Serving Christ: Ministry Gifts
Conversations of giftedness draw our minds to natural abilities. Some people a great with words. Others run fast or can fix a car or excel in baking cookies or have the gift of gab. Theses types of talents fall to everyone, Christians and non-Christians alike.
Spiritual gifts are different. They are only for those who live with the presence of the Holy Spirit. These attributes serve the purpose of building and strengthen believers and reaching out to the unbeliever world.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.
There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Gifts are visible contributions to the health of the body of Christ. We use them to serve others for the common good. It is never about bringing attention to ourselves. The effects, energy, and impacts will leave an imprint of Christ on others.
I love to cook. There are times when I believe it's one of my personal talents. But simply having the ability to fix a meal is not the goal. It must be use to promote the ministry of Jesus. Those with the gift of teaching should work to see others transformed by the Bible. Those with the gift of evangelism should guide others to salvation. Those with the gift of mercy should comfort the hurting and sick.
Using our spiritual gifts is like drinking a cool glass of water on a hot day. They refresh our soul and the soul of others.
Gifts Inventory: On a piece of paper, complete the following statements as quickly as possible with your first impression.
1. In my work or church ministry I find myself most fulfilled when …
2. Others have told me I am most helpful when …
3. I am often asked to …
4. As a Christians, I most often picture myself as …
5. I believe God has given me the responsibility of _______ in my congregation …
6. My biggest concern for Hornsby Baptist Church is …
7. If I could be assured of not family in ministry I would …
After reviewing my answers I think I have the gifts of … (list as many as you like).
Now use them for the glory of God.
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden
Spiritual gifts are different. They are only for those who live with the presence of the Holy Spirit. These attributes serve the purpose of building and strengthen believers and reaching out to the unbeliever world.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.
There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Gifts are visible contributions to the health of the body of Christ. We use them to serve others for the common good. It is never about bringing attention to ourselves. The effects, energy, and impacts will leave an imprint of Christ on others.
I love to cook. There are times when I believe it's one of my personal talents. But simply having the ability to fix a meal is not the goal. It must be use to promote the ministry of Jesus. Those with the gift of teaching should work to see others transformed by the Bible. Those with the gift of evangelism should guide others to salvation. Those with the gift of mercy should comfort the hurting and sick.
Using our spiritual gifts is like drinking a cool glass of water on a hot day. They refresh our soul and the soul of others.
Gifts Inventory: On a piece of paper, complete the following statements as quickly as possible with your first impression.
1. In my work or church ministry I find myself most fulfilled when …
2. Others have told me I am most helpful when …
3. I am often asked to …
4. As a Christians, I most often picture myself as …
5. I believe God has given me the responsibility of _______ in my congregation …
6. My biggest concern for Hornsby Baptist Church is …
7. If I could be assured of not family in ministry I would …
After reviewing my answers I think I have the gifts of … (list as many as you like).
Now use them for the glory of God.
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden