams

Purpose and Calling


Vision Board

Step 1 - Create

• Like a blue sky activity – but people often don’t like to draw because their editor tells them they can’t draw

• Pray, and ask God to show you in pictures what He has for you. Ask Him to partner with you and give you a vision of your calling.

• Pick anything that appeals to you, what you like – don’t analyse/think through what you’re choosing, don’t question, rationalise or look for themes.

• This process engages the right brain Step 2 – Interpret

• Describe

• What do you think it means? (if you don’t know, ask God/others)

• What surprised you?

Step 3 – Settle on one thing God is saying to pursue

• Write it down

• Pray over it

• Journal, for example o What is God giving me permission to do? o What does this mean for my daily life? o What is my next step to pursue this? o Who can I share this with to keep me accountable?

Step 4 – Pray for each other

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Session 6 The Panel

In this session we welcome our special Guest Panel who will share with us some of their

personal journey of pursuing the call of God on their lives. Each of them is living out their calling and making a difference within their spheres of influence.

Purpose and Calling


Session 7 Discovering your Spiritual Gifts

Now about spiritual gifts, I do not want you to be ignorant

1 Corinthians 12:1

The apostle Paul gave instruction about the spiritual gifts, their purpose, practice and benefits (1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12).

The Greek word for gift is “charisma” which is defined as “a spiritual endowment” or another way of saying this is “a gift of grace endowed upon believers by the operation of

the Holy Spirit”. Therefore, the word “charisma” describes those spiritual abilities with which God equips believers.

Nothing in the realm of the Spirit is accomplished without this charisma, or supernatural ability of God. We should not preach, sing, prophesy, lead or even serve without it. There is no life produced without this grace. Lifeless religion is born out of man’s attempt to serve God in his own way, in his own ability. When we minister to others without the gifting of God, we labour in vain.

Definition: a special divine empowerment given to each believer by the Holy Spirit to enable them to partner with God so that His kingdom is advanced on the earth.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.

Romans 12:6

God’s Design for His Church We were not created to be lone rangers, but interdependent upon one another. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul describes the church as “the body of Christ.” This is a mind-blowing

metaphor and powerfully communicates to us the following:

• The church, Christ’s body should fully represent who He is. Jesus went around doing good to people, and lived a supernatural lifestyle. The Church as his body has the empowerment and responsibility to do the same. As he is, so we are (1 John 4:17).

• Being the body of Christ, we are inter-connected, yet distinct. We all have different gifts as we are different parts of the body. The body is to be honoured, and joined together in love and harmony working together the way it was designed to work.

• It reminds us that each believer is valuable and important – every part of the body is needed. The eye cannot say to the hand “I have no need of you’”. There

is to be no jealousy or division in the body. If one suffers (or doesn’t use their gifts) the whole body is affected and suffers. In the same way if one member is honoured, all the members should rejoice with it.

Purpose and Calling


• We will be more effective if we serve in the area of our gifting. If you were to write your name on this line below with your opposite hand, it would feel awkward. Give it a go!

The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts: We learn from the various passages of scripture the purpose of gifts.

• To build up and equip the Body of Christ so that it grows (Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Pet 4:10; Rom 1:11-12)

• To empower our service of one another and make our service more effective (Ephesians 2:10; Rom 12:3-8)

• To display God’s character and bring glory to Jesus (1 Corinthians 14:23-25, Ephesians 4:11-16)

• All believers are given spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10)

• Gifts are given by God as He determines (Ephesians 4:7)

• Spiritual gifts are called gifts of GRACE. (Ephesians 2:8-9) This means we did not earn our gifts in any way; they are not medals of honour, they are not rewards based on merit – they are FREELY given by God. Consequently, we need to be humble; there is no room for pride or arrogance.

• Gifts are not given on the basis of maturity.

• Gifts are given for a lifetime and are permanent. Romans 11:29 ad “the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” God does not change his mind despite our behaviour or lack of service. We are responsible for our gifts for our lifetime.

• All spiritual gifts are needed!

• We must eagerly desire the greater gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31)

• We are not to despise any gifts, nor quench the use of gifts (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

• We are not to neglect our gifts, but develop them (1 Timothy 4:14)

• Romans 12:6-8 tells us to give wholeheartedly whatever our gifts are “if your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; etc.

• To deepen love, fellowship and unity (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 19-21, 25-27)

• Follow the way of LOVE and eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A6-8&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28252a

Purpose and Calling


Spiritual Gifts will:

• Help you understand why you think and act the way you do

• Help you understand, value and honour the contributions of others

• Empower you to be effective in serving Christ and moving supernaturally in your calling

Based on these truths, write your own definition of a spiritual gift

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Types of Spiritual Gifts The bible tells us in various passages that each of us have been given spiritual gifts, no-one is excluded. There are numerous places in scripture where the gifts of the Spirit are listed, below are the primary (though not exclusive) list of gifts:

1. Romans 12:6-8 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

GIFTS: Prophesying, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving; Leading, Mercy

2. Ephesians 4:11-13 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

GIFTS: Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist

3. 1 Corinthians 12:7-10; 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of

wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A6-8&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28252a

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A6-8&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28254b

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another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b]

1 Corinthians 12:28-30 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do

all speak in tongues[a]? Do all interpret?

GIFTS: Wisdom, Knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues

How do you grow in your spiritual gifts? The bible reminds us that we have a responsibility before God to be intentional about using and developing the spiritual gifts He has given us.

Paul makes it clear through his instruction to Timothy that each of us has the ability to stir up a spiritual gift, or to neglect it. The way to develop a gift is to use it, not shelve it. Start small, if you have a teaching gift, you can’t expect to start in the pulpit. Look

for other ways to get activated, for example in your family or small group.

1 Timothy 4:14,15 Do not neglect your gift which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so that everyone may see your progress

S - Seek and desire the gifts

T - Try (trial and error) – have a go.

A - Analyse (evaluate your effectiveness, did it feel right?)

R - Request feedback(be accountable / ask someone who will be honest)

T - Training (e.g. take a course)

CLASS EXERCISE:

In groups, discuss the results of your Questionnaire, including your strongest gift mix.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS ACTIVATIONS

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A7-10&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28645a

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A7-10&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28645b

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A28-30&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28665a

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Session 8 God Spaces

Akiane Kramarik

RETURNING HOME “Entrance into the unknown is the entrance into eternal life full of different influences and intensities of time, choice, and power where the scope and complexity of experiences and relationships are exponential.

God is a bow—soul is an arrow—destiny is a target. Wisdom chooses the unknown to be its reason, but only meaningful experiences produce the ripple effect of eternal resonance. Inside a divine womb mortality lusts after immortality while immortality desires the vulnerability of the mortality. We are all handmade—we are all museums—we all return to the Essence. And today our path is completely vertical.” - Akiane

Purpose and Calling


Session 9

The Power of Life Messages The Life Messages we carry are a significant clue to our calling. In fact, many people find the roots of their calling in their Life Messages. We become aware of what they are as we identify the areas in our life where God has most deeply impacted us. What are “Life Messages”? Life Messages are NOT principles you have learned, disciplines you have mastered or even trials you have overcome.

A Life Message is: the place in our heart where we have deeply encountered Jesus. These encounters transform our innermost self and redefine who we are. The message we receive in these encounters flow as a message of life to others. Many of our deepest experiences in life (positive and negative) are powerfully impacting, and they are used by God to shape our destiny. We can go through painful experiences and come out bitter, or we can meet God in those places and encounter His supernatural grace. These revelations of his goodness and love will reshape our lives powerfully. God has a miraculous way of turning that difficult area of our life into a powerful message for others. These are called our “Life

Messages”. Examples:

- A little girl is teased and excluded on the playground. She grows up and becomes a teacher who feels compelled to reach out to marginalized children with a message of acceptance and belonging.

- A young boy whose father dies when he is only ten. He grows into an adult and

finds himself drawn to coach a football team of young neighbourhood boys so that they have a good role model of fatherhood.

- There are thousands of life messages – we all have our own story.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 - “Praise be to the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” Paul’s experience was that in difficult circumstances, he was able to receive comfort from God, and this comfort he passed on to others. It’s wonderful to know that our struggles in life can be turned around and used for good. We see examples of Life Messages and how impacting they were in the Bible:

Purpose and Calling


- Genesis 50:20 - Joseph’s life message: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

- Esther 4:14 – Esther’s life message: “ … I have come to your royal position for

such a time as this …” Life Messages occur when God touches our lives, most often through an act of

extraordinary grace in the midst of unusually trying circumstance. God will redeem our past and release through us power, healing and grace to others. These experiences give us a platform and an authority to speak into the lives of others because they are places where we have met God. Because of what we have experienced of God in our struggle, we are able to offer grace, and mercy for brokenness. Through our Life Message, we become a gift of God’s amazing kindness and love. Our Life Messages draw us to the very people who need us. These people will sense the power we carry because they sense there we have encountered God. Those you are called to serve, need exactly what God has put into your heart. Your preparation uniquely qualifies you to speak to them, and makes you the kind of person they’ll listen

to. Identifying the specific audience or need you are made to serve is a key part of understanding your Call. The Value of Life Messages: The discovery and development of your life messages has the potential to be VERY POWERFUL. To develop a powerful Life Message, we need to:

1. Look for them. It can take some time to discover the lost treasures from the past that fall into the clutter of our lives through busyness or neglect. Spend some time with the Holy Spirit and give him permission to shine in the room of your inner house and sweep out the corners until all the treasures are exposed.

The degree to which you will impact people is proportional to how much you allow the Holy Spirit to meet you in those places and uncover the authentic messages of your life. You can even leave a mark for all eternity, not only on individuals, but whole communities. Very powerful!

1. Develop them.

As we become aware of our life messages, commit those details to memory and integrate them into your daily life. Learn to verbalize them so that you can powerfully retell your story and impact others.

Purpose and Calling


How to Discover your Life Messages: Our Life Messages will be:

- heard in what we say - seen in how we live - embodied in our values, and - reflected in the decisions we make.

You can begin to discover your life messages by looking for some of the following key qualities of a Life Message:

• Shaping Events – these are the events that deeply shaped and impacted your life

•

• Drawing – this is when those who need your message are instinctively drawn to you, and you are drawn to them.

• Qualification – this is when you know you are qualified to speak deeply into people’s lives because you have been there, and met God there.

• Soapbox Issues – we can sometimes find out what our life messages are because it seems every serious conversation we have seems to get around to our Messages! These are themes you return to over and over; because they represent the most important work God has done in you.

Summary: Jesus shines through you uniquely because of the way He has shaped who you are, and because of your unique life experiences. Your Life Messages are designed to resonate with certain people – your audience. Your Life Messages impact specific people and express God’s heart in a way no-one else can.

Purpose and Calling


Exercise:

Can you identify a positive “Shaping Event” of your life? How did it shape you?

What is one of your most painful life experiences and what have you learned from it? How has it shaped who you are today?

In what areas of your life do you feel you have been “qualified”? How?

What are your “Soapbox issues?”

Purpose and Calling


Session 10 Overcoming Obstacles

A life of purpose and calling is exciting but inevitably involves many challenges. In this

session we look at the life of Moses and how he overcame many obstacles to ultimately live in the purpose and calling God had on his life. By any standards Moses is one of the greatest figures of history. His achievements were simply extraordinary. Under his leadership, a motley collection of family clans serving

as slave labour in ambitious building programs were freed from the tyranny of the most powerful totalitarian state of their era. They were welded into national unity; subdued warring

states in the Middle East, and established an independent Kingdom with a sense of national identity so intense that today, after thirty-five centuries of oppression, frustration and dispersion, it is

still as passionate as on the day it was born. Nation-Maker, Law-Giver, Religion-Founder - there are few men who have exercised so profound and enduring an influence on the mind of man and the course of history as the man Moses.

However, despite there being no one greater in the Old Testament than Moses, when God first called him, he produced a series of excuses that he hoped would exempt him from returning to Egypt - an assignment he clearly did not want to do. Exodus Ch 3 & 4 Chapter 3

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and … there the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”

5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are

standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father,[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

7 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into

a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey10

And God said, “Go now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3-4&version=NIV#fen-NIV-1586a

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11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you[b] will worship God on this mountain.”

13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.[c] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent

me to you.’”

Chapter 4 But Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?”

2 Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

“A staff,” he replied.

3 The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.”

Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. 5 “This,” said the LORD, “is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”

6 Then the LORD said, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out, the skin was leprous[e]—it had become as white as snow.

7 “Now put it back into your cloak,” he said. So Moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh.

8 Then the LORD said, “If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first sign, they may believe the second. 9 But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood on the ground.”

10 Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the

past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go; I will help you speak

and will teach you what to say.”

13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. 15 You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. 17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.”

18 Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Let me return to my own people in Egypt to see if any of them are still alive.”

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3-4&version=NIV#fen-NIV-1592b

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3-4&version=NIV#fen-NIV-1594c

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3-4&version=NIV#fen-NIV-1608e

Purpose and Calling


Summary: Moses was full of fear when God informed him of his assignment. The last thing he wanted to do was to go back to Egypt! In the desert he could hide from the past, his failures, and his painful memories. We all know the story of Moses’ rescue from the river to live an extraordinary life of privilege in the palace. However, Moses knew he did not belong in the Palace. He heard the cries and the suffering of

his own people through the palace gates. We read this passage which records Moses’ frustration and anger at the way they were treated. Exodus 2:11 "One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people, and looked on their burdens; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew - one of his own people. Looking this way and that, and seeing no-one; he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand." We are told that Pharaoh sought to kill Moses, so he had to flea Egypt as a wanted man – a murderer with a history, hated and pursued by the Egyptians, but also despised by his

own people. For forty years he hid in the desert - a broken man. Unless Moses re-wrote the story inside his mind, he would not be able to fulfil God’s plans for his life. Q. What negative mindsets did Moses have to overcome to fulfil His purpose and calling?

1. An Identity Crisis: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”(Exodus 3:11)

2. Fear: “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you?” (Exodus 4:1) 3. Inadequacy: “Moses said to the Lord, ‘O Lord, I have never been eloquent,

neither in the past or since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue”. (Exodus 4:10) 4. Procrastination: Moses said “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of our fathers has sent me to you’ and they ask, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” (Exodus 3:13) 5. Stubbornness: But Moses said ‘O Lord, please send someone else to do it’. (Exodus 4:13)

Buried deep within Moses was a negative story about who he was – we know this from the type of excuses he gave God – which all of us can identify with!

Roadblock – Fear of failure

There are many fears which can hold us back: failure, poverty, ridicule, family, authority, inadequacy; making fools of ourselves; criticism. Then there are other excuses based on fear: I am too old, I am too young, I don’t have the education; I don’t like to speak in front of people; I don’t have the money, some people don’t think I should do that; I’m not gifted enough; I’m not sure it’s God’s will, I’m waiting on God’s timing, God couldn’t possibly use me, I don’t deserve success. If you have failed, do not allow past mistakes and failings to define your future.

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Bill Johnson: “Satan has no power except through our agreement. There is something amazing about unbelief – it is able to fulfil its own expectations.” Unbelief is safe because it takes no risk and almost always gets what it expects. Most of us experience failure at different stages of our lives simply because we are human. If we are not failing, it means we are not trying anything new. William Durant – Historian and Writer

Durant started out as a high school dropout. When reflecting on his life he gave this

advice:

“Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget about everything except what you’re going to do now – and do it”

Albert Einstein – Scientist and Physicist

When he arrived at Princeton in 1935 to study he was asked what he would require in his room “A desk, some pads and a pencil, and a large wastebasket – to hold all of my mistakes”.

Roadblock - Inadequacy In Exodus 4:10 Moses argued with God that he was not eloquent, being slow of speech and tongue. Yet we read in Acts 7:22 that Moses was a highly educated man and could

work and speak very well. “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.” Having lived only a short time with his own family before the Pharaoh’s daughter took him to live at the palace, he would have been in contact with the best teachers and would have spoken in the language of both the Egyptians and his own Hebrew tongue. He was therefore highly educated, but he was also able to speak well. The only way to overcome this obstacle is to know that God will empower you to do ALL that he has called you to be and do. The Lord said to Moses “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say. (Exodus 4:11, 12)

Moses was a man who possessed many abilities and had considerable unique advantages in his upbringing and education. But it was in none of these things that the secret of his strength lay. In fact, as we see his story unfold, it is clear that Moses was stripped of all reliance on these things before he could be effective for God. In the end, nothing is left to him but his reliance on God. In the same way, the disciples were not especially gifted, but ordinary men and women, but God fulfilled his purposes through them.

Acts 4:8-14 –

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary

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men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

Roadblock - Procrastination

Exodus 3:13 Moses said “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of our fathers has sent me to you’ and they ask, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

In effect Moses was saying “I’m not ready, I don’t know you well enough, I’m not prepared, I need more time, more information, more experience, I need to be better equipped, I need more training, I need to do another course on discovering my Purpose and Calling! Procrastination is the art (skill) of postponement. There are various reasons why we postpone moving into our calling, at the root is inevitably fear. Fear of others, fear we are not capable, fear of rejection. Perfectionists are notorious for procrastinating but behind this is pride, with the focus being on ourselves and not God. He does not call us to be perfect, just obedient. If we wait until “perfect” comes, we will never go.

The heroes of the faith did not wait until they had strength; rather they received strength after they entered the battle.

Hebrews 11:32-34 “And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who

through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength, and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.”

The secret to getting ahead is getting started! - Mark Twain

If you do not wish a man to do a thing, you had better get him to talk about it; for the more men talk, the more likely they are to do nothing

else.” - Thomas Carlysle

James 2:18 “Show me your faith without your works, and I will she you my faith by my works … faith without works is dead.”

We need to put our faith into action.

“No man makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing, because he knows it is not everything. - Edmund Burke

Noah also had to eventually pick up a hammer and nails and start building the ark, despite no clouds in the sky.

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Abraham was another one who had to step out in faith ‘to a land God would show him’ despite not having a map! We need to overcome our procrastination and fear, and put our faith into action.

The Divine Remedy "Now the man Moses was very meek (submissive, gentle, humble), more than all the men that were on the face of the earth." (Numbers 12:3) As a man whose frailties are all recorded in the bible, in the end Moses placed his trust in God enough to obey Him. The secret of his huge achievements is revealed in a simple

Bible phrase in the letter to the Hebrews that might stand over his life like an epitaph: "by faith" (Hebrews 11:23)

Change your story – change your life If Moses had not allowed God to change the story inside his head, he would not have been able to achieve God’s plan for his life. The narration in his head was changed from one of failure to victory. Inside your head and mine, there is a narrator which constantly tells us stories. These stories shape how we perceive our reality. In fact, if we don’t intervene, these stories can shape our future for the worse. Our minds need renewing powerfully by the Holy Spirit. We need to do this intentionally because if we don’t we inevitably go to these default positions.

Graeme Cooke: Go after your sub-conscious, or it will go after you. Fear always tells you

• what you're not

• what you don't have

• what you can't do, and

• what you will never be (Rom 8.15) If we are intentional and take control of the narrative, our past-stories can shape our future for good.

- My story and how this negative story was broken in my life . . . Five steps to take control of the narrative in your head.

1. Recognize the voice in your head. 2. Write down what the voice is saying (eg I am boring; I’m no good; I’m a failure;

I’m a terrible public speaker; I’ll never get my dream job) 3. Recognize the lie in this story? 4. Write down a different story – the truth based on God’s word. 5. Start to declare the new story

How do you see yourself and your future?

Purpose and Calling


ACTIVATION

Purpose and Calling


Session 11 Discover your Sphere of Influence

The concept of being called by God is one of the most profound of all biblical ideas. In scripture there are two types of call:

1) The call to be a Christian – to respond to the love of God. It is an invitation to know and love God, and to love and serve others. Every aspect of our lives flows out of this – it shapes our view of the world, and all the decisions we make. This means we are all called to carry the gospel to this lost and dying world. 2) The unique personal, a defining purpose or mission. When we fulfil our specific call, we are living out of the full implications of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. While we have a general call to love God and our neighbour, we each follow our Lord differently. This second call is derived from the first.

3) There is the call that we face each day in response to the multiple demands on our lives – our immediate duties and responsibilities: the call to be present to our children when they are involved in an event at school, or to help in our local church, to love and care for our spouse, etc. These are my tasks – those that are set before me today – they are not my vocation, but they are duties and responsibilities God calls me to today. (Adapted from Courage and Calling by Gordon T Smith, Intervarsity Press, 2011) A divine call will also lift you beyond your own desires, towards serving others.

Understanding Calling The word “calling” comes from the Latin

word vocation. It means a summons or an invitation. The Hebrews understood a call from God as something holy (unto God) which was expressed and lived out in their places of work within their community. Life was understood as an integrated whole and did not separate between “secular work”

and “spiritual work”.

We see in the Bible all types of callings being outworked in various forms in everyday life.

• Bezalel – Exodus 35:30

• Cyrus – Isaiah 44:28-45:7

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father "A dairy maid can milk cows to the glory of God" - Martin Luther

Purpose and Calling


Unfortunately over time a misconception arose which came to limit the idea of calling as something only for those with “spiritual” occupations such as pastors, priests, and missionaries. This incorrect separation of “spiritual” and “secular” has resulted in many people not being validated in their God-ordained places of work. Fortunately in recent years there has been a correction to this false mindset and a return to the biblical teaching of every believer being anointed for ministry and called

to express the kingdom of God to which God calls them in a variety of places of work. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through him” Jesus said “go into ALL the world” – Mark 16:15 Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG) Let me tell you why you are here. You are here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept, so let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify

your Father in heaven. This verse describes the church as the salt of the earth. Every Christian is called to be salt, and a light.

God’s Plan for Societal Transformation Ephesians 3:10 God’s intent was now that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms”. This verse tells us that God is intent on displaying his glory through the church so that the nations, rulers and authorities see his wisdom, power and love. God’s purpose is that nations be transformed and this will not happen if we only try and

do it from the pulpit. We are commissioned to take the supernatural with us every day into our life and work wherever that is. We live in the greatest hour of history. A revolutionary revival has commenced throughout the world where people are responding to God’s call to release the kingdom in their place of work. His glory is being poured out in board rooms, classrooms, operating rooms, factory floors, halls of government and film studios. Those called and anointed to influence the culture within their realm of influence live out of kingdom principles, seek to display godly character, tear down the powers of darkness and raise up a godly standard.

The Seven Cultural Mountains In the 1970’s Dr. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ and Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), each had very profound dreams. In those dreams the Lord told them each to share the dream with the other. They came together to share their dreams and discovered they had had the same dream! The dreams were about 7 mountains that represented the 7 Realms of Cultural Influence over the world.

Purpose and Calling


The 7 Realms of Influence 1. Family – The family unit is the very foundation of God’s kingdom and every race and nation on earth. This is meant to be and usually is the most influential of all the realms. 2. The True Church – This refers to gatherings of believers today that live closely like the early church in the Book of Acts , with total commitment to Christ, His Word, and His Kingdom. This type of church is built on families unified by the Spirit of God. These Christians understand and walk in the ways of God’s covenant of blessing and

commitment to share His love and truth with all mankind. 3. Government – God created covenants with families/nations – most prominently the Jews and the Christians. Governments are created by people as a means to protect and bless them. However there are many leaderships which are under the powers of darkness. (Read Kings,Chronicles, and Judges for examples). 4. Education – There are over 200 references in Proverbs alone to wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Education is needed to increase the value of individuals and thereby strengthen a nation so that it keeps up with the progress of the world and possibly can lead that progress.

5. Commerce – God’s plan for business and finances is found in 2 Corinthians 9:8 which states that an abundance for every good deed is God’s will for His people. Commerce is to create prosperity for anyone willing to work. It brings new innovations, technology, health, and blessing - with the end point being blessing others, not simply self. 6. Entertainment – This includes sports, movies, TV, theater, music, etc. Entertainment is merely helping to take people’s minds off one thing and put them on another. It is meant to bring emotional and physical pleasure, joy, excitement, and often times deep emotions and thought. It should promote and exemplify moral strength

to help people live morally strong. 7. Media – This refers to the many tools of communication such as film, TV, radio, the internet, books, and magazines. Again, it should strengthen all other realms and therefore the people. It must work hard to be as unbiased and morally upright as possible to properly help the people be strong and moral themselves. This is one of the

Purpose and Calling


most powerful of all the Realms due to its ability to reach so many so quickly and so consistently. Darkness prevails in the absence of light. However, light cannot be stopped by darkness – no matter how thick that darkness may be. We are the light of the world. As we take our place within the 7 realms of influence the light and presence of God creates kingdom culture and overcomes the darkness. God is deeply in love with people, and as we release His love, it outshines the hate, fear and demonic powers.

WHICH sphere of influence do you feel called to?

When we know where we are called to influence, we can affect atmospheres and experience breakthrough because we have authority in that area. When we know which mountain we are called to, the kingdom will be released through us in greater measure.

Think about these questions:

1) Which mountain do you feel most passionate about? Why?

________________________________________________________________________

2) Do you feel that you are effective in this area? How do you make an impact?

________________________________________________________________________

3) Do you sense you carry favour and authority for this area? Explain

______________________________________________________________________

4) Do you have any prophetic words confirming the area of your calling?

______________________________________________________________________

ACTIVATION / PRAYER

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Session 12 Embracing your Calling

Your Calling Awaits This is a divinely appointed time and you are on the planet for such a time as this. Your calling is unique, and only you can fulfill it. It can only be fully accessed by living from

your true identity as a son or daughter of God. In this session, we compile a Revelation Summary of your dreams, passions, gifts, strengths, life messages, prophetic words and other insights to capture so that you can create a crafted declaration of your calling.

Handout: (30 mins) Complete the Revelation Summary including all the information you have discovered about yourself and your purpose and calling throughout this course. Creating a crafted prayer & activation

“What am I doing today to walk towards my dream?”

1. Develop an Action Plan:

Progress is made by regularly taking small steps toward your dreams. To put legs on your dreams, pray and ask the Holy Spirit what Dreams you are to pursue first. Then choose one of the dreams from the Dream Session in the first weekend of this course.

Dream Activation Exercise:

The dream I want to start with now is

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Kris Valloton: “A vision without a plan is just a pipe dream. Plans without goals create no urgency. Goals without daily steps rarely come to fruition. And of course, the road to hell no-where is paved with good intentions”

2. Set Future Goals

Once you have decided what dream you are going to pursue first, you can give it more focus by converting it into a specific goal.

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Handout:

Specific – how clear is your dream?

Measurable – how will you identify your progress toward your dream

Attainable – Is your dream within your capabilities?

Relevant – How significant is this dream to you?

Time-based – When will you start or complete your dream?

Our commission is to keep our eyes focused on the priorities of heaven, as we host God’s presence and enter into deeper realms of glory. Each one of you is called to change the world, you ARE world-changes! IMPARTATION

Below are some known risk-takers for God. There are countless thousands of others unnamed, but they form the “great cloud of witnesses” talked about in Hebrews. Will you step into the fullness of your calling and add your name to the list?! Being comfortable is over-rated – go out and change the world!

Be a Risk-taker for God! The men and women below surrendered to God’s plans and purposes for their life. They weren’t perfect, but they TRUSTED God enough to give over the control of their lives and actions to him in spite of human misgivings, in spite of their weaknesses.

Abraham stepped out in faith toward a land unknown to him, dared to become a father at an advanced age, risked obeying God who told him to sacrifice his precious long-awaited miracle son. Abraham made many human mistakes but we read about him in the pages of scriptures referred to as the father of our faith. Sarah who was far beyond childbearing age, took the risky path of getting pregnant and birthing a baby because although she laughed at first, she believed God’s promise. Moses in spite of his past fears returned to Egypt and bravely faced and rescued thousands of rebellious and unruly Hebrews. By using what God gave him, a stick – he parted the red sea to allow God’s people to miraculously walk through. He risked asking

God to show himself on Mt. Sinai and then had the awesome privilege of being called God’s friend. Joshua and Caleb risked the anger of the other ten spies who were too afraid to take the Promised Land and they courageously proclaimed in confidence ‘we can surely do it’ Gideon in spite of his timidity, inexperience and dismal self-image dared to stand up for God against a host of enemies. With a mere handful of helpers he defeated intimidating forces and restored Israel in the face of its enemies. David, young, vulnerable, untried, overlooked, faced a giant and a jealous king and he

rose against much opposition to be God’s appointed king. Despite being an adulterer and a murderer, he deeply repented (Psalm 51) and is described affectionately as a man “with a heart after God”.

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Daniel in obedience and faith dared the lions and the was thrown into the fiery furnace rather than bow to a pagan king. Esther dared to enter the court of a pagan king and risked being executed in order to rescue the Jewish nation from extinction Joseph (Jesus earthly father) risked taking a pregnant woman as his wife. A woman in the gospels named Mary entered an intimidating male environment where

Jesus was eating and risked expulsion and disgrace by pouring out her love and gratitude with tears and perfume. Paul without flinching withstood a myriad of dangers (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) to spread the good news to the gentiles – but Paul found that God’s strength was made perfect through his weakness Then we have the disciples Jesus chose! He could have chosen anyone, but he chose them! Peter, an uneducated fisherman with an impulsive personality, Matthew a despised tax-collector, Philip who just didn’t seem to get the obvious – all went on to become people

who said yes to Jesus – and they changed the world forever. Later on there were early Christians who lived in the catacombs and were fed to lions, who were imprisoned and tortured because they would not deny Jesus. There have been countless other martyrs throughout the church’s rich history, who lived lives of such holiness and sacrifice that they cannot be forgotten. Then there was Martin Luther, the father of the reformation who in defiance of a corrupt religious hierarchy tacked his protest of faith against a door and proclaimed to the world “here I stand, I can do no other”

Joan of Arc died in the flames for her visions, John Wesley was expelled from the church, William Carey, David Livingstone, Hudson Taylor,– all pioneers who lived in constant danger as they followed God’s call in cultures alien to them. George Muller riskily decided with his wife to live by faith and housed, fed and loved thousands of orphan children in the city of Bristol, England; depending only on God for daily provision, much like Heidi and Rolland Baker today, and there are countless others. C.T. Studd missionary to Africa until his death in 1931 declared: God has called me to go, and I will go. I will blaze the trail, though my grave may only become a stepping-

stone that younger men may follow Amy Carmichael rescued hundreds of female children from temple prostitution in India, her work continues today though she is in heaven. Charles Finney: Revival comes from heaven when heroic souls enter the conflict determined to win or die – or if need be, to win and die! The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force

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Reading List & Websites

Ben F. Gray, Heaven’s Answer to Earth’s Dilemma- A Grace Revolution Bill Johnson, The Power that Changes the World Bill Johnson, Dreaming with God Bill George, True North Dr Caroline Leaf, The Perfect You Dr Caroline Leaf, The Gift in You Christian A. Schwarz, The 3 Colors of Ministry Don & Katie Fortune, Discovering your God-Given Gifts Dutch Sheets, Dream Gordon T. Smith, Courage & Calling John Ortberg, Get Out of the Boat John Ortberg, The Me I want to be Luci Shaw, The Crime of Living Cautiously: Hearing God’s Call to Adventure Mason, Andy & Janine, Dream Culture Mason, Andy, God with you at Work Marc Fey, Don Ankenbrandt & Frank Johnson, 210 Project, Discovering your place in God’s story Os Hillman, Change Agent, Engaging your Passion to be the one who makes a difference Parker Palmer, Let your life Speak Paul David Tripp, War of Words

Robin Chaddock, Discovering your Divine Assignment RT Kendall, God Meant it for Good TD Jakes, Soar!

Websites

Personality Types - www.humanmetrics.com 7 Mountains of Culture - www.reclaim7mountains.com

http://www.humanmetrics.com/

http://www.reclaim7mountains.com/

Purpose and Calling


Appendices

Purpose and Calling


APPENDIX 1 Shaping Your Personal Ministry Plan

The spiritual transformation from casual to complete Christian

Written by Dr. James B. Scott, Dr. Molly Davis Scott

Identifying effective aspects of yourself and your own inclinations helps to jumpstart you in

creating a Personal Ministry Plan. Consider the following 14 elements when preparing for your

Personal Ministry Plan.

1. The nature of your calling

2. Your spiritual gifts

3. Your natural abilities

4. Your values, what is important to you

5. What makes you cry or where you have had pain

6. Your interests, the desires of your heart

7. What energizes you

8. Affirmations from other people

9. What you were doing when you were your happiest

10. Where you have had a history of success

11. Consistent feedback from others

12. Feedback from identification instruments

13. Who you want to spend time with

14. What God is saying to your heart in your devotions

You may think of other particulars to add as you work with it. The idea is to help you back off of

your immediate situation and see yourself from a longer and broader perspective. You are going

to identify patterns in your life as you make notes on these areas. When we did this for ourselves,

we saw patterns going back into early childhood and continuing through elementary school, high

school, college, young adulthood into our prime working years. We saw patterns of leadership,

independence, creativity, communication abilities, and being encouragers. We knew that we are

very much alike, but saw the reasons why we are alike when we compared the elements of our

upbringing, natural abilities, interests, and spiritual gifts.

Use these explanations as an aid through your own chart, Elements of Discerning My Ministry,

found at the end of this article:

1) The nature of your calling

The manner in which your calling came will often give direction to your future ministry. For

example, someone who was not raised in the Church and meets Christ in adulthood often has a

heart for the unsaved and therefore that person's ministry is highly evangelistic. Someone who

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was saved via the efforts of a movement might have a call to make the church more

understandable to people. A person brought to Christ via a 12-step program might desire to see

the church more involved with social issues. Reflect back on your calling and discern whether

there are clues about where you may want to serve. Did you feel that you received insight from

Jesus at the time of your call?

2) Your spiritual gifts

A number of different inventories are available to help you understand your spiritual gifts. Your

spiritual gifts will be indicators to the focus of your ministry. Spiritual gifts are listed in I

Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and Ephesians 4. A quick reference: wisdom, knowledge, working of

miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues,

ministry/pastoring, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy, apostleship, evangelism … all

for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry and for the edifying the Body of Christ.

3) Your natural abilities

Natural abilities many times are a significant factor in determining ministry. A person who has a

beautiful voice will want to use that talent either in a contributory manner or professionally. A

person with high communication and persuasion skills may tend to be evangelistic or a leader by

way of motivation. A highly organized person may fit within the financial area of the church or on

the strategic planning team. What are you good at doing and really enjoy? What are the natural

abilities that have always come easily for you? Make a list and you might be surprised at what the

combination of gifts tells you.

4) Your values

Core values play an important role, as do core beliefs. The Biblical Vocabulary in this book has

definitions of core values and beliefs. Some of us highly value what we believe and teach in the

Church and therefore want to be involved in teaching the Bible, theology, or history. Others have a

core value of the worth of children and want to serve in reaching, teaching, or the care of children.

Listing what you value will lead you to your ministry also.

5) What makes you cry or where you have had pain

Whatever tugs at your heart is likely an effective place of service for you. We have a friend who

built a mega church based on a huge core group of recovering alcoholics. This pastor once had a

drinking problem and knew the struggle of alcoholism. Out of his pain and anguish God used him

to save many people and build a highly effective Church.

6) Your interests, the desires of your heart

We believe that God puts desires in our hearts. Sometimes those desires are for certain kinds of

people or for specific issues. For example, we have a high desire for the local church to be joyful

effective, and influential. When our hearts are aligned with God's Heart, when we are striving to

find and do God's Will, these inner desires can be clues to what we are to do.

7) What energizes you?

When you are involved in the right ministry, you are energized. You know 'this is for me' when you

wake up wanting to get to the daily tasks, working hard but with high energy, feeling a real sense

of satisfaction. When repeated tasks do not bring joy and satisfaction, you are probably in the

wrong place. The exception to that would be a life problem splashing over into your ministry.

Purpose and Calling


8) Affirmations from other people

A reliable barometer of your effectiveness comes through consistent compliments on your

effectiveness. When several people tell you that you did a great job, it almost always means you

are doing something that reflects your gifts and talents. We were each told many times in the

early years of ministry that we were good teachers, but we did not want to teach. What we

discovered over the years is that we are both good teachers and can find joy in that contribution.

People saw in us what we did not see in ourselves. What do people see in you?

9) What you were doing when you were happiest

Ministry is meant to bring joy. Go back over your whole life, from childhood on, and take note of

when you were the happiest. What type of setting were you in? What kinds of people were you

with? What were you doing? You will find a pattern there that tells you what gives you joy. Then

you will work with your ministry plan to see how to include similar aspects within your ministry.

10) Where you have had a history of success

Success is another barometer of being in the right place. We are successful or effective when there

is a good fit between who we are and what we do. Again consider your whole life and fill in the

answers to 'I was most successful when ….' Look for a pattern wending through those successes.

11) Consistent feedback from others

We are thinking primarily of leadership here but this could come also from fellow workers, trusted

friends, or loving family. Over time, one way or another, we will receive feedback about our

effectiveness. A ChristGuide is a primary person to give us accurate feedback, or we may have a

small covenant group who will be honest with us. What we look for here is similarity and

consistency in what is being said to us. A spouse may give us information that we need to change

an attitude or a habit, but we might not act on that until we realize that we are hearing something

similar from our boss and our best friend. Consistent feedback indicates we need to change

something that is amiss or to strengthen something that is good.

12) Information from identification instruments

We firmly believe in identification or inventory instruments, which give us insight into who we are,

how we relate to other human beings, personality patterns in thinking, and a host of other

feedbacks that we believe are extremely helpful in our personal lives and ministry. The Thomas

Concept4, the Meyers-Briggs5, and particularly the Birkman6 are among some of our favorites.

Taking the information about yourself from 3 or 4 instruments gives you vital insights into who you

are and how you function, what your strengths and weaknesses are. Use that information to

express how you best function in life and in ministry.

13) Who you want to spend time with

You may think this element a strong indicator of where we might become involved in ministry.

Think about this for a moment. The people with whom we associate will in large measure: a)

provide us enjoyment, b) help form our character, c) be instrumental in our growing in grace and

knowledge, and d) help make us successful. Time is precious so why would we not want to spend

it with people who enhance our lives? Being with these kinds of people energize us and motivate

us, sharpen us to be and do our best.

14) What God is saying to your heart in your devotions

Purpose and Calling


The most important factor in finding your place is the leading of the Spirit of God. If we are

earnestly seeking God's guidance, that guidance will come. God does have an intention for each

one of us, and you are not an exception. As you read Scripture and pray, one way or another the

Spirit will lead you. Journal or at least jot down what you are learning as you read Scripture, what

'jumps out' at you, and what you sense in your prayer time. Then be alert to the Spirit's leading.

Elements of Discerning My Ministry

Element Your experience What it implies

1. Nature of calling

2. Spiritual gifts 3. Natural abilities

4. Values

5. What makes you cry or gives you pain

6. Interests, desires

7. Energizing people, situations, activities

8. Affirmations from others

9. What you were doing when you were happiest

10. History of successes and their pattern

11. Feedback from others and what it means

12. Information from identification instruments

13. Who you want to spend time with 14. What is God saying to you in your devotions

Reference list used in article:

3. Birkman: Discovering Your Calling. Kenneth Kinghorn. Willow Creek: Network. Houts.

4. The Thomas Concept, www.inpsyte.com

5. Meyers-Briggs. www.mbti.com

6. Birkman. www.birkman.com

Source: Written by Dr. James B. Scott, Dr. Molly Davis Scott. Christianity Today. CT Pastors, July 2007.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/pastors/2007/july-online-only/012705a.html. Sourced in 2018.

Original excerpted from Kingdom People: The Spiritual Transformation from Casual to Complete Christian.

www.ChristianConnexion.com

http://www.christianconnexion.com/

Purpose and Calling


APPENDIX 2 Are You Keeping Your Priorities Straight?

In today’s busy world of multi-tasking, it is easy to feel like you’re being pulled in a hundred

different directions at once. Trying to split yourself between your spouse, your job, your children,

your friends and your church, can often leave you feeling exhausted and without any time for

yourself. We all have a lot on our plates and maybe that won’t change; however, we can change

how we handle the many things vying for our attention.

What do you value the most in life? What are you spending the majority of your time and effort

on? Are you keeping your priorities straight?

If you haven’t taken the time to stop and evaluate your priorities, maybe now is the time. Grab a

pen and paper and answer these questions:

• Who are the most important people in your life?

• What are your core values in life?

• On an average day, how much time do you spend with those people?

• What are your short-term goals? Long-term?

• What kind of person do you want to be? Do your actions fall in line with that person?

• Where do you feel like the majority of your energy is spent on a daily basis?

• When you are at home, do you have your computer and/or cell phone constantly with

you? What about when you are out with friends or serving at church?

• How often do you exercise or take part in activities that are good for your health? Like Luke 12:34 says, ”For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Whatever we give the most

of our time and energy too, is what in the end gets the most of our heart and soul as well.

If we spend long hours at the office every night, just to come home and crash into bed before doing it again

the next morning, will our spouse and children feel like they get the best of us?

And if we spend all of our free time shopping, drinking and eating and never going to church, can we say we

have a heart for God?

As you go about your daily life activities, what can you do to be more aware of where you are spending your

time?

CHOOSE to put your heart where your treasure is.

Where does your treasure lie?

---

Source: Written by Janice LaVore-Fletcher. Christian Coach Institute.

http://www.christiancoachinstitute.com/setting-priorities/. Sourced in 2018.

Purpose and Calling


APPENDIX 3 How do I Communicate my Unique Calling and Kingdom Purpose Effectively to Other People?

Whether you’re communicating in the context of sharing the Kingdom of God with people, or simply discussing everyday things, the same principles apply to help you communicate effectively. However, you will probably share your God-given passion and purpose a little differently to different audiences. For example, when speaking to a specific group at church you may use different words or even activities than you would when

doing outreach activities and interacting with a secular group of people. God gave you a gift, passion and purpose to be expressed in growing and expanding His Kingdom. You may be called in a secular field where there may not be many Christians at all, and sharing and living your joy for the Kingdom in there.

Definition of Communication

Merriam-Webster dictionary: “the act or process of using words, sounds, signs or

behaviours to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts,

feelings, etc to someone else.”

Every time you convey information to another person, you use communication (even

when you’re not speaking). An effective communicator will have good verbal, non-

verbal and written communication skills, and be aware of potential barriers that may

hinder or disrupt their message.

1. Verbal Communication consists of delivering your information through

speech.

2. Non-verbal communication is delivered by your facial expressions and

your body language.

3. Written communication is conveyed through various media such as books,

visual presentations, emails, text messages or social media.

4. Understanding barriers to communication helps you to identify and

address them to ensure that your message is receive as you intended.

Effective communicators know how to use all of these forms and select the most

appropriate way to convey their message whilst taking into consideration the context of

their communication.

1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION

1.1 Giving and receiving feedback

Being able to receive feedback is a key to help you improve your message. It also

provides an opportunity for people to ask clarifying questions if needed.

Purpose and Calling


Sometimes people don’t know how to provide constructive feedback, and “sifting” out

the helpful information (gems) without getting defensive is quite a skill and will be

invaluable to you.

“Listen well to wise counsel and be willing to learn from correction so that by the end of

your life you’ll be known for your wisdom.” Proverbs 19:20 TPT

1.2 Empathy – emotional awareness

A healthy emotional self-awareness and a good dose of

empathy help you to recognise when your own (or others’)

emotions are causing a distraction to the message you’re

communicating. Having empathy also helps you to

communicate with sensitivity when needed. Empathy is the

ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to

understand what they may be feeling.

1.3 Choice of words

Words are powerful, and how you use them can influence the success of your communications. Using words like “we” and “us” help to foster a sense of group solidarity and elicit co-operation. Using pronouns such as “I” and “me” create a bit of distance and helps to set you apart as a group leader (especially when you want to foster a sense of leadership). Be careful

to overuse this form of language.

21 “ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NASB 11 “For example, if you have a speaking gift, speak as though God were speaking His word through you. If you have the gift of serving, do it passionately with the strength God gives you, so that in everything God alone will be glorified through Jesus Christ. For to him belong the power and the glory forever throughout all ages! Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 TPT

1.4 Enthusiasm

When you present and speak with passion and

enthusiasm about your subject, it is easy for the audience to respond positively and with acceptance. Ways to show your enthusiasm is in your voice, tone and facial expressions. It can be as simple as making eye contact with everyone in the room. If your group is too large, find focal points and make sure that you cover “contact points” in each section of the room (i.e. left, right, centre, front and back of the room). Keep your posture upright (head up and shoulders back) and your body language “open”

(no folded arms, or hands in pockets, for example). Palms facing upward shows that you have nothing to hide. If you need to point toward the audience, avoid pointing your finger, but use your whole hand instead. (Finger pointing can be construed as aggressive.) Few people can resist the warmth of a genuine smile and eye contact. A quiet or reserved person may be encouraged to contribute to the group when they sense that it is

Purpose and Calling


a safe place for them to do so. It also helps to calm the fears of nervous people who may be unsure of what to expect or may be in an unfamiliar environment (for them).

30 “Eyes that focus on what is beautiful bring joy to the heart, and hearing a good report refreshes and strengthens the inner being.” Proverbs 15:30 TPT 13 “Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in Him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with His super-abundance until you radiate with hope!” Romans 15:13 TPT

Using humour appropriately Laughter lightens the atmosphere. Using humour appropriately is an

effective way to create a positive environment and to help people feel

at ease.

It is important to find a way to communicate effectively whilst staying true to your personality though. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.

When you’re being funny, it is never a good idea do so at someone else’s expense. Gentle self-deprecating humour

can be quite engaging and get your audience on-side. Match your tone to the occasion. Be careful to remain respectful, and where the occasion warrants, to have a sense of decorum and seriousness. If you’re enjoying yourself, it will shine through.

3 “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3 NIV

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” Job 8:21 ESV

2 “We laughed and laughed and overflowed with gladness. We were left shouting for joy and singing your praise. All the nations saw it and joined in, saying, “The Lord has done great miracles for them!” Psalm 126:2

1.5 Honesty (speaking the truth in love)

Being honest, speaking the truth in love is one of the quickest ways to break down communication barriers. There is power in showing your vulnerability and being emotionally honest when you communicate with

other people. That way, they get to know the real you, and you create a safe space for people to respond with the same kind of honesty. Having said that – make sure that you pick the appropriate moments – timing is everything. (Also spend some time researching emotional honesty before you do so – it isn’t the same as “dumping toxic emotions” on your audience.) Watching some Brene Brown YouTube clips may be helpful in gaining a better understanding of what it entails.

Purpose and Calling


15 “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV

9 “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices …” Colossians 3:9 NIV

2. NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

You’re always communicating something – even when you’re not saying a word. There is

a well-documented study by Albert Mehrabian in 1976 that states 55% of communication

is body language, 38% is tone of voice and only 7% of the actual words spoken. This is

especially true when your communication is incongruent (for example if you’re saying

one thing but actually believe something else, the listener will give more weight to your

body language and tone than the words spoken.) For that reason, it is advisable that

you’re authentic when you communicate. Here are some ways that you can effectively

communicate in a non-verbal way:

2.1 Active listening skills

• The power of silence

Silence can be a powerful strategy for creating space to encourage people to volunteer

information. Allow a small silence when you’ve asked a question – give people an

opportunity to ponder the question before breaking the silence.

19 “My dearest brothers and sisters, take this to heart: Be quick to listen, but slow to speak. And be slow to become

angry,” James 1:19 TPT

13 “Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation.” Proverbs 18:13 TPT

• Ways to show that you’re paying attention and listening

Look at the speaker directly when they’re speaking. Put aside distracting thoughts (sometimes it helps to take notes to help stay focused – when appropriate). Don’t mentally prepare a rebuttal while the other person is speaking. You might miss some vital information. Pay attention to the speaker’s body language – do they appear engaged, nervous, angry, or shy?

Nod occasionally

Maintain good eye contact

Smile and use other facial expressions

Be self-aware of your own posture (important!),

e.g. are your arms folded or “open”, are you

facing the speaker or slightly turned away?

Encourage the speaker with little words and

gestures

Purpose and Calling


• Ask Clarifying Questions

Open-ended questions are a powerful tool to get more information. When you ask

questions that can’t be answered by a simple “yes” or “no”, it gives you greater

insight in how the person is feeling and responding to you.

Closed Questions: Answered by a quick “yes” or “no”, these questions are great

when time is a factor and you need to gather information quickly. It’s not

helpful when you want more than surface information.

3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION There will be situations where you need to communicate in writing. Some examples are: email, text message (SMS), social media (Facebook, twitter, etc), assignments, filling in forms, etc. (Feel free to add to this list.) In these circumstances you will need to consider the best

form or medium to use to appropriately convey your message. For example, if you’re planning a group session

and you’re sending invitations out, you’ll need to consider your target audience and their preferred medium/platform. Sometimes you may need to send out a quick sms to “save the date” and then follow up with a more informative and invitational email or via social media. If you’re making a presentation and you’re adding notes, you may want to consider adding visuals to make it more interesting.

While we mostly expect positive reaction to our communications, people may respond in a range of unforeseen ways.

4. BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATING Sometimes, despite your best intentions and

preparation, the message you intended doesn’t

come across like you planned. There are many

reasons why giving or receiving messages may

be distorted. Here are a few of them, but feel

free to add your own:

• Fear of offending

• Feeling uncomfortable about expressing your emotions

• Messages are misinterpreted by the listener

• Lack of knowledge about a subject/topic being discussed

• Nonverbal behaviour (e.g. body language such as looking around, tapping, closed

posture to name a few)

• Jumping to conclusions before the end of the conversation (pre-judging and

criticising)

• Thoughts wandering

• Prematurely focusing on own response before the person is done speaking

• Arguing and debating (as opposed to asking clarifying questions)

Purpose and Calling


• Overwhelming stress: Take a “mini time-out” by having a sip of water to help you

gather your thoughts

• mistrust

• Message not prepared for or adapted to the target audience

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you,

so you also must forgive” Colossians 3:13 ESV

“Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on

you, live peaceably with all” Romans 12:17 ESV

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above

is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:16-17

ESV

5. HOW MAY PEOPLE RESPOND? Have you ever noticed that some people do not respond to your communication in a way that you expected? We are all different and have different ways of engaging with other people and the messages they communicate. There are many reasons for this … one reason for this is that we have different personality traits to other people … another reason is that we can have significantly different life experiences and can filter messages through our life experiences … perhaps there are barriers in our

communication (see above) … the reasons are endless and varied. Below are some examples of different ways people may respond to our message:

• Positively and enthusiastically

• Negatively and critical

• Interested and curious for more information

• Sceptical and need more details to understand

It is helpful to understand that people are different and that our communication is

sometimes received differently to the way intended. Understanding this can help us be

prepared for a variety of responses and ultimately help the other person understand

what we are communicating.

Sources:

http://www.internetevangelismday.com/engel-scale.php https://bettermindbodysoul.com/effective-communication-techniques/ http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm https://www2.cortland.edu/dotAsset/cla635f6-a099-4ede-8fl5-79b86e315088.pdf https://owl.english/purdue.edu/owl/resource/694/01/ http://stephenonbible.blogspot.com.au/2009/03/biblical-principles-for-healthy.html https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/communication-god-gave-us-two-ears-and-one-mouth/ http://sourcesofinsight.com/how-to-understand-the-way-people-respond/

http://www.internetevangelismday.com/engel-scale.php

https://bettermindbodysoul.com/effective-communication-techniques/

http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm

https://www2.cortland.edu/dotAsset/cla635f6-a099-4ede-8fl5-79b86e315088.pdf

https://owl.english/purdue.edu/owl/resource/694/01/

http://stephenonbible.blogspot.com.au/2009/03/biblical-principles-for-healthy.html

https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/communication-god-gave-us-two-ears-and-one-mouth/

https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/communication-god-gave-us-two-ears-and-one-mouth/

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