Skill vs. Passion ?
Posted on September 29, 2005
Charlie brings up a pointed question concerning hiring staff. He asks:
Is it more about passion or skill? Which is more important?
I have been thinking alot about volunteer recruitment lately and I responded to his question on his blog, but twisted it to include volunteer recruitment. In this sense, either case should be viewed similarly. As I mentioned in my comment to him, I had written a post addressing this very subject and I have not published it yet because I hadn’t nailed the point I was trying to make. Well, thanks Charlie! I now have had to toss out what I had written and rewrite it in light of your question. 
If it’s possible to pinpoint the issue of volunteer recruitment down to a single question, the question above may be it.
For my purposes, I’m looking at this from a tech viewpoint, although the answer to the question is probably universal. Here’s some background, I have been a tech volunteer at church now for well over a year, probably close to 2 years. (man, time flies when you are having fun!)
I recently brought a new volunteer on board to help me out and I am enjoying it, he definitely has a passion for this. He does not have all the skills, but that’s ok. He is beginning to learn the skills, just as I am always learning.
I confess, I don’t know it all and people that know me have never heard me say that I know it all. I know how to find answers and solutions. What I do have, more than knowledge and skills, is passion. It’s the kind of passion that energizes me. It’s hard to explain. There are days I sit in the office and by 5:00, I’m exhausted, things are non-stop and I have nothing left to give there. Then I leave the office and head down the road to church and I drive up and instantly feel the adrenaline. I could spend several hours at church in the evening, after a long day at the office, and that time totally erases the worn out, exhausted feeling I had leaving the office. I might go home feeling tired but it’s a good feeling, like I have really made a difference. THAT is passion.
Skill is important to be effective, especially tech skills, but skills are always expanding and changing. The passion is inside, you don’t learn passion, it is who you are. You can fake passion for a time, but it will wear out and you will move on or just complain about how much your life sucks. Somehow I feel I have been there. Most of my adult life, I have spent my time chasing my dreams and reaching my goals and wondering what’s up with God. Where is he when I need Him? In the past 4-5 years, my focus has changed to be on God and trust Him more to lead me. By doing that, I have discovered passion.
From EscapeAdulthood
One dictionary defines “passion” as “great enthusiasm.” Another describes the word as meaning “a powerful feeling,” with synonyms including fervor, fire, and zeal.
It is often said that you don’t choose your passion, but rather that your passion chooses you.I think we were all born with something inside of us that really excites us, something that we are very enthusiastic about. Indeed, the word enthusiasm comes from the Greek roots “en”and “theos,” meaning “God within.” It’s a fire within you.
The church needs our passion, God needs our passions, to use them for His glory. We are all learning and gaining new skills. Draw near to God, allow Him to reveal the passions He has placed within you. You might have to learn some new skills as you trust God more, but that’s do-able.
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4 Responses to “Skill vs. Passion ?”
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Disclaimer
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Jim Walton is the leader of the Tech Arts Ministry of Fairview Christian Church. This blog is produced independently by Jim and it is his thoughts, his interests, his observations and his ideas. Anything expressed here is not necessarily representative of Fairview Christian Church, but it's likely pretty close! ;)
Someone may not be able to learn passion, but he or she can discover their passion. It’s already there inside, but the person may just not know it. Knowing your own personality may help you find what you’re passionate about.
Nice observation,
Br... errr, I mean Mr. Presley. Maybe you should get a blog of your own to expand on these thoughts you have. Surprisingly, you remind me of my friend who hangs out around here, who we refer to as Non-Blog Brad. Perhaps you 2 can get together and share the responsibility of writing a blog on things such as this……..just a thought.Jim,
You and I have a lot in common. I struggle with motivation problems at work because I’m not passionate about what my company does (hope my boss isn’t reading this). I have a great work environment with a great boss, good co-workers, excellent benefits and vacation and reasonable pay, but I have very little passion.
In the evenings I come home and I have trouble dragging myself away from the work I’m doing for my church to go to bed. Sometimes the work is not all that different than what I do for my employer, but I love to do it because I’m passionate for the cause.
Skill is important, but without passion, skill isn’t worth much. Skill doesn’t bring passion. If you have passion but little skill, passion will bring the skill.
Amen, brother! We are living similar lives.