INTRODUCTION

 

This weekend we introduced the final two ingredients of the SHAPE acronym—the “P” of Personality and the “E” of Experiences. This week we will be exploring both of these areas to help us pinpoint our God-given purpose and assignments. Keep in mind that because we are doing a personality assessment, the study will take a bit longer to complete. With that in mind, let’s jump in!

 

WEEKLY FOCUS

 

This week we will . . .

 

• STUDY: Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15 & Ephesians 1:4

• EXPLORE: Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type

• READ: The Purpose Driven Life: Day 31 (part) “Understanding Your Shape” and Day 32 “Using What God Gave You”

• REFLECT: On how your unique personality and life experiences shape you

 

STUDY

 

This weekend we reviewed Psalm 139 to see how God shapes each of us over the course of our lives to carry out His purposes. Now we are going to read three short verses in the New Century Version. (You can find this version on the YouVersion Bible app or at Biblegateway.com.)

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• First read Jeremiah 1:5 & Galatians 1:15. In these verses, both Jeremiah and Paul share a clear sense that God had chosen them for a specific purpose. What impact do you think this had on their lives and ministries?

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• Now read Ephesians 1:4. In this passage, Paul describes God’s purpose for all our lives. What difference do you think it makes in our lives when we realize we too have been chosen before time for a specific purpose?

 

EXPLORE

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This week you will be taking an online assessment to help you discover your Myers-Briggs Personality Type. This will take about 15 minutes to complete. As you take the test, try not to overthink your answers. Also, keep in mind that the goal of this assessment is to discover your “true self.” For example, someone who is an “introvert” may talk to everyone at a work party—for the purpose of networking. However, if that same person were at a party of his/her own choosing, they may prefer to find one or two friends to talk with for the whole evening. This second example would be their “true self.” When you answer these ques- tions, try to answer them as your “true self”—rather than how your circumstances or career requires you to be. This will lead to more accurate results. And remember, there are no right and wrong answers! The goal is simply to help you discover your personality preferences.

Instructions​

• To start the test, go to www.truity.com.

• On the menu at the top of the page under Personality Tests, select Personality Test (Myers & Briggs’ 16 Types).

• As you begin, remember to answer as your “true self.”

• When you finish, click on Get My Results, and complete the profile.

• If you want to save your results, follow the instructions.

• Once you complete the profile, you will see your top three potential types. Read each one and see which is the best fit. Then continue to read down the page.

• Note: Several times they will give you the option to Unlock Your Full Report. You do not need to do this. This is simply an option if you want more information about your type. The cost for this optional report is $29, but if you put in the code ONLINE10, you can save $10.

• Make sure to note Your Core Values and Your Key Motivators.

• Continue to scroll down the page and read the section: The Elements of Your Personality. Under this heading, they will explain each preference and break down how often you chose it by percentage. Make sure to read the additional information about the four preferences and how they influence personalities.

• As you reflect on your results, remember, the purpose of this test is to help you discover your true type, but you are the final judge of its accuracy. Sometimes, your preferences will become clearer in time.

• Be sure to write down (or print) your results and bring them to your Life Group this week.

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READ

 

• Read the following days in The Purpose Driven Life. As you read, jot down any insights that you’d like to share with your Life Group this week.

• Day 31:“Understanding Your Shape” (pp. 242-246, Audible 6:56-15:04) (Note: This is only part of the chapter.)

• Day 32: “Using What God Gave You” (pp. 247-253)

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REFLECT

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1) Did you resonate with the results of your personality assessment? Did you learn anything new about yourself? Were there any surprises?

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2) Can you see any implications of how your personality type might impact where you will be most effective in serving the Kingdom?

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3) This week we learned that God uses our Life Experiences to shape us for ministry. Here are seven different types of life experiences:

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• Family

• Educational

• Vocational

• Spiritual

• Ministry

• Painful

• Relational

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Write each of these categories in your journal, but leave space below each one. Now list your experiences in each of these categories. Take a moment to step back and look at what you’ve written. Are there ways (direct or indirect) God might use these experiences to serve Him?

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4) On Day 32 of The Purpose Driven Life, Rick writes,

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When you attempt to serve God in ways you’re not shaped to serve, it feels like forcing a square peg into a round hole. It’s frustrating and produces limited results. It also wastes your time, your talent, and your energy. The best use of your life is to serve God out of your shape. To do this, you must discover your shape, learn to accept and enjoy it, and then develop it to it’s fullest potential.

-The Purpose Driven Life, pp. 247

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Have you ever tried to serve in an area where you felt like you were forcing a square peg into a round hole? Or, have you ever found yourself serving in a ministry that felt like the perfect fit? What did you learn from these experiences?

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5) On Day 31 of The Purpose Driven Life, Rick tells us that God doesn’t waste our hurts. In fact, he points out that often our greatest ministries come from our deepest pains. Have you ever experienced this in your life?

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6) We have now spent five weeks on the acronym SHAPE. Which of our studies on the five areas of SHAPE (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experience) has impacted you the most, and why?

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7) Do you sense the Holy Spirit calling you to take any specific steps towards serving, based on what you’ve learned? If so, jot these down so you can share them with your Life Group this week.

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