From the Pulpit to Purpose

How to Unlock Your Potential and Step Beyond Your Comfort Zone

"How did you switch from the pulpit to the hospitality industry at the management level when you had no prior experience in that field?"

This is a question I’ve heard countless times from friends, colleagues, and even those who worked with me in the pulpit. The answer lies not just in the circumstances that led to the change but in a deeper understanding of purpose, resilience, and the untapped potential within us all.

For over 20 years, I dedicated my life to the pulpit, guiding and transforming lives within the church. I wasn’t just a preacher; I was deeply involved in managing programs that had a profound impact on individuals and families. One particular program, a partnership between the church and a donor organization, flourished beyond our wildest expectations. This success pushed us to innovate and find new ways to sustain the program—a challenge that taught me invaluable lessons about adaptability, strategic thinking, and leadership.

But the real turning point in my life came not from the program's success but from the unexpected challenges that followed. Life has a way of nudging us when we become too comfortable, pushing us toward our true purpose. Romans 8:28 reminds us that "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." This scripture doesn’t just refer to the good things; it includes everything that happens to us. If we embrace life’s challenges with a positive attitude, we open ourselves up to growth and transformation.

After the program's transition, I faced differences with the church leadership. This led me to make a difficult but necessary decision: to leave the pulpit behind. Remarkably, within a month, I found myself in the hospitality industry, not as a novice, but as a leadership and management consultant. How did I land such an opportunity in an industry where I had no prior experience? The answer became clear after a period of self-reflection. Despite holding a BA degree in management, it wasn’t my academic credentials that opened the door. It was the soft skills, leadership, and management experience I had gained over the years in the pulpit that made the difference.

This experience was a revelation. It made me realize the importance of knowing what you want out of life and understanding your unique strengths and potential. The skills I had spent years honing—guiding people, managing complex programs, and making tough decisions—were transferable and invaluable in the hospitality industry.

Had I not gone through this transition, I might never have recognised the full extent of my abilities or been able to clarify my goals, set my priorities, and craft a strategic plan to achieve them. This brings me to a crucial lesson: It’s never too early to start preparing for life’s transitions.

Out of curiosity, I asked 10 of my friends and colleagues in the pulpit, “If right now you are no longer in the pulpit, what would you do?” Nine out of ten said they had no idea, while one said they would think about it when the time came. This struck a chord with me. Why wait until the unexpected happens? Why not start preparing now?

It’s easy to become too comfortable, too complacent, and not plan for life beyond the pulpit—or any profession. The reality is that at some point, we all have to transition, whether through retirement, a change in direction, or unforeseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the church just like any other institution.

Life doesn’t stop just because you’ve left your profession. Bills still need to be paid, and responsibilities still need to be met. That’s why it’s essential to clarify your vision, assess your capabilities, and create a strategic plan for the future. Don’t wait until the inevitable happens to start planning. Now is the right time to make your goals clearer, set your priorities, and chart a path to success.

How to Start Planning

Starting to plan, especially when considering a significant life transition, can be a daunting task. However, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it more approachable and achievable. Here’s how you can begin:

Clarify Your Vision

• Reflect on Your Purpose: Ask yourself what you truly want out of life. What drives you? What are you passionate about? This could be in your current field or something entirely new.
• Identify Your Goals: Set both short-term and long-term goals. Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, or 20 years? Write down these goals as they will guide your planning process.

Assess Your Strengths and Capabilities

• Take Stock of Your Skills: List out the skills and experiences you’ve acquired, both professionally and personally. Recognize transferable skills—those that can be applied across different fields.
• Identify Areas for Growth: Acknowledge any gaps in your knowledge or skills. These are opportunities for learning and development.

Evaluate Your Current Situation

• Analyze Your Current Role: What aspects of your current situation do you enjoy? What frustrates you? Understanding these will help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
• Consider Your Resources: Evaluate your financial situation, time availability, and support systems. These resources will influence your planning process.

Create a Strategic Plan

• Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) Goals: Break down your long-term vision into smaller, actionable steps. Each goal should have a clear deadline and measurable outcome.
• Develop a Timeline: Outline when you want to achieve each goal. A timeline keeps you on track and helps you prioritize tasks.
• Identify Key Milestones: Mark critical points in your journey where you need to reassess your progress and make adjustments if necessary.

Prepare for Obstacles

• Anticipate Challenges: Consider potential roadblocks that could hinder your progress. This could be financial constraints, skill gaps, or external factors.
• Develop Contingency Plans: Have backup plans in place. If one approach doesn’t work, what’s your plan B? Flexibility is key.

Seek Guidance and Mentorship

• Connect with Mentors: Find someone who has successfully navigated a similar transition. Their insights can provide valuable guidance and encouragement.
• Network: Engage with professionals in the field you’re interested in. Networking can open doors and provide you with opportunities you might not have considered.

Take Action

• Start Small: Begin with small steps that build momentum. This could be enrolling in a course, volunteering, or starting a side project.
• Stay Committed: Keep your goals in sight and remain dedicated to your plan. Consistent action, no matter how small, leads to progress.

Review and Adjust Regularly

• Monitor Your Progress: Regularly check your progress against your plan. Are you hitting your milestones? If not, why?
• Be Ready to Pivot: Life is unpredictable. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adjust your plan. Flexibility is a strength, not a setback.

Stay Positive and Determined

• Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Maintaining a positive attitude will help you stay resilient through setbacks.
• Keep Your End Goal in Mind: Whenever you feel discouraged, remind yourself of your ultimate purpose and the reasons why you started this journey.

Celebrate Your Wins

• Acknowledge Progress: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress will keep you motivated and focused.

Starting to plan is about setting a direction for your life and taking proactive steps to move toward it. By clarifying your vision, assessing your capabilities, and creating a strategic plan, you set the foundation for a successful transition, whether it’s in your career or any other area of your life.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about where to begin, I’m here to help. Together, we can craft a future that aligns with your true purpose and unlocks your full potential.

My journey from the pulpit to the hospitality industry was more than just a career shift—it was a transformation. It taught me that our experiences, skills, and challenges all come together to shape us for something greater. The key is to step out boldly, without worrying about what others will say or how they will judge you. Remember, your life is your story to write. No one else should type it for you.

Having a positive attitude and determination is essential. These traits, combined with a clear sense of purpose and a strategic plan, will empower you to step beyond your comfort zone and create the life you’ve always envisioned.

The time to start is now. Don’t wait for life to push you, take the first step toward your purpose today.

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