Overview of S.H.A.P.E. by Rick Warren

S.H.A.P.E., an acronym created by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, helps individuals discover their unique design for serving God. Based on Ephesians 2:10, it highlights that God has uniquely gifted each person to do good works prepared in advance. The acronym stands for Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences.

S.H.A.P.E. Acronym Breakdown

The S.H.A.P.E. acronym offers a framework for understanding how God has uniquely designed each individual. Each letter represents a key aspect of a person’s makeup: Spiritual Gifts, Heart (passions), Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. Exploring these elements helps in discovering one’s purpose.

Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God to believers for the purpose of sharing His love and serving others. These gifts are not natural talents, but rather supernatural endowments empowered by the Holy Spirit. They are designed to equip Christians for specific roles within the church and the broader community, enabling them to contribute to the building up of the body of Christ.

These gifts are diverse, ranging from teaching and leadership to serving and encouragement. Discovering one’s spiritual gifts is a crucial step in understanding how God intends for them to be used. It is a journey of self-discovery guided by prayer, study of scripture, and involvement in ministry.

Recognizing and utilizing spiritual gifts allows individuals to experience fulfillment and effectiveness in their service to God. By embracing their unique calling, Christians can make a significant impact on the world around them, demonstrating the love and grace of God in tangible ways. Spiritual gifts are a testament to God’s intentional design for each believer.

Heart (Passions)

In the context of S.H.A.P.E., “Heart” refers to the passions and desires that God has placed within each individual. These passions are not merely fleeting interests, but rather deep-seated inclinations towards certain activities, causes, or areas of service. They are the things that ignite our enthusiasm and bring us a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Understanding our passions is essential for aligning our lives with God’s calling. When we engage in activities that resonate with our heart, we are more likely to experience joy and effectiveness in our service. Our passions can guide us towards specific ministries or areas where we can make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Identifying our passions often involves introspection and reflection. It requires us to consider what truly excites us, what problems we are drawn to solve, and what causes we are passionate about supporting. By paying attention to our inner desires, we can gain valuable insights into how God intends for us to use our gifts and abilities. It’s about finding where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.

Abilities

Within the S.H.A.P.E. framework, “Abilities” encompass the natural talents and skills that God has bestowed upon each individual. These are the innate capacities that come relatively easily to us, the things we are naturally good at doing. Abilities can range from practical skills like problem-solving and organization to creative talents like writing, music, or art.

Recognizing and developing our abilities is crucial for effective service. When we utilize our natural talents, we are able to contribute more efficiently and effectively to the work of God’s kingdom. Our abilities can be honed and refined through practice and training, allowing us to maximize our potential and make a greater impact.

Discovering our abilities often involves exploring different activities and seeking feedback from others. It requires us to be open to new experiences and willing to step outside of our comfort zones. By identifying our strengths and areas of aptitude, we can strategically position ourselves to serve in ways that align with our natural gifts. This allows us to not only excel in our service but also experience a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Personality

In the context of S.H.A.P.E., personality refers to the unique blend of traits, temperaments, and characteristics that define who we are. It is the way we naturally interact with the world, how we relate to others, and our preferred style of communication. Understanding our personality helps us to better understand our strengths and weaknesses, as well as how we can best contribute to a team or organization.

Different personalities thrive in different environments and roles. Some people are naturally outgoing and enjoy working with others, while others are more introverted and prefer tasks that allow for independent work. Some are detail-oriented and excel in structured settings, while others are more creative and thrive in flexible environments.

Recognizing our personality type can help us to identify the types of service that align with our natural inclinations. When we serve in ways that are compatible with our personality, we are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and effective. It also helps us to understand how to work with others who have different personality types, fostering better communication and collaboration. Embracing our personality and leveraging it for service allows us to make a unique and valuable contribution to God’s kingdom.

Experiences

Experiences, within the S.H.A.P.E. framework, encompass the various events, encounters, and lessons learned throughout our lives. These experiences, both positive and negative, shape our perspectives, develop our skills, and mold us into who we are today. They contribute significantly to our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Life experiences can include education, work, relationships, travel, challenges, and triumphs. Each experience provides opportunities for growth, learning, and the development of unique insights. The way we respond to these experiences, and the lessons we glean from them, contribute to our overall wisdom and understanding.

Our experiences can equip us to serve others in specific ways. For example, someone who has overcome a personal struggle may be uniquely qualified to offer support and encouragement to others facing similar challenges. Someone who has traveled extensively may have a broader understanding of different cultures and be better equipped to serve in cross-cultural settings. By reflecting on our experiences, we can identify the ways in which God has prepared us to make a difference in the lives of others. Embracing our past, we can step into our purpose with confidence and compassion.

The Purpose Driven Life and S.H.A.P.E.

Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life” and the S.H.A.P.E. assessment are intrinsically linked, offering a comprehensive approach to discovering God’s unique purpose for each individual. “The Purpose Driven Life” outlines five fundamental purposes for every Christian: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. S.H.A.P.E. serves as a tool to understand how God has equipped each person to fulfill these purposes.

The book emphasizes that God has a specific role for every believer, and the S.H.A.P.E. assessment helps identify the skills and passions that align with that calling. By understanding one’s spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences, individuals can discover the areas where they can serve most effectively.

S.H.A.P.E. helps Christians understand how they are uniquely designed to contribute to God’s kingdom. It empowers them to make a difference in the world by using their specific talents. The Purpose Driven Life provides the framework for understanding God’s overall purposes, while S.H.A.P.E. helps to determine the individual’s role within that framework. Together, they offer a roadmap for living a life of purpose, impact, and fulfillment, aligned with God’s plan.

Erik Rees and S.H.A.P.E.

Erik Rees significantly contributed to the understanding and application of the S.H.A.P.E. principles, initially developed by Rick Warren. Rees expanded upon the concept, creating resources to help people discover their unique blend of spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences. He dedicated over 15 years to helping individuals identify and utilize their God-given S.H.A.P.E., particularly at Saddleback Church.

Following the tragic loss of his daughter Jessie to cancer in 2011, Rees continued to inspire others. He channeled his grief into helping families and became the CEO of the Jessie Rees Foundation, furthering Jessie’s mission of encouraging children battling cancer to “Never Ever Give Up.”

Rees developed a book and course inspired by S.H.A.P.E., guiding people through the process of uncovering their personal design and living a life aligned with God’s purposes. His work offers practical challenges that help individuals tap into their passions, talents, and experiences, leading to a life of purpose. Through his work, Rees made S.H.A.P.E. accessible and impactful for countless people.

Discovering Your Unique S.H.A.P.E.

Discovering your unique S.H.A.P.E. involves a thoughtful exploration of five key areas: Spiritual Gifts, Heart (passions), Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. This process helps you understand how God has specifically designed you to serve Him and others. Recognizing your S.H.A.P.E. reveals your purpose and provides direction for making a meaningful contribution in the world.

Begin by identifying your spiritual gifts, the special abilities God has given you to share His love and serve. Reflect on your heart, paying attention to the things you are passionate about and what truly motivates you. Consider your natural abilities and talents, the things you do well and enjoy. Assess your personality, recognizing your unique traits and how you interact with others. Finally, examine your life experiences, both positive and negative, and how they have shaped you.

Several resources, including assessments and study guides, are available to assist you in this journey. By understanding your S.H.A.P.E., you can align your actions with your unique design, leading to a life of fulfillment and impact.