What are talents?  
Your God-given talents are the ways that you naturally think, feel, and behave - you are born with your talents. Your greatest talents are the foundation for developing your strengths.  In other words, your talents are the “potential” for strengths.

What is a strength? 
A strength is an ability to do something really well - and do it consistently well.  

How can I develop and use my strengths?
Over your lifetime, you have already developed many strengths, without giving it much thought. Although you already have many strengths, you probably have some untapped talents too - talents just waiting to be turned into strengths.

Strength starts with talent.  Becoming aware of your talents, naming your talents, and seeing how your talents work in your life are the first steps of being intentional about developing and using your strengths.  Once you name and claim your talents, the next step is to intentionally invest in your talents to develop strengths.  “Investing in talents” includes acquiring knowledge and skills… and practice! As you invest in and practice using your talents and strengths, you will further develop your strengths.

How can I learn how to name my talents, as well as develop and use my strengths?
The CliftonStrengths® (StrengthsFinder®) talent assessment gives people a starting place in which to name their talents and begin the strengths development journey.  

Once you register for Living Your Talents and Strengths, you will receive a code to take the CliftonStrengths talent assessment. After you complete CliftonStrengths, you will receive your top five Talent Themes - Your CliftonStrengths Signature Themes.  

When you attend Living Your Talents and Strengths sessions, you will learn more about your top five Talent Themes and how to intentionally develop and apply your talents and strengths.

LYTS Prayers

Strengths Education Links

Activities:

• Holding Up the Mirror

• Picture Me

• Strengths Conversation Prompts

Strengths DNA:

• My Strengths DNA Template/Worksheet

• Andy’s Example

• Brenda’s Example

Tool Kit Cover Page

Gallup CliftonStrengths® and CliftonStrengths® Themes are registered marks of Gallup, Inc.

Since taking the LYTS modules, I have been much more aware of how I relate to others and how to identify my natural talents to enhance my daily life. ~Tere

A quote placed in my heart at the age of 12: “What we are is God's gift to us, what we make of ourselves is our gift back to Him.” I think we all are blessed with a beautiful array of gifts in order to share with the world and bring glory to God.

LYTS has helped to name these seemingly random gifts and later visualize all of the ways throughout my life they were perfectly knit together, when I was my best self.  When we focus on our talents instead of weaknesses, there is inherent joy and peace with life. In addition, we are exactly where God wishes us to be and the results are exponential! ~Paula Larkee

This series of LYTS workshops is perfect for anyone interested in learning about their unique set of talents and strengths and how they can use them in volunteer ministry in their church. LYTS is 100% affirming, supportive, growth-inducing, positive experience. What I liked the most about LYTS is the clear explanation of the talent themes and strengths and the chance to discuss with others to integrate the learnings. ~Judy Urban