Aligning Personal Goals with Ministry and Mission

Aligning mission and vision with personal and educational goals is a journey deeply rooted in one's beliefs and aspirations. For many, this alignment can be profound, shaping their life’s purpose and direction. This article explores how personal goals intertwine with the mission to spread the word of God, especially in the context of overcoming challenges like dyslexia.

From Dyslexia to Mission

Life can be a series of challenges, and for some, these challenges shape their mission and goals. For instance, growing up with dyslexia, one's initial vision of a future filled with conventional career paths might be obscured. However, this does not necessarily destine one to a life without purpose or direction. As reflected in the story, discovering and embracing one's mission can be a transformative journey. In this case, the mission to spread the message of Christ and make disciples aligns perfectly with a lifelong goal of solving problems and helping others, represented by the roles of a Quality Specialist, consultant, and counselor.

The Mission in Life

But what is the mission of a life dedicated to spreading the message of God? It is clear that the mission goes beyond a simplistic understanding of discipleship. As the Bible teaches (Matthew 28:19-20), “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This mission encompasses not just the act of spreading the message but also the spiritual transformation of beings. The task is to lead people to an awareness of their true potential and the path to that potential, as expressed by the statement, "Bringing people into an awareness of where we are—and how good it could become."

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Nevertheless, the journey to mission and vision is not without its obstacles. The author of this article faced significant personal challenges. At age 64 and having faced brain cancer and Long COVID, the primary personal mission became one of survival. This balance between a larger mission and personal health is a common theme in many lives. Despite these challenges, the underlying mission remained alive, guiding the individual to stay alive long enough to fulfill their mission of teaching and helping others.

The Journey from Child to Son

The journey of discovery and transformation is a lifelong process. For the author, it began with seeking knowledge of Christ as a child and concluded with a deeper understanding and acceptance of their role in the world. The process of learning, both formally and informally, eventually led to the realization of a lifelong goal. The personal mission of staying alive until at least age 80 is intertwined with the broader mission of helping others and spreading the message of Christ.

Concluding Thoughts

The alignment of mission and personal goals is a journey that is deeply personal and often deeply spiritual. It involves overcoming challenges, both internal and external, and finding a purpose that transcends individual limitations. Whether it is the mission to spread the word of God or a personal mission to survive and thrive, the alignment of these goals can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life. The journey may be long and filled with challenges, but the end goal—a life lived with purpose and meaning—can be worthwhile.

For those facing similar challenges, it is important to recognize that one’s struggles can be a precursor to a greater mission. By aligning personal goals with a broader mission, one can find a way forward, even in the face of adversity.

Keywords: mission, vision, personal goals, dyslexia, ministry