Uncovering Your Calling: How to Identify Your Passions, Gifts, and Talents
What if the restlessness you feel isn’t a burden but a breadcrumb? A clue leading you to the unique role God has carved out for you in His grand story? For years, I wrestled with that question, staring at a life that felt like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. I was a marketing manager in Cincinnati, good at my job, but something gnawed at me—a sense that I was made for more. Maybe you’ve felt it too: a quiet whisper that your passions, gifts, and talents are waiting to be uncovered, not just for your sake, but for your city’s. At Cities Project Global (CPG), we believe that discovering these treasures is the first step to transforming the world around you—one leader, one community at a time.
The Day I Stopped Running from the Whisper
My journey started on a rainy Tuesday, stuck in traffic, when I heard a sermon on the radio about the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The speaker’s voice cut through the static: “God doesn’t bury your gifts—you do when you ignore them.” Ouch. I’d spent years chasing promotions, thinking success was the answer, but that day, I realized I’d buried something deeper—my passion for storytelling and my knack for connecting people. I’d dismissed them as “nice-to-haves,” not tools God could use. Have you ever done that? Shoved your quirks or dreams into a drawer because they didn’t fit the mold?
At CPG, we see this all the time in our Leadership Circles—Christian leaders who’ve muted their unique wiring because it didn’t look “spiritual” enough. But here’s the twist: God’s story isn’t just about pastors or missionaries. It’s about you—the teacher, the entrepreneur, the artist—bringing His kingdom into every sphere of society, from boardrooms to classrooms.
Three Steps to Dig Up Your Design
So how do you unearth your passions, gifts, and talents? Let me share what I learned, now woven into CPG’s mission to awaken leaders like you:
- Listen to What Lights You Up
Think back to a moment you felt fully alive. For me, it was organizing a community event where strangers became friends over shared stories. What about you? Is it solving problems, creating beauty, or serving others? Your passion often hides in what energizes you, even if it feels small. In our Leadership Circles, we ask participants to name these sparks—because they’re clues to your purpose. - Ask Others What They See
I was blind to my own strengths until a coworker said, “You’re a natural at rallying people.” Sometimes, your gifts are obvious to everyone but you. Ask a friend, mentor, or family member: “What do I do well that I don’t even notice?” You might be surprised. CPG’s community approach thrives on this—leaders reflecting God’s image back to one another. - Test It in the Real World
Passion and talent grow when you use them. I started small, volunteering to lead a discussion group at church. It was messy, but I saw lives shift—including mine. CPG’s Leadership Circles are built for this: a safe space to experiment with your gifts, whether you’re in Cairo or California, and see how they ripple into your city.
From Cincinnati to a Bigger Story
That rainy day led me to a Leadership Circle, where I discovered my talents weren’t just for me—they were for Cincinnati. Today, I help professionals weave faith into their work, renewing our city one connection at a time. CPG’s vision is 700 united cities like this, fueled by leaders who’ve dared to dig up their design.
So, what’s your whisper saying? Your passions, gifts, and talents aren’t accidents—they’re God’s invitation to join His renewal project. Take the first step: explore a Leadership Circle near you, and let’s uncover your role together.
Ready to start? Find a Leadership Circle or connect with us: [Leadership Circle Connect].