Gifts Discernment

“…our mission is not something [God] will reveal; it is something [God] has already revealed. It is not written in the sky; it is to be found written in our members.” Richard Bolles, How to Find Your Mission in Life

The word discernment is rooted in Latin words that mean “to sort out.” Discernment involves our senses, intellect, emotions, imagination, and intuition. Discernment is rooted in our relationship with God. It calls us to be vulnerable and open to surprise.

Discernment does not set the course of our lives permanently, instead it invites us into next steps we believe are consistent with the deepest realities of who we are.

Discerning gifts in community requires us to pay deep attention to who we really are – our most authentic selves, both individually and as a community. Such attention leads to a deeper understanding of the unfolding of God’s presence and energy within us.

Discernment requires us to move beyond a simply intellectual analysis or a temporary feeling or the need for a quick fix. Instead it requires us to sort through layers of our wants and wishes as we gradually uncover our deepest desires and most authentic selves and align our commitments with these discoveries.

The process of discernment is simple and profound. At its heart is the act of listening. By inviting often unheard voices to be heard and inviting those used to talking, to listen, these conversations are powerful tools of change. They encourage people, sometimes for the very first time, to think about and ‘discover’ what they have to offer those around them.

When approaching gifts discernment, it’s important to incorporate a menu of methods.

The materials in this section can be used by facilitators for gifts discovery during retreats, seminars, Faith Formation programming, or whatever forum is appropriate to the community.

From a theological perspective, assets may be better defined as God-given gifts. In general, we divide gifts into four categories:

• Hand – those things you can do with your hands
• Head – those things you are good at with your brain, skills, knowledge, experiences, imagination, personality
• Heart – those things about which you are passionate, faith, hope, love
• Human – health, friendships, associations, networks, culture, traditions, influence, and important relationships in your neighborhood, community, and beyond – people you can ask to get things done

Isaiah 64:8 – …we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.