Blog / SHAPE’d for a Purpose
At Shepherds College, both students and staff go through training to better understand their God-given SHAPE. While we are all created in God’s image and share common characteristics, we also believe each person is uniquely designed with talents, gifts, and life experiences that God uses to shape us for His purpose.
The acrostic SHAPE, introduced in The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, offers a framework for exploring our uniqueness:
S — Spiritual gifts
H — Heart (passions)
A — Abilities
P — Personality
E — Experiences
Our students engage with SHAPE in their second-year Bible class, using assessments, feedback, and reflection to identify how God has designed them. This journey culminates in an oral presentation where they boldly declare their unique SHAPE. These presentations are a highlight of the year as students, all of whom have IDD, courageously overcome public speaking fears to share how God has equipped them to impact others. Despite disabilities, each student demonstrates incredible attributes that can be used for God’s glory.
One of the most remarkable aspects of these presentations is the transformation we witness. Many students begin the process feeling hesitant, unsure of how to articulate their gifts. Yet, by the time they present, they do so with confidence, excitement, and a newfound appreciation for the way God has uniquely shaped them. Their classmates cheer them on, reinforcing a culture of encouragement and belonging. Through this, students not only discover their SHAPE but also begin to see how they fit into a larger community—one where their contributions matter.
This year, our entire staff also went through SHAPE training, engaging in personal assessments and presentations with colleagues. The experience was both humbling and inspiring. Not only has God shaped us individually, but He has brought us together at Shepherds College to serve our students. Like pieces of a puzzle, our unique SHAPE contributions fit together to provide an education that transforms lives. Each staff member brings something valuable to the Shepherds College community, and when we fully embrace our SHAPE, we work in harmony to create an environment where students thrive.
The study of SHAPE has been a transformational experience for many at Shepherds College. It reminds us that while we are all shaped for the general purpose of serving God and others, we also have a specific purpose within His greater plan. Recognizing and embracing our SHAPE helps us step into that purpose with confidence and clarity. I encourage you to explore your own SHAPE. You may be surprised by what you discover about yourself and how God can use you. If you’d like resources to help, email me at tterrill@shepherdscollege.edu.
Published in Volume 8, Issue 1 of SOAR Magazine.