[Joi shares her response to David’s last blog post]
In David’s last blog, he challenged us to think about helping a person grow. But how can we actually help people grow? Since this is a large part of our calling as multiplying “disciple-makers”, it’s worth a think. Yet, because people are naturally very complex, the process can seem daunting.
What if we focus on growing an area of capacity and calling rather than on improving an area of great weakness?
When we start looking for an area of growth, we often look for places of weakness. But God has called us and equipped us in certain ways. He values these gifts. So, increasing our capacity in what we do well is a good investment.
The best opportunity for people to grow and develop — and net the greatest return on investment — is to identify the ways in which they most naturally think, feel and behave, and then build on those talents to create “strengths”. And, knowing one’s own dominant talents and strengths and those of others is an easy way to improve one’s own self-awareness and understanding of others.
I’ve been using a resource, “StrengthsFinder”, that helps me identify the natural “strengths” of individuals. I’ve found that when we better understand how God has hard-wired a person, we are more able to recognize areas for concrete development. When we better understand how a person is gifted to serve others, to live out the functions of Christ’s body, we can better focus on realistic places for growth. Identifying the growth need is an important part of the process. Then, one can describe ways to demonstrate tangible increments of improvement. And, then begin working a growth plan.
Let’s go back to David’s challenge: What could this person become if they gave energy to this one area of their life and ministry?
Consider using assessments like “StrengthsFinder” (and others) to help us perceive “this one area”. Take time to investigate the area for growth. It honours the Father to invest in His creation. Our Father will give us His glasses to help us see an individual’s need and potential. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit, who knows us much better than ourselves, gives us much wisdom as we invest in this important process.
Filed under: Development, One another commands, Strengths |
Thoughts Along The Journey 
Well said Joi…Thank you for this.
Awareness of ourselves is key. I have always loved WT’s embracing of each person’s uniqueness as a value in doing church planting and Team together.
Hello Gwen, Yes, self awareness is important for working together in church planting teams. What have you done to increase your self-awareness – especially of how God has wired you?
While growing and developing many of us were influenced by the finger of parents, teachers, and peers pointing out our weaknesses. We embraced the lie that if we could turn our weaknesses into strengths, we would be accepted and successful.
It is so liberating and encouraging to have someone point to a strength and affirm us. I might not be able to cook, preach or run as good as others, but I can worship God by using the ability He gave me to bring Him glory and serve others.
Thanks Joi for helping to change our mindset from focusing on weaknesses to developing strengths.
Yes, Albert, our inner voice can easily point out ‘weaknesses’. And, God wants us to grow which means improving possible weak areas of our heart. That is a life-long journey.
Like you said, focusing on the Strengths or natural talents God has given opens up more possibilities for serving and glorifying Him.
I have used several tools including Strength Finder 2.0
They have a 12 week challenge on their website I saw today where you can get a question per week to ask others or yourself to find areas of strength.
Would love to trade notes on this sometime 🙂
Great suggestion Gwen! Hopefully Joi will take you up on sharing notes .