If you have ever played a sport that required the use of a bat, club, or racket, there’s a better than average chance you know what is meant by “sweet spot.” When the ball makes contact with the bat on its “sweet spot,” it almost always produces great results—often better than anticipated.
Experience has taught me that ministry has its own sweet spot. It speaks of that place where one’s God-given gifts and passions perfectly connect with a ministry opportunity. Let me illustrate:
In 1992 I traveled to Vancouver B.C. for a two day conference on coaching. At the time, my understanding of coaching was limited to the world of sports. As I sat in that room listening to the two speakers unpack a “new” definition of coaching—life coaching, I said to myself, “That’s me! I can do this.” I had found my sweet spot—that place where my personality, skills, and passion could best be used for God’s purposes.
Another illustration: A middle-aged husband, father of two and a builder by trade, had been around the church all his life, helping out wherever and whenever possible. Yet, he had never found his sweet spot, that place where he felt that his gifts and passion were being used in the best way possible. However, that all changed when he was given the opportunity to help remodel homes on a Native Indian Reservation in South Dakota. By the end of that first weekend, he headed home exhausted…and yet exhilarated. He had found his sweet spot.
Keep these thoughts in mind as you search for your sweet spot:
- “Test drive” different ministry opportunities. You won’t always know until you try.
- Invite God into the discussion. He wants you to be fulfilled in your ministry.
- Enlist a coach, someone who can help you unpack your own thoughts and passions.
- Do some self-reflecting; get to know yourself; jot down your thoughts.
- Don’t give up. There is a sweet spot for you.