Purpose and Passion

[Coaching Lesson #5 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Developing Trusting Relationships, Phase 2]

Having a purpose is to aim or intend to do something. It is what a person is trying to accomplish or become. Our purpose is our life’s goal. It answers the question: What business am I in?

Passion is a strong feeling, enthusiasm, or excitement for or about something or someone.

How are purpose and passion interrelated? Being passionate about our purpose is essential if we are to achieve our goals. You cannot be truly effective as a leader without being passionate about what you are doing. Passion provides us with energy. It helps drive the vision and ignites others to take part. It also raises our ability to influence others. Many leaders fail because they have very little passion about what they are doing.

Paul: A Man of Purpose and Passion (Philippians 3:7-10)

Paul accomplished great things for his Lord and the Kingdom. His efforts were instrumental in firmly establishing the early Church. Pursuing his purpose with passion caused him to carry out the work that he did.

Effective leaders, like Paul, are those who have figured out what they stand for. They have identified their purpose and pursue it with great enthusiasm. Paul devoted his life to knowing and following Christ. That was his purpose, mission, and passion; it shaped all that he did.

What is your purpose and your passion—the “one” thing to which you will surrender all—that will motivate you like the Apostle Paul?

Discussion Questions:

1. As a Christian leader, where should your purpose come from (WHO gives us our purpose)?
2. Why is it necessary for a leader to clearly define their purpose/mission for their followers?
3. Why is it important, as a leader, to be passionate about our mission/purpose? How does it help us influence people?