The original S-W-O-T analysis has been used for years by organizations to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Credited to Albert Humphrey, it’s a great tool for assessment and planning.

As followers of Christ, we can personally benefit too from identifying these four areas in our life. Through personal inventory, reflection, and/or group discussion, we can discover what the Bible teaches. There are many verses applicable for each section, but I’ve limited mine to four in each. Here’s what a personal grid may look like (click to enlarge):

 The four sections are:

Strengths

I Corinthians 1:4-9, Philippians 1:6, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 4:14

What are they? How do we maximize them?

Weaknesses (Internal)

James 1:12-18, Matthew 26:41, I Corinthians 3:1-3, Galatians 4:8-9

What are they? How do we minimize them?

Opportunities

Matthew 9:35-38, II Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 28:16-20, Hebrews 12:1-2

What are they? How do we capitalize on them?

Threats (External)

Ephesians 6:10-18, I John 2:15-17, Galatians 1:6-10, II Corinthians 11:2-4

What are they? How do we reduce them?

One last note, it’s important to answer the second part. Just like in business, listing the “what” is only valuable when we complete the next step by answering the “how”. How do we maximize…minimize…capitalize and reduce? I encourage you to give it a try and let me know what you think. Below is a black & white version for easy printing:

-ADDITIONAL RESOURCES-

Click here for sample grid (color PDF version):

http://bit.ly/QLephM

Click here for sample grid (black & white PDF version):

http://bit.ly/MuWHrk

“The Thought Train” is another group discussion/personal reflection tool that may be of interest. Click here to read about it: http://bit.ly/OLYrhK

Here’s a fantastic book for personal development or those in your organization:

“Good to Great in God’s Eyes” by Chip Ingram – Click here for more info at Amazon

Updated 1/21/13