The Venn Diagram of My Life: Exploring Calling and Spirituality
Life isn’t a straight line—it’s more like a series of overlapping circles, a little messy but full of meaning. If I had to map out my life in a Venn diagram, three big circles stand out:
Strategic Leadership – Trying to make good decisions without just winging it.
Charismatic Contemplation – Deep spiritual reflection… but with room for the Holy Spirit to shake things up.
Community Engagement – Actually walking alongside people instead of just talking about it.
These aren’t separate things—they overlap in a big way. And right in the middle, where all three meet, is where I find my calling (and where the magic happens).
Strategic Leadership: Leading Without Losing the Plot
I’ve spent a good chunk of my life in leadership, from pastoral ministry to professional supervision. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: good leadership isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about having the right plan.
It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but strategy isn’t just about spreadsheets and mission statements. It’s about making decisions that actually help people flourish. And honestly, leadership without a deeper grounding can turn into either micromanaging everything or just putting out fires all day. Neither of those sound fun.
That’s where my contemplative side comes in.
Charismatic Contemplation: When Stillness Meets the Spirit
I know, charismatic contemplation sounds like a mash-up that shouldn’t work—like putting a turbocharger on a rocking chair. But in my experience, it’s the best of both worlds.
Back in 2017, I wrote my Spiritual Direction major assignment on exactly this—the posture of charismatic and contemplative practices working together. Even then, I was wrestling with the tension between the two. Some people love the structure of contemplation, others love the raw, Spirit-led energy of charismatic faith. But what if they actually needeach other?
For me, slowing down to reflect helps keep the charisma from turning into chaos. And at the same time, staying open to the Spirit keeps my contemplation from becoming lifeless naval-gazing. It’s about learning to live in the tension between movement and stillness, spontaneity and reflection.
And let’s be real—if I don’t take time to reflect, my "strategic leadership" starts looking a lot more like "running on caffeine and vibes."
Community Engagement: Because Life Isn’t Meant to Be Lived Alone
What’s the point of leadership and reflection if it doesn’t actually connect with real people? This third circle—community engagement—is about making sure my work isn’t just theoretical but actually lived out with others.
Faith, leadership, and personal growth all happen in the context of relationships. Whether it’s pastoral care, coaching, or just showing up for people in everyday life, I find the most meaning when I’m with people, not just thinking about them.
Also, let’s be honest—life is way more interesting when you surround yourself with people who challenge, encourage, and occasionally roast you in love.
Where It All Comes Together
Right in the middle of these three circles—where Strategic Leadership, Charismatic Contemplation, and Community Engagement overlap—is my sweet spot.
If I lead without contemplation, I’ll probably make a mess.
If I reflect without engaging, I’m just daydreaming.
If I engage without strategy, I’m running in circles.
But when all three come together? That’s when things start clicking. Leadership becomes more thoughtful, reflection stays grounded, and community engagement actually makes an impact.
So that’s the Venn diagram of my life—messy, overlapping, but full of purpose. What’s yours?
