Moments of Discovery

We all go through periods of self discovery from time to time. Moments in our life where we learn new things about ourselves. Sometimes these are difficult revelations but often they bring us new opportunities and adventures through which we continue to grow and learn more about who we are.

Laura and I recently went through a time of Discovery.
We participated in a week long retreat that was suitably named "Discovery Lab." Kairos Church Planting puts on these retreats for couples who feel called to plant churches. It is a week of deep introspective reflection by ourselves and a group of deeply spiritual individuals for the purpose of discovering our gift set and abilities to plant and lead new churches. Laura and I discovered a great deal about ourselves during this week long process. We learned things about ourselves that will help us be successful church planters in London.

But discovery is not always an easy thing. Times of discovery do not always affirm gifts and talents. They sometimes make us aware of growth areas that reside within us that must be developed as we move forward. This is where times of discovery snag most people. It is easy to be affirmed of gifts. It is always fun to be told we are good at something. It is not always easy to hear that we need to grow in certain areas. But it is in these "growth areas" that the true discovery takes place.

These "growth areas" are one of the reasons why Laura and I are here in Nashville. We are called to plant churches in London, however, there are a few growth areas that we, with affirmation from others, have identified and are committed to turning into areas of strength. These are:

• Powerful and captivating teaching and preaching
• Numeric and spiritual growth through the use of small groups
• Building a vibrant 20-30 year old demographic

Working on "growth areas" is hard work. However, the reward for putting in the effort comes in raising ones capacity to succeed.

Which brings me to a question. When was the last time you performed a self-examination, or had others to help in the process, with the purpose of identifying "growth areas" in yourself? I cherish the five days that Laura and I spent in Discovery. And I look forward to future moments of discovery.