Passion discernment

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Vital Passions, Holy Practices:
Passion discernment

Passion is the God-given desire expressed as an intense emotion or enthusiasm that compels us to make a difference in a particular ministry, to work tirelessly on an issue in the community or wider world. When you have a passion for an area of ministry, you are more enthusiastic and motivated to serve. Understanding your passion provides a way to focus your gifts—it helps to answer the question of how, where, and with whom you might serve.

You will work through a series of questions to help you consider your passions, including things like:

  • If you could invest the rest of your life and know you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? What do you think led you to choose that focus?
  • Who are the people whose need touches the depths of your heart?
  • What are some experiences you have had that made you feel fully alive?

You may find that this component of the assessment process is the most difficult. Scripture provides us with a list of the spiritual gifts God shares with us, but passions are much more personal and emotional. Discerning what truly brings you joy can be challenging. As you continue to serve and grow in ministry, your passion will almost certainly become clearer, or even change.