Embracing Gifts & Vocation
What ARE Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts answer the question, “How will I make a difference in the lives of others?”
They clarify how God wants Church to function.
They clarify our role within the Church. They inform us of what God wants us to do. They enable us as Christ’s hands and voice. They help us be accountable for our
stewardship.
Matthew 25:14-30
“To all those who have, more will be given, and
they will have an abundance.”
Purposes of Spiritual Gifts
• Not for personal benefit.• For the glory of God.• To build up the body of
Christ.
Benefits of Knowing & Using Our Spiritual
GiftsPersonal
• A better understanding of God’s purpose for your life.
• A growing, maturing relationship with God.
• A more effective and fulfilling ministry.
Benefits of Knowing & Using Our Spiritual
GiftsCongregational & Denominational • More
effective ministries.
• Spiritual growth.
• People coming together as the body of Christ.
Benefits of Knowing & Using Our Spiritual
GiftsThe Kingdom
• Glorifying God.• Building up the
body of Christ.• Fulfilling God’s
plan for his creation.
Spiritual Gifts & the Bible
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 3:18
Spiritual Gifts & the Bible
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 25-13:1 “There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit.”
• Romans 12:4-8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”
• Ephesians 4:11-12 “…to prepare God's people for works of service…”
• 1 Peter 4:10-11 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.”
New Testament References
UnwrappingOur Spiritual Gifts
• Administration• Counseling• Craftsmanship• Encouragemen
t• Giving• Healing• Hospitality
• Leadership• Mercy• Pastor/Teacher• Peacemaking• Prayer/
Intercession• Serving• Wisdom,
Knowledge
ImplementingSpiritual Gifts
Readiness for Change: “True or False?”
Answer Sheet for Readiness for Change Assessment
“Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping,
eating, going-to-work, walking-around life – and
place it before God as an offering.”
Romans 12:1
Organize Congregations
Around Giftedness• There is no resentment in acting on
Spiritual Gifts. We are serving God by acting on the gifts He has blessed us with.
• It improves congregations’ spirit.• It eliminates “burn-out.”
Energy is a function of desire. We find time for the things we enjoy.
Change
e.g., St. John American, Cedar Falls, IA
Knowing It’s Time To Change
Finding Spiritual GiftsDiscover who you are!
Finding Spiritual Gifts
• Spiritual Gifts Inventory
• Spiritual Gifts Scores
• Summary of Spiritual Gifts
We do not choose which gifts we receive.
Using Spiritual Gifts
Use them…• at home with your
family.• to strengthen your
personal and spiritual relationships.
• at work with colleagues.
• within your community.
Your gifts are with you always!
Promised Resultsof Spiritual Gifts
• God’s love• God’s joy• God’s peace
• God’s goodness and kindness
• God’s gentleness• God’s
faithfulness and confidence
• God’s patience and self-control
Your Journeywith Spiritual Gifts
• What are your personal reflections on your Spiritual Gifts?
• How do you plan to use your Spiritual Gifts?
• What are you most thankful for in terms of your Spiritual Gifts?
Embracing Gifts & Vocation
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