6 Questions That Create A New Future

For the last several years I have used the last week of the year and the first week of the new year to evaluate who I am; who does God want me to be and how I am doing.  The process has continued to evolve over the years, but much of it revolves around prayerfully working through six questions. These six questions help me discern the God-given possibilities for my life. 

There is just something powerful about writing down (or typing on your computer) your goals and having an intention about who you want to become!  I can now look back and remember writing down that I wanted to plant a church; write a book and start a church planting network.  Would those things have happened if I had not written them down?  I don't know for sure.  I do know that writing these down and reviewing them periodically keeps me moving in the direction that I feel God is calling me. I personally think everyone should do it.  So, I would encourage you to get some time alone and prayerfully work through these six questions:

1. What is my PURPOSE?  It starts with a purpose statement.  Just write something down.  Don't let this question intimidate you.  You can always edit your answer later.  Here is how I answer that question now: "To be a Spirit-led leader at home, church, and in new ventures resulting in a movement of people finding their way back to God."  It has taken me a few years of revisions to get that down.  It's a little long, but it includes everything that it is important to me.  So take a shot and write down a purpose statement for your life.
2. What is my PASSION?  Next you should list the things about which you are passionate.  There are four things about which I'm passionate:  Jesus, family, church and new ventures.  So, what are you passionate about?  List them.
3. What are the POSITIONS I hold?  Next I list all the positions I hold in relationship to the things about which I'm passionate.  For example, in relationship to my family I have two positions:  husband and father.  Another example, in relationship to to my church I have at least four positions:  visionary, Lead Pastor, teacher/motivator and intercessor.  List all the positions you hold in relationship to the things about which you are passionate.  You get the idea.
4. What are the POSSIBILITIES for my future?  This is my favorite part - dreaming with God about who He wants me to be in the positions He has put me in.  This is where I begin to dream about all the possibilities for my life.  This is the long view and it answers the question of who I will have been after I have lived on this planet for 75 years. (I'm planning on living to 75 and if I get more time that will be bonus!)
5. What is the PATH for making that future possible?  Now that you have a list of all the possibilities for your life you need to figure out the path to get you there.  I have a path that I break into 5 years chunks of time.  There are markers that I need to meet every five years if I am going to see those possibilities for my life ever happen.  So take a look at your list of God-given possibilities and create a path with markers along the way that show you are progressing towards those possibilities.
6. What is my PLAN for this coming year?  The last question you will want to answer has to do with 2009.  This year is the next step on the path to your future.  So, write down your plan for this year and make sure that it is taking you towards the next markers on your path to your God-given possibilities.

Comments

[Eric Taylor]

Dave. Thanks. I'm going back through my goals and sifting them through these 6 questions then reformulating them. You always sharpen me! Have a great New Year. May God continue to pour out His Favor on CCC in 2009

[dawn Bodi]

Great suggestions. Where did you get some of these ideas? They are both provocative and thorough. You'll be our family "read" tonight at dinner.

[Dave Ferguson]

This is original stuff. I have been working and tweaking this for the last 10-15 years.

[Buddy]

Great Thoughts Dave. I am spending three days next week evaluating life and planning for the next year and I'll definitely incorporate your Questions.

[Buddy]

Dave,
I have the same thought on 75 years of service to the King. I have this widget on the top of my start page to remind me every day. Here is what is says today:

Today is the 12,773rd day of your life.
You have 14,622 days until your last day.
To Live is Christ

[Jeff]

Buddy... That's cool. what is that widget, and where do I find it?

(And great post Dave!)

[Dave Lewis]

Dave, your format is simple and easy to follow. I copied and printed your six questions and will make them available to people in our congregation. I am always looking for simple, one page ideas to pass along to people. I may even use these 6 questions for my own new year planning.

[Dave Lewis]

Dave, might I also suggest, if you haven't already done so, forwarding this to Discipleship Journal. They would probably publish it.

[David Groenenboom]

Hi Dave,

Great process! I especially like the long term view on possibilities. Being someone who tends to be dominated by the immediate, this is an important factor for me. Stretching beyong the 'next 3-5 years' to the next 25 is a challenging insight. I also like the 'path' & 'plan' aspects, demanding an implementation track.

I wonder if there might be room for some stuff on the 'shadow side' as well - a bit of 'know thyself'. For example,

* People: what do the people whose counsel I respect have to say about my plan? My mentor? Supervisor? Partner? Do they think I am being realistic and responsible with the time, talent and opportunities the Lord has given me? This introduces some objectivity and accountability into the process

* Proclivity: what are my weak areas? My escapist tendencies? We all have them: so how will these either impede my plan or impell me further into it? How much of my plan is about mission? How much of it is about me? Will my plans negatively impact the people the Lord has given me?

...I think these are important sidebars in any personal plan. I hope they are helpful to you and to others.

Many thanks for your insights,
Dave Groenenboom,
Brisbane, Australia

[Kevin Rapp]

Dave,

Thanks for the questions. God is already working on some amazing things for this year. The napkin is out...

God's Best

Kevin

[Dave Ferguson]

David, I think the additional questions are good! They help us avoid the "shadow side". And the also start with P's! :)

[Buddy]

@Jeff, I added it on the google startpage content and it is called, "How many days have you lived?"

[Jackie Nevinger-Silvestro]

Thanks, Dave! These are great and just what I needed to help get me a little more motivated. I've been struggling with a New Year's (life perhaps) resolution and you just helped me out with it. I hope all is well with you and yours!

[Dave Ferguson]

Hi Jackie! Glad this is helpful. Good to hear from you. We are doing great. Hope all is well with you and yours too!

[Karen]

What perfect timing to go along with our discussion of the book! I'm glad Sue asked you to post this.Thanking you for sharing. I think in life it's all about the questions we ask ourselves. I'm going to really think about these questions and Write down the answers in my journal.

[Dave Ferguson]

Thanks Karen! These questions have served me very well for several years. I think they are similar to Sue's questions and allow you to be intentional about "the story we are writing" with our lives.