“F ITLY F RAMED ” Session #2 Discovering Your Passion This series was written by the General Home Missions Director, Rev. Carlton L. Coon, Sr.

B IBLE P ERSPECTIVE “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; {20} And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; {21} In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: {22} In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19 ‑ 22

F OUR O BJECTIVES OF L ESSON O NE 1. Identify the goal of the “Fitly Framed” series. 2. Identify the processes that will be used in “Fitly Framed.” 3. Provide you with two reasons why you should serve. 4. Describe how we should serve.

T WO F OLD P URPOSE FOR S ERVING If you remember, our two-fold purpose for serving is to glorify God and to edify others. Everything we do in ministry must pass the test of: Does this glorify God and edify others?

W HERE ’ S YOUR P ASSION ? Today you will be exposed to the first element in this process: passion (which can also be called “burden,” “dream,” “vision,” and “call”). Passion is the God-given desire that compels us to make a difference. The question “Where should I serve?” is answered by knowing our passion. We will define passion and list its key characteristics.

T HREE I MPORTANT T HINGS 1. Passion is God-given. 2. There is no right or wrong passion. 3. Passion answers the “WHERE” question (where do I serve?). Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Where should I serve?” The answer is found in your passion, dream, burden, vision, or call.

W HERE SHOULD I SERVE ? Passion is the God-given desire that compels us to make a difference in a particular ministry. It gives motivation and energy. The fact that each of us cares deeply about some things more than others is by design. If all of us had the same passion (issues or people), many needs would go unmet.

P SALM 37:3 ‑ 5 NRSV “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. {4} Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. {5} Commit your way to the LORD ; trust in him, and he will act.” Note that it is “your way” that is committed to the Lord. Each of us has a deep desire or longing to make a difference.

A POSTLE P AUL ’ S I NSIGHT The Apostle Paul came to understand that his passion to preach to the Gentiles was not of his own choosing, but was God given: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” (Gal 1:15 ‑ 16 KJV)

“M AKING A D IFFERENCE When you are impassioned or excited about where you are serving or who you are serving, then you will have the motivation and a sense of fulfillment that you are making a difference for the kingdom. You may find it helpful to think of passion as an arena or context for where you would like to make a difference.

S TOP S UPPRESSING I T ! Passion may be suppressed by outside influences, or you may suppress it yourself for whatever reason. In “Fitly Framed” you have permission to simply identify or name your passion. Put aside for a time the restrictions you may feel from having kids, lots of bills, or other duties or responsibilities. Take the “Passion Evaluation.”

D ISCOVERING Discovering one’s passion is not easy for everyone. Remember that this is just the beginning of the process of identifying and clarifying what you are passionate about. As you think, pray, and gain more experience, your passion will become clearer.

I DENTIFYING Y OUR P ASSION Passion Clarification Parable If possible complete the following: I have a passion for _______________. Form groups of three or four and discuss your passion with the others in the group (no family members allowed in your group).

S UMMARY Passion is the God-given desire that compels us to make a difference in a particular ministry. There is no right or wrong passion. Passion answers the “where” question (where should I serve?). Your Passion Evaluation and the huddle time should have helped clarify your passion. We are all at different places in our journey and understanding. That’s okay. Continue to pray for God’s wisdom and insight about your passion.