Personal Giftedness (SHAPES) | Description
Some theorists have characterized the poor as having little concern for the future and preferring to “live for the moment;” others see them engaging in self-defeating behavior. Still other theorists have characterized the poor as fatalists, resigning themselves to a culture of poverty in which nothing can be done to change their economic outcomes. In this culture of poverty—which passes from generation to generation—the poor feel negative, inferior, passive, hopeless, and powerless.
IMPACT’s goal is to provide individuals and families with the tools they need to break out of generational poverty. Furthermore, we want to help them take it to the next level, with insight into how they are gifted to be a blessing to others.
According to Mental Health Digest, “Helping others can enhance the individual’s own sense of joyfulness, emotional resilience and vigor, and reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness.”
Many of us have felt the joy of sharing with others. But for those who are merely trying to survive a life of disorder and instability, benevolence is often something that is rarely experienced.
By the time individuals enroll in our SHAPE class, they have been equipped with tools for organizing their finances, strengthening their communication skills, setting goals, and many other skills they can put to use on their path to reaching their full potential. For some, this is the first time they’ve ever entertained the notion that they may have specific gifts that are unique and valuable, and can be used in service to others. They learn that God has blessed each believer with: Spiritual gifts, Heart (passion), Abilities, Personality, and Experience which combine to offer their own unique contribution to the furthering of His kingdom. The SHAPE class helps them discover the ministries for which God has “shaped” them.
The first group of graduates completed the course in the fall of 2010. Over 60% of the participants are intentionally using their personal giftedness to be a blessing to others. We’re excited about the enthusiasm we’ve seen as a result of these students’ desires to use their God-given SHAPEs.
The cost for IMPACT to offer the Personal Giftedness class for up to 20 adults is $4550 for four sessions over a two-week period. Individuals can learn about their spiritual gifts, heart passion, abilities, personality and experience for our investment of only $11 per person per 2-hour session. The students leave this class with a new sense of positive, active, hopeful engagement in their community.
