Week 5: DISCERNMENT OF PURPOSE

Project Transformation has long used this quote by Frederick Buechner as a way to define purpose and vocation, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Here’s how we build a culture of helping children, youth, young adults and adults discern their God-given purpose:

• We believe everyone has unique gifts, passions, and talents endowed by God
• We believe God can use our unique gifts, passions, and talents for a greater purpose of ministry and service in the world
• We foster an intentional environment of practice and self-reflection
• We encourage and empower self-discovery and cultivation of gifts, passions, and talents so young people discern their vocation

Catch the vision of Project Transformation and continue to discern your purpose!

LEARN: Over 2,000 young adults have served and discerned their purpose at Project Transformation since 1998. One alumni states, “I can’t begin to capture how much PT impacted me. It helped me discern a call to ministry. It also helped open my eyes to the power of the communities we were serving in.” Learn about Project Transformation’s collective impact on interns and alumni here!

 ACT: In the busyness of daily tasks and errands, when was the last time you had a conversation about your purpose with your best friend or your partner? The great Howard Thurman, in his baccalaureate address at Morehouse College, stated, “There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.” Take some time to actively listen to “the sound of the genuine” in yourself and in those closest to you this week.

REFLECT: Reflect on the Buechner quote: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”  Take some time to journal in response to the following questions: What makes your heart truly glad?  When and where are you your most joyful?  When do you most feel like your passions are helping those around you?  Where do you see the world’s deep hunger, it’s greatest needs?  What issues or needs in your community break your heart and make you want to help?