Can God Still Use You if You Don't Fit the Mold?
Too Awkward for the Potluck but Still Called by God?
In my early 20s, I was convinced I would partner with God to set the world on fire. I had no idea how this would happen, but I knew with certainty that something big was just over the horizon.
It is funny how age tends to mellow one’s enthusiasm.
A pastor once said, “We start by praying, ‘God, help me change the world.’ Then ‘God, help me change this country.’ Then ‘God, help me change this city.’ Then ‘God, help me change this church.’ Then ‘God, help me change myself.’”
This has been my trajectory as well. My ambitions get smaller with each passing year. Having long since given up changing the entire world, I find myself at the stage of needing to change myself.
While contemplating the next decade of my life, I wonder if there is still a place for me to make a difference in people’s lives and live out my part of the Great Commission.
On Most Days I am a Painful Introvert
I have a confession — I am not a people person.
Don’t get me wrong. I love working with my clients. We have a focus. We are on a mission to build their business. This is easy.
However, I am far from a conversationalist. I probably won’t remember your dog’s name. Unless I write it down, I won’t remember your kids' names, either. Right or wrong, I am just not wired that way.
I live next door to a church and attend the men's group. These guys have invited me to the church fellowship luncheon that happens once a month. I simply can’t bring myself to attend. I would be a fish out of water, sitting at a table by myself, or making painful small talk with a person I don’t know. Not my idea of an enjoyable time.
But, isn’t the church all about being with and around people? All of us living in community with one another? If so, I am poorly equipped for this.
Can God still use me?
I ran a quick search on “Top 10 Models of Leadership in Church” and found this intriguing list.
Servant Leadership
Transformational Leadership
Collaborative Leadership
Authentic Leadership
Spiritual Leadership
Visionary Leadership
Coaching Leadership
Team Leadership
Shepherd Leadership
Missional Leadership
As I read through the deeper descriptions of each type, I could see myself in several categories.
For example, one of the descriptions for Servant Leadership is “commitment to the growth of others.” Yes! That’s me!
For Collaborative Leadership, I see listed, “Emphasizing shared decision-making, teamwork, and inclusivity…” Yes! This is the very approach I took when working with a recent startup company. When done well, it can be a powerful force inside a company.
And in the Spiritual Leadership description, I see, “…prioritizing prayer, spiritual discernment, and reliance on God’s wisdom.” Again, yes!
I found this exercise very helpful and affirming. It seems there is plenty of room for me. Did I receive all the answers I needed in 5 minutes? No. Do I feel better about my place in the world? An absolute yes.
I encourage you to do an exercise like this yourself. Try one of these prompts in your favorite search engine:
Can God still use me?
I feel pigeonholed in my church. What can I do?
Is it too late for God to use me?
Do I have to be a missionary to serve the church?
What are 5 non-traditional ways God can use me?
Yes, these are very deep pools to swim, so give yourself the gift of time. Dig into what the results tell you. Read a few blog entries. Mull them over for a few days.
Please leave us a few comments on what you find.
More Articles in my Substack
5 Signs You’re Hearing from God—Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like It
Guard Your Heart: The Emotional Toll of Building Something That Matters
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