The Faith Resume: Turning Skills Into Kingdom Purpose
For over a decade, I faced career displacement, often deemed overqualified and too expensive despite my expertise. During this challenging season, I created what I now call The Faith Resume—a tool that helped me view my skills and experiences as part of God’s greater plan. This perspective shift allowed me to align my talents with His purpose and trust in His preparation, even when the path forward felt uncertain.
Ally Kidd
1/9/20255 min read
What Is a Faith Resume?
A Faith Resume is more than a traditional career resume. It’s a reflection of the skills, experiences, and gifts God has given you, presented in a way that aligns with His purpose for your life. It reveals how every role—whether paid or unpaid—has been part of God’s preparation for your unique calling.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."–Romans 8:28
Defining the Faith Resume
The Faith Resume begins with identifying your skills, talents, and experiences and recognizing how they’ve been shaped by God’s hand. Every role contains valuable, transferable skills that can be applied to broader purposes. Here is an example:
By viewing your experiences through this lens, you can see how God has been preparing you for something greater. For instance, the stay-at-home parent who excels in logistical planning and conflict resolution might transition into a corporate role such as project management or team leadership. Her ability to juggle schedules, resolve disputes, and manage resources translates into skills highly valued in professional environments.
Similarly, a hairstylist with exceptional interpersonal skills and attention to detail might decide to pursue a corporate career in management. These strengths could transition seamlessly into roles like customer service management or compliance oversight, where building relationships and maintaining high standards are critical.
Likewise, a bookkeeper who has mastered data analysis, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance may aim to work with corporate clients or join a larger organization’s finance team. The critical thinking and problem-solving abilities she's honed in her work can position her as a valuable asset in managing complex financial operations or contributing to strategic planning.
Through this process, what may have seemed like separate, unrelated roles reveal themselves as interconnected steps, woven together by God’s purpose for your life.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." – Colossians 3:23
Practical Steps to Build Your Faith Resume
1. Reflect and Pray: Begin by asking God to reveal the purpose He has for your life. Reflect on the roles you’ve held and the lessons you’ve learned in each.
Suggestion: Start by journaling about a challenging role or season in your life. How did you see God’s faithfulness during that time? What did you like or dislike about the role? What strengths did you develop that you still use today?
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11
2. Identify Skills: Make a list of skills, talents, and experiences gained from every role you’ve had—whether as a professional, a volunteer, or a parent. Include both technical and interpersonal abilities.
Suggestion: Think beyond job titles and focus on moments when you solved a problem, guided someone, or created something impactful. Write down even the small wins—they often reveal hidden talents.
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." – 1 Peter 4:10
3. Translate Skills: Think about how these skills can be applied in different contexts. For example, regulatory compliance as a hairstylist could translate into roles like a health and safety coordinator in a corporate setting or a compliance officer in industries requiring strict adherence to standards.
Suggestion: Ask a like-minded friend or mentor—someone who shares your faith and values—to review your list of skills. They may see strengths and connections that you’ve overlooked, ensuring that their perspective aligns with your vision.
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." – Zechariah 4:10
4. Leverage LinkedIn and Social Media: Use these platforms to highlight your unique skills and faith-driven purpose. Share your journey, connect with others in your field, and seek out opportunities aligned with your calling. These tools can help you position yourself as a steward of your gifts in ways that honor God.
Suggestion: On Facebook, share a post about a meaningful experience or lesson you’ve learned in your career and how it shaped your purpose, such as overcoming a challenge or discovering a new passion. On LinkedIn, craft a similar story but frame it with a professional lens, highlighting what it taught you about leadership, teamwork, or industry insights. Take it a step further by engaging in relevant networking groups—on Facebook, join groups aligned with your field or passions, and on LinkedIn, participate in discussions within industry-specific groups. Stepping out of your inner circle can expand your perspective, build new connections, and inspire others through your journey.
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
5. Step Out in Faith: Trust God with the results. As you align your work with His purpose, opportunities will unfold, often in ways you didn’t expect.
Suggestion: Reflect on a moment when you stepped out in faith without even realizing it—like deciding to have children, starting a degree program, going to your first job interview, or launching a side business. Each of these moments demonstrates how everyday acts of faith can lead to profound growth and opportunities. These everyday acts of trust show how stepping out in faith is often part of our natural journey. Let those memories encourage you to trust Him again as you take the next step.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." – Proverbs 16:3
Closing Thought
Your Faith Resume is a testament to how God has prepared you for His purpose. It’s not just a tool for finding a job; it’s a guide for stepping into the calling He has placed on your life. By recognizing the value in your experiences and trusting God to use them for His glory, you’ll find that your work—no matter the role—is blessed and deeply fulfilling.
Start building your Faith Resume today and discover how God can use your journey for His greater purpose. Follow me on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn for more faith-driven insights and practical guidance. On Facebook, join my private group, The Business Bloom, where you can connect with like-minded individuals in a safe and personal environment to discuss and share ideas for aligning your skills with God’s calling.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." - Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
