Know Your Strengths
‘For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.’ Romans 12:4-6
Have you ever completed the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment test?
Self-awareness in a leader is very important, and I have done several personality tests over the years which have given me a better read of how I’m wired. But I particularly like the StrengthsFinder test because it focusses on identifying your top gifts and talents. After all, it’s always good to know what you’re good at! Of course, knowing your weaknesses and being prepared to work on them is an essential part of self-awareness, but recognising your natural abilities can encourage you to use them more confidently.
According to StrengthsFinder, my top two strengths are that I’m analytical and an activator. These are traits that have served me well in church leadership. Simply put, I can understand a problem and then initiate a response. Deb’s strengths are empathy and intellection, which explains why she is both nicer and cleverer than me!
Last night I gathered with the King’s eldership team, as we continue to grapple with the challenge and privilege of leading King’s Church together. Our subject matter was wide-ranging and included the future of Newfrontiers, plans for the next 10 years at King’s, and a diversity series starting in the autumn. As we discussed the issues before us, I noticed again how my analytical and activator strengths were being reflected in the conversations. But it was also good to see the different and equally valuable strengths of the other elders in the room. I am very grateful for these friends who serve our church as elders and for the different gifts each brings to the table.
It was an encouraging evening, which we finished by praying for Andrew Wilson as he goes off on sabbatical.
