DENNIS GINGERICH

Several years ago when I first read John Elderedge’s book “Wild at Heart,” a couple sentences really grabbed my attention. “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” What makes you come alive? In other words, what is your passion? Knowing the answer is necessary to write your personal mission statement.

Passion is the fuel of life. It’s the great source of energy and drive. It’s what makes us explore new places, new relationships and seek solutions to perplexing problems. Unfortunately many people – especially men – possess very little awareness of their deepest inner drives and motivations. (from Halftime workshop handout).

I’ve met a lot of people who don’t have a clue what really makes them tick. They’ve spent so much time just trying to live up to the demands and responsibilities they’ve been handed, there has been little to no effort given to discover their real passions.

What causes, issues and groups of people are you most concerned for? What change do you most want to help bring to the world? Halftime leaders like Lloyd Reeb speak of the Passion Spectrum. There are four points of reference:

• Needs – Recognize thousands
• Concerns – Sensitive to many
• Burdens – Impressed by a few
• Passions – Moved deeply by one or two

While you may recognize hundreds of needs and be sensitive to many concerns, you are only impressed by a few burdens. And if you are like most people I know, you are only moved deeply by one or two passions.

I’ve noticed that my passions have shifted slightly over the years and I think that is fairly normal. My early years of ministry were intently focused on launching Cape Christian —a contemporary church which reaches young unchurched families. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m still very passionate about that same goal. But I’ve inspired and mentored a whole generation of young leaders to carry out that passion. Now, my greatest mission is to inspire transformissional living in adults over 50. I just can’t stand to see older adults in coasting mode, not growing and not knowing their purpose and mission. There are many needs, concerns and burdens, but this is one of my top passions.

Would you write your top one or two areas of passion? It’s an important first step in writing a personal mission statement.

QUESTION: If you know your top passion, would you please share it with us in the comment section?