“You are shaped for significance!” stated Pastor Rick Warren, the founder and lead pastor of Saddleback Church. This is how he began his session on empowering our church’s core for ministry at his Purpose-Driven Church conference that I attended a while back. He introduced the SHAPE concept as a practical framework for Christians to discover their God-given purpose and serve effectively in their communities. SHAPE is an acronym representing five key elements that define an individual’s unique design and calling: Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. This holistic approach encourages believers to embrace their uniqueness and use it to glorify God and contribute to His kingdom. Here is a short summary of SHAPE as taught by Pastor Warren, according to the Purpose-Driven Church Conference manual.

1. Spiritual Gifts

The first component, “Spiritual Gifts,” refers to the special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for the purpose of building up the church and serving others. These gifts, such as teaching, hospitality, encouragement, or leadership, are outlined in passages like 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. Warren emphasizes that discovering and using these gifts helps Christians fulfill their role in the body of Christ more effectively.

2. Heart

The “Heart” refers to an individual’s passions, desires, and motivations. It answers the question: “What do you love to do?” Or “What is your passion?” Warren believes that God places specific desires in a person’s heart to guide them toward their life’s purpose or calling. By aligning one’s passions with God’s work, Christians find joy and purpose in their service. For example, God placed a burden in Nehemiah’s heart concerning the welfare of Jerusalem, especially the condition of the city’s wall (Neh.1:1-4).

3. Abilities

“Abilities” are the natural or acquired talents and skills a person possesses. Unlike spiritual gifts, these are innate capabilities—such as musical talent, craftsmanship, or organizational skills—that can be used to serve God and benefit others. Warren encourages believers to recognize that every ability, whether ordinary or exceptional, can be used for God’s glory. For example, God gave Bezalel the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to craft all kinds of items for the tabernacle in the wilderness (Ex. 31:1-5).

4. Personality

“Personality” encompasses the unique traits and characteristics that shape how individuals interact with the world. Whether introverted or extroverted, methodical or spontaneous, every personality type has a role to play in God’s plan. Warren highlights the importance of understanding one’s personality to serve in ways that feel natural and fulfilling. For example, Mary and Martha were sisters, but they had radically different personalities, which often led to conflict between them (Lk.10:38-42). God used them both. Additionally, we can observe the distinct personalities among the twelve disciples. Peter, James, John, Matthew, and Thomas all had different personalities, but Jesus used them all.

5. Experiences

The final component, “Experiences,” includes one’s life journey—both the positive and challenging moments. This includes family background, educational experiences, career paths, and even painful events. Warren teaches that God often uses past experiences, especially hardships, to prepare individuals for ministry, offering encouragement and hope to others who face similar struggles. For example, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” God comforts us in times of pain so that we can use the same experiences to help others and comfort them.

What do you think of Pastor Rick Warren’s teaching on SHAPE? In my opinion, it emphasizes a biblical and transformative principle that empowers Christians to discover their unique purpose and serve God with authenticity and passion. By embracing our spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences, we can live out God’s plan for our lives and make a meaningful impact in our churches and communities.