C
CDB1718
Guest
Father Edward Cimbala gave a great talk on the blue print for church growth, which talked a lot about finding our spiritual gifts. It was highly praised by those who were in attendance for its practical guidance. I included some highlights below, but all my notes are at the link.
Fr. Ed Cimbala’s Talk at Encounter 2012 West
When we first recognize our desire to live as Christians, we do it like the 10th leper (re: Luke 17:15). We run to God and jump in! Then we tire and burn out. Then our service to God and our relationship with him starts feeling like it is going nowhere. We’re spinning in place because in all this we haven’t discerned where God wants us.
When we discern our gifts, we’ll be able to be good leaders.
• Your own passions, gifts, and style will energize you and allow you to enjoy the work.
Your passion might be for a group (children, homeless, moms…), or for an issue (abortion…), or with functions (assisting with liturgy, being a prayer warrior…)
• Everyone can have a passion. A passion isn’t necessarily loud or active.
Don’t think or say you’re too old, too young, of the wrong gender, nash…
• Let’s not step on passion. Let it happen!
When people come to him and say, “You know what we should be doing?” (which usually means, “Do you know what I think you should be doing, Father?), he listens and says, “That’s a great idea! Have at it!”
Passion helps you know where to serve and direct your gifts.
How to Discover our Spiritual Gifts
What we are to do:
• Identify your personality
• Identify your spiritual gifts
• Identify what God wants you to do
• Grow in your relationship with Christ
• Pass it on
Fr. Ed Cimbala’s Talk at Encounter 2012 West
When we first recognize our desire to live as Christians, we do it like the 10th leper (re: Luke 17:15). We run to God and jump in! Then we tire and burn out. Then our service to God and our relationship with him starts feeling like it is going nowhere. We’re spinning in place because in all this we haven’t discerned where God wants us.
When we discern our gifts, we’ll be able to be good leaders.
• Your own passions, gifts, and style will energize you and allow you to enjoy the work.
Your passion might be for a group (children, homeless, moms…), or for an issue (abortion…), or with functions (assisting with liturgy, being a prayer warrior…)
• Everyone can have a passion. A passion isn’t necessarily loud or active.
Don’t think or say you’re too old, too young, of the wrong gender, nash…
• Let’s not step on passion. Let it happen!
When people come to him and say, “You know what we should be doing?” (which usually means, “Do you know what I think you should be doing, Father?), he listens and says, “That’s a great idea! Have at it!”
Passion helps you know where to serve and direct your gifts.
How to Discover our Spiritual Gifts
- Prayer
o Fr. Ed had difficulty with this one. His confessor told him to set his iPhone timer for 15 minutes, to set it aside, and then to pray. He found this very helpful because he no longer had to think about how long he had prayed and he could focus on his prayers. He now shares this with others in case it helps someone else. - Trial and Error
o There is nothing wrong with failure. - Ask someone
o What do you see in me? Watch out! Your friends and family will be honest, but that’s what you need. - Assessment tools online
o Don’t take it to heart, but see what they recommend and discuss it with your pastor.
What we are to do:
• Identify your personality
• Identify your spiritual gifts
• Identify what God wants you to do
• Grow in your relationship with Christ
• Pass it on