DNA 1 Real Transformation (Col 1:28)
DNA 2 Spiritual Gifts (Eph 4:11 - 13)
Paul in I Cor 12 says tells us that the Spirit of God has manifested himself in each believer through a special gift. These gifts are given to (1) serve one another, (2) to prepare God's people for service, (3) to build up the body, and (4) to keep us united.
Because God has given these spiritual gifts to us, I therefore believe that
1. Everyone must be involved in some area of service in the Body of Christ. God has given you a gift to bless his people with. Together we must identify that gift, and then give you the opportunity to us that gift for the kingdom. If you do not use your gift, if you remain a 'pew-warmer' then we all lose out because God may be wanting you to do something unique that would have blessed us all.
2. Having identified your gift, you must grow in it's skilful use. If you have the gift of preaching, it will still take time and practice for you to master the use of that gift. If you have the gift of healing, you should carefully study scripture to understand how and when God heals, and how he would have you use that gift. Each gift has a path of growth otherwise it is quickly abused and causes division.
3. Our different ministries should be led by 'gifted' people. I do not have the gift of worship leading, and the day I lead worship, I bet you I'll be able to empty the church in 10 minutes! I love to sing and I love music, but I don't have the gift of worship leading.. Serving as an Elder, teaching Sunday School, worship leading, preaching all have to be driven by God's anointed gifting otherwise they will never be able to rise beyond our human effort and expertise. I believe that a church grows rapidly when people serve in the gifting of the Spirit.
Overall what this means is that we are intentional about
1. Creating opportunities for everyone to find out their spiritual gift. The best way for this is by giving you a chance to first serve in the area you feel you are gifted in.
2. Giving People room to grow. When a young leader gets an opportunity, it needs to be a non-threatening one. For example, if you feel you have the gift of preaching, we don't put you in the Sunday pulpit, we first give you an opportunity in a high school or small group. That way you can grow, we can mentor you, and there is room to make mistakes.
3. Choosing ministry leadership. We look for mature, growing people who know how to serve in their gift area well, are humble about it, and who know what it means to serve in a team.
Pastor Oscar Muriu.
The little survey we conducted 3 weeks ago (once it is compiled), will give us opportunity to see what gifts God has blessed us with here in the congregation. We then hope to follow you up and invite you to serve in a ministry that needs your input. Please be in prayer about this. Our assumption is that you have covenanted to tithe you service to the Lord, and can give at least 4 hrs a week to serving God through his church. |
