H - Heart | Doug Elliott
For a printable version of this Message summary, CLICK HERE.
Discovering Your Heart
Have you ever wondered why some things stir your soul while others leave you unmoved? Why do particular needs in the world tug at your heart in ways that others don’t? The answer isn’t random. God designed you with a unique blend of passions, experiences, and gifts that shape the way you live out His calling.
In Colossians 3:23–24, Paul writes:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This passage reminds us that our work and service are deeply spiritual. When we give our whole heart to what God has designed us to do, we step into the life He created for us. That’s the heartbeat of the SHAPE framework: Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences.
Today, let’s focus on the “H”—Heart.
What Does “Heart” Mean in SHAPE?
In everyday language, the heart describes our passions and motivations. We use phrases like brokenhearted, big-hearted, or servant’s heart to capture the depth of what moves us. In a spiritual sense, your heart is the God-given drive that directs where and how you serve.
When you lean into those passions, ministry stops feeling like an obligation and starts becoming a joy.
Five Questions to Help You Discover Your Heart
If you’re not sure what your heart beats for, here are five questions to guide you:
1. What Drives You?
What dreams and desires naturally surface in your thoughts? What motivates you to take action when others might walk away? These are clues to where God is leading you.
2. Who Do You Care About?
Some people feel drawn to children, others to students, the elderly, or the overlooked. Ask yourself: Who do I feel I can influence most profoundly for God?
3. What Needs Will You Meet?
There are countless needs around us, but not every one of them is yours to carry. What needs stir your compassion the most? Which ones bring you joy when you meet them?
4. What Cause Will You Help Conquer?
Sometimes God stirs our hearts for big issues—poverty, injustice, evangelism, mentoring. Which cause makes your heart race?
5. What Dreams Will You Fulfill?
God has placed desires within you for a reason. Some may have been buried by busyness or doubt. Ask yourself: If I had one year left, what would I attempt for God?
The Power of Passion in Ministry
When we serve in areas we’re passionate about, something shifts. We don’t just fill a role—we bring energy, joy, and authenticity. Passion doesn’t replace spiritual gifts or skills, but it fuels them. A gifted teacher without passion may inform people; a gifted teacher with passion will transform people.
Serving from the heart isn’t just about effectiveness—it’s about fulfillment. It’s where you feel most alive because you’re living as God intended.
Questions for Reflection and Community
Discovering your heart is not a solo project. It’s something to explore in community. Here are some questions you can reflect on personally and discuss with others:
What things in life cause your heart to race for God?
What specific group of people does your heart beat for, and why?
What needs do you love meeting on behalf of God?
What cause do you feel drawn to help conquer?
Living Out Your SHAPE
At the end of the day, your heart is not an accident—it’s part of God’s intentional design. You are His masterpiece, created on purpose, for His purpose.
As you take steps to serve from your passions, you’ll discover not only greater joy but also greater impact. The church becomes stronger when each of us brings our God-given SHAPE to the table.
So lean in. Reflect. Pray. Talk with others. And then—take action. Your unique heart is needed in the body of Christ.
