What a gift it is to study my StrengthsFinder assessment steeped in discussions related to the unique gift God has given me to be his disciple. In late 2011, I and a small group were invited our Pastor to consider developing/adapting a program based on the Living Your Strengths materials from Gallup. (I didn’t think of it as a call then; I do now!)

With Lent just around the corner, it seems appropriate for me to reflect on my Top 5 STRENGTHS– how have I grown since Strengths for the Journey began in the Lenten Season of 2012? More importantly, how will I continue to develop my innate talents to serve the Strengths Community of Saint Clement (Chicago) parish?

1. Strategic

“Make known to me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths” Psalm 25:4

I have met and worked so many people from my parish, and other parishes across the country allowing me to see more paths to engaging people through the strengths community I had ever thought about. Those ideas and resources serve me well as I and others generate plans to move our program and process forward. I am grateful to have in my mind’s eye what it could like going forward and how it fits with other ministries.

Going forward, the pandemic, a new Pastor and many new staff members and parishioners (not yet even seen in person) will require a new or revised strategy for maybe it’s a parallel strategy for maintaining a thriving Strengths Community. I will focus on strengthening the committee I chair with more diversity, more thoughtful planners, and executors.

2. Individualization

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Peter 4:10

Over the ten years of learning and working with strengths, I have affirmed my belief that no matter the differences people bring to our faith community, those differences are unique attributes that will enrich the program, people, and processes. It is so important to relate to each in terms of her/his uniqueness. It also pays off. Thank you, God, for giving me the talent of individualization.

My Lenten focus --learning more about the uniqueness of our New Pastor and his core team. Gratefully I have already learned that he is a champion for StrengthsFinder. I wish it were as easy as it sounds though like so many Pastors in pandemic times, there is little opportunity for face-to-face meetings. I will practice my strength in individualization to learn his communication preferences to discuss our team’s strategy in a way that moves is aligned with his vision.

3. Relator

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Nothing makes me happier than working with a group of people aimed at the same goal. While there have been trying times growing our Strengths for the Journey program it has been successful because of the strong connections that have been formed in our group. For me, the best part has been our growing into a faith centered small group – we pray together for the intentions of each other, for our personal discipleship and for the parish, we strategize together, and we execute the plans.

Though the participation of parishioners’ averages about ninety a year; with an everchanging parish membership it would be wonderful to reach even more. I need to keep looking for ways to meet and develop meaningful relationships with new parishioners, young adults, and others – inviting them to participate in the Strengths learning groups and other ministries. A challenge during the pandemic!

4. Arranger

Plans fail with no counsel, but with many counselors they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Arrangers figure out how to get things done…. over the last ten years we have indeed had many opportunities for just that.

Our challenge for the next few months. Can we, should we, how would we provide strengths learning and development in asynchronous and synchronous ways? What would it take to make it happen? The discussions have begun, and exciting ideas are emerging.

5. Adaptability

Do not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. Matthew 6:34

Could anything have drawn on the theme of Adaptability more than a pandemic? I don’t think so. I wonder if Matthew foresaw Zoom in the future when he said tomorrow will take care of itself. Zoom filled the bill for the years nine and ten of our growing Living Your Strengths program. Our trusty Saint Clement Strengths Team applies their unique gifts to regroup to invite parishioners to join Strengths for the Journey and join they did with better attendance on Zoom than in person.

The pandemic experience has given me confidence to continue modifying our deliver techniques to reach more people, to keep those who have already participated engaged developing their talents AND supporting them to “hear” the call to use their strengths in doing the Lord’s work.

Lord, you have given me strengths to hear and answer your call; help me today and every day to do your work. Amen

The five “CliftonStrengths Theme” names listed above are registered marks of Gallup, Inc.