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