TEACH

THE CULTURAL MANDATE

PERSONAL GIFTS FROM THE SPIRIT

Introduction:

It is God’s desire that we love our neighbor. Scripture makes it clear that any human being is our neighbor. (Lk.10:25+) So God has sent each of us to earth with a purpose. To accomplish that purpose, God has given us gifts to be able to do the job we were sent here to do.

The powers and principalities of this world have a well thought out plan to keep us from this awareness. First they try to have us believe there is no God. If we do believe God exists, they try to make us feel that God doesn’t care for us. They try to keep us in sin so we will feel that God does not want to work through us. This is all done to keep us from being a part of God’s team, taking the gifts we’ve been given, and using them to fulfill the purposes God has in mind for us.

Become aware of your Gifts and you will have a pretty good idea of what piece of God’s overall puzzle you are a part of!

Theme # 1: Spiritual Gifts

Scriptures mention gifts that have been given to us by God. Because these gifts are used for the building up of the Body of Christ, it is believed that we receive these gifts at the time we make a commitment to Jesus and the Church.

Text: Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4 How does this text relate to this theme for me? Use space below for your notes.

Reflection: Gifts List: Check those that seem to fit you. Reflect upon attributes of each category. For example you may not be a "Pastor" but you may have attributes of caring and leading as a Pastor might have. First read through just the list of the Gifts to see which ones seem to touch you in some way. If you need some definition, read the explanation. Need more help, read the texts! [These categories, texts, and many of the explanations were taken from the "Wesley Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire", (Fuller Evangelistic Association, 1983.)] GIFT EXPLANATION The gift of_______________is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to: TEXTS PROPHECY .... proclaim the Word of God in such a Spirit guided way that hearers recognize it as God's word and desire to act upon it. Acts 2:37-40; 7:54;17:32-34; 26:24-29; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 Cor.14:1,3 PASTOR .... assume personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers 1 Tim. 3:1-7; John 10: 1-18;1 Peter 5:1-3; Eph. 4:11-14 MISSIONARY .... minister with their spiritual gifts in a different culture 1 Cor. 9:19-23; Acts 8:4; 13:2-3;22:21; Romans 10:15 EVANGELIST .... share the gospel with unbelievers in such a way that people respond by becoming disciples of Jesus and laborers in the field of planet earth Eph. 4:11-14; II Timothy 4:5; Acts 8:5-6; 8:26-40; 14:21; 21:8 EXHORTATION .... minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement, and counsel to other members of the body in such a way that they feel helped and healed. Romans 12:8; 1 Tim. 4:13; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 14:22 CRAFTSMANSHIP .... use their hands, thoughts, and mind to further the Kingdom of God through artistic, creative means. They may lead others in using similar gifts and they may also be used in the area of maintenance, care and upkeep for the benefit and beautification of God's Kingdom here on Earth. II Chr. 34:9-13; Ex. 30:22-25; Ex. 31:3-11; Acts 16:14; Acts 18:3 WISDOM .... know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:1-13; 1 Cor. 12:8; Acts 6:3,10; James 1:5-6; II Peter 3:15 TEACHING .... communicate and share information relevant to the health and ministry of the body and its members in such a way that others will gain understanding and knowledge. 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-14; Romans 12:7; Acts 18:24-28; Acts 20:20-21 DISCERNING OF SPIRITS .... know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human, or Satanic. 1 Cor. 12:10; Acts 5:1-11; Acts 16:16-18; 1 John 4:1-6; Matt. 16:21-23 KNOWLEDGE .... discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify information and ideas which are pertinent to the growth and well-being of the body. 1 Cor. 2:14; 1 Cor. 12:8; Acts 5:1-11; Coloss. 2:2-3; II Cor. 11:6 GIVING .... contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness. Romans 12:8; II Cor. 8:1-7; 9:2-8; Mark 12:41-44 HELPS .... invest the talents they have in the life and ministry of other members of the body, and thus enabling those others to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts. 1 Cor. 12:28; Romans 16:1-2; Acts 9:36; Luke 8:2-3; Mark 15:40-41 HOSPITALITY .... provide an open house and a warm welcome to those in need of food and lodging. 1 Cor. 12:28; Romans 16:1-2; Acts 9:36; Luke 8:2-3; Mark 15:40-41 MUSIC .... use one's voice in the singing of praises and joy to the Lord for the benefit of others, or to play a musical instrument to the praise of the Lord and for the benefit of others. I Chr. 16:41-42; II Chr. 5:12-13; 34:12; I Sam. 16:16; Deut. 31:22; Psalm 150 PRAYER / INTERCESSION .... pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers, to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian. James 5:14-16; I Timothy 2:1-2; Coloss. 1:9-12; 4:12-13; Acts 12:12; Luke 22: 41-44 LEADERSHIP .... set goals in accordance with God's purpose for the future and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish those goals for the glory of God. I Tim. 5:17; Acts 7:10; 15:7-11; Romans 12>8; Hebrews 13:17; Luke 9:51 MERCY .... feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals (both Christian and non-Christian) who suffer distressing physical, mental, or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds which reflect Christ's love and alleviate the suffering. Romans 12:8; Mark 9:41; Acts 16:33-34; Luke 10:33-35; Matt. 20:29-34; Matt. 25:34-40; Acts 11:28-30 FAITH .... discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purposes of God for God's work here on earth. 1 Cor. 12:9; Acts 11:22-24; 27:21-25; Hebrew 11; Romans 4:18-21 ADMINISTRATION .... understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals. 1 Cor. 12:28; Acts 6:1-7; 27:11; Luke 14:28-30 SERVICE .... identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God's work, and to make use of available resources to met those ends and help accomplish the desired results. II Tim. 1:16-18; Romans 12:7; Acts 6:1-7; Titus 3:14; Gal. 6:2, 10 MIRACLES .... serve as human intermediaries through whom it please God to perform powerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature. 1 Cor. 12:10:28; Acts 9:36-42; 19:11-20; 20:7-12; Romans 15:18-19; II Cor. 12:12 HEALING .... serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to cure illness and restore health apart form the use of natural means. 1 cor. 12:9,28; Acts 3:1-10; 5:12-16; 9:32-35; 28:7-10 APOSTLE .... assume and exercise general leadership over a number of churches with an extraordinary authority in spiritual matters which is spontaneously recognized and appreciated by those churches. 1 Cor. 12:38; II Cor. 12:12; Eph. 4:11-14; 3:1-9; Acts 15:1,2; gal. 2:7-10 LANGUAGES/TONGUES .... speak a divinely anointed message in a language they have never learned. Acts 2:1-13; 10:44-46; 19:1-7; Mark 16:17 INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES .... make known to listeners what was just said in a language different from the hearers. 1 Cor. 12:10, 13; 14:13; 14:26-28 CELIBACY .... remain single and enjoy it and not suffer undue sexual temptations for the sake of Christ. 1 Cor. 7:7,8; Matt. 19:10-12 MARTYRDOM .... undergo suffering for the faith even to the point of death, while consistently displaying a joyous and victorious attitude which brings glory to God. 1 Cor. 13:3; Acts 5:27-41; 7:54-60; 12:1-5; II Cor. 11:21-30; 12:9-10 2. Have your prayer partner select the categories that she / he believes reflects your gifts. 3. List your top three or four selections in the appropriate row of the "Gifts Matrix" summary on page 46

Things to do this week: Ask God to help you to see the spiritual gifts that you have been given. Remember it is sometimes easier for others to see our gifts than it is for us to see them. This is a very general introduction to Spiritual Gifts. If you would like to take a more in-depth survey that will help you to focus more clearly on your gifts, we have available: the "Wesley Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire" in the Church Office.

Space for Personal Notes:

Theme # 2: Motivated Abilities

According to Ralph Mattson, we are given a blueprint at birth which he calls our Motivated Abilities. That is, we are motivated to carry out this blueprint in our daily lives. We will try to use this at home, work/school, community, and church. He also has an interesting view of sin. Since we are motivated to use this gift, he suggests that sin is using this gift when God may not want us to. For example, I feel my blueprint has to do with organization. But I have found times when I really felt God wanted others to begin to practice using their organizational gifts and for me to stay out of it!

Text: Psalm 139:13 How does this text relate to this theme for me? Use space below for your notes.

Reflection: Indicators: 1. For each of the areas listed below, write down a list of things you have done which you valued and enjoyed doing, no matter how small or insignificant you think they might appear to others. Try to list 3 things for each category. a. Childhood: b. Teens: c. Early Adult: d. Currently: 2. Pick your most valued choice from each category and list it below: a. b. c. d. 3. Reflect and notice what theme or thread seems to run through each of these events. This will help you to have a better sense of your Motivated Abilities. Themes or threads that seem to touch each event for me are... 4. Share with your Prayer Partner a short story about your selections in 2. above. Allow your partner(s) to reflect on themes that they notice that are common in each of your selections. 5. List your selections in the appropriate row of the "Gifts Matrix" summary on page 46.

Things to do this week: This is a very general introduction to Motivated Abilities. If you would like to take a more in-depth survey that will help you to focus more clearly on your gifts, please ask for the Motivated Abilities Survey in the Church Office.

Space for Personal Notes:

Theme # 3: Life's Journey

In Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim, Ed Hays has a prayer in thanks of our many gifts. Part of the prayer goes like this: "I thank you for the many joys of my life, for family and friends, for work that gives to me a sense of purpose and invests my life with meaning. I thank you as well for the sufferings and trials of my life, which are also gifts and which together with my mistakes are among my most important teachers." (p.197) As you look at your life journey to date, allow yourself to reflect upon all the wisdom and gifts you now possess because of sufferings, mistakes, and trials. Remember they are in the past and you are a stronger person for having overcome them.

Text: Matthew 6:25 How does this text relate to this theme for me? Use space below for your notes.

Reflection: 1. Draw a map or chart, or whatever would be symbolic of your life’s journey. (You may want to use a blank sheet of paper. Crayons help!) 2. Share your creation with your Prayer Partner, explaining some of the highs and lows. Allow your partner to share his/her insights on gifts that life’s journey has given to you. (Wisdom, perseverance, sensitivity to others in similar situations, etc.) 3. List your selections in the appropriate row of the "Gifts Matrix" summary on page 46.

Things to do this week: Pray for one another, especially if you are currently experiencing a time of struggle or turmoil in your life. Pray that God will gift you with the strength to overcome this time of need.

Space for Personal Notes:

Theme # 4: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

The MBTI is a personality indicator that was developed by Isabell Myers-Briggs from Carl Jung’s work on personality types. Once you are aware of your personality type (designated by four letters) you can begin to see the gift within yourself and others. In short, the MBTI helps us to understand that each of us tends to look at things from a different perspective. Once we understand our own perspective, it is easier to understand the perspective of others. Being an Introvert, I wanted to take family vacation time at the beach. My wife, being an Extrovert, wanted to visit family and friends. Once we understood each other’s perspective, it made it easier to find solutions where both of us could get our needs met.

Text: Ecclesiastes 2:14 How does this text relate to this theme for me? Use space below for your notes.

Reflection: 1. Make one mark on each spectrum, near the word you feel most describes you. Which do you prefer? Extroversion (people & things) Introversion (ideas & thoughts) Sensing (work with facts) iNtuition (possibilities & relationships) Thinking (logic & analysis) Feeling (personal values) Judging (planned, orderly) Perceptive (flexible, spontaneous) 2. Once you have selected your four categories, reflect upon other people in your life. Which areas might they be coming from in their daily decisions? Will this make a difference in the way they approach problems & decisions? 3. MBTI has a chart of 16 types with their corresponding characteristics. After you have gone over this lesson with your prayer partner, give the office a call and we’ll either send you a copy of the 16 types or we can plan a time when you can come in and talk about your type! 4. Share your selections with your Prayer Partner. Ask her / him if they would agree with your assessment. Allow them to share their insights. 5. List your selections in the appropriate row of the "Gifts Matrix" summary on page 46.

Things to do this week: This is a very general introduction to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. If you would like to take a more in-depth survey that will help you to focus more clearly on your gifts, please ask for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator materials in the Church Office.

Space for Personal Notes:

Theme # 5: Behavioral Categories

"God created each of His children with a unique personality and unique strengths of character. These distinctions allow us to accomplish different tasks according to the Lord’s plan. Unfortunately, these same distinctions can cause misunderstanding and strife. Understanding How Others Misunderstand You, will help you better understand the behavioral traits of family, friends, and coworkers in an effort to better relate to one another in Christian love." (From cover jacket of book mentioned above.)

Text: Romans 7:15 How does this text relate to this theme for me? Use space below for your notes.

Reflection: 1. Prioritize these four words, from most like me (4) to least like me (1) . ____ Directing ____ Influencing ____ Steady ____ Cautious 2. Similar to Myers-Briggs, these four categories can be combined to make 16 basic categories. Ken Voges has connected these types with basic characters of the Bible. For example just using the above categories he notes the following Biblical characters and their styles: Categories Biblical Characters Wants & Actions Directing Paul, Michal Wants immediate results Acts decisively Influencing Peter, Rebekah Wants contact with people Acts enthusiastically Steady Abraham, Hannah Wants stability Acts systematically Cautious Moses, Esther Wants accuracy Acts cautiously 3. In general, which of these categories best fits your style? What would you guess is the style of those living or working with you are coming out of? How might this affect their way at looking at problems and decisions? 4. Share your selections with your Prayer Partner. Ask her / him if they would agree with your assessment. Allow them to share their insights. 5. List your selections in the appropriate row of the "Gifts Matrix" summary on page 46.

Things to do this week: This is a very general introduction to the Personal Style. If you would like to take a more in-depth survey that will help you to focus more clearly on your gifts, please ask for the Personal Style materials in the Church Office

Space for Personal Notes:

Summary Sheet: GIFTS MATRIX

This sheet is designed with two purposes in mind. One is so you can put all your new gift awareness on one page. Hopefully this will make it easier to reflect and pray about those gifts and how God would have you use them in your everyday world. Second, I thought it was interesting to notice that the various gifts seem to reflect the many areas of our lives that Jesus noted when He told us how to Love God and Neighbor.

Text: Luke 10:27 How does this text relate to this theme for me? Use space below for your notes.

The Gifts Matrix The Text: Type of Gift / My Gifts are... Type of Indicator Used: Love God (Spirituality) Community Gifts Cluster / Wesley Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire with Soul (Identity) Personal Gifts Cluster / System for Identifying Motivated Abilities (SIMA) with Heart (Beliefs/Values) Resources from life / Tapestry -- Life Journey with Mind (Capabilities) Personality type / Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) with Strength (Behavior) Action orientation / The Personal Style Survey: (DISC) and Neighbor as self (Environment) Where I plan to put my gifts into action / God's Call and My Mission

Things to do this week: During a time of quiet prayer, thank God for the gifts given and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to where and how God would have you use these gifts in Ministry to others.

Space for Personal Notes:

MY FAITH & MINISTRY – PAPER & PROJECT

CHAPTER I: My Faith Journey

A. Childhood to Adult — Memories of God’s presence B. Talk about God, Jesus, Holy Spirit regarding how they were meaningful to your Spiritual journey. C. Talk about others, church, and their influence on your faith journey. D. Mention the role of forgiveness in your journey.

CHAPTER II: My Daily Life as Ministry

A. What Spiritual Disciplines do you currently find helpful in listening to God? B. What would you consider as your gifts from God? C. How do you view your daily life as Ministry? D. How do your Spiritual Disciplines, Gifts from God, Daily life & Ministry interrelate?

CHAPTER III: My Statement of Ministry

"Based upon my sense of God's Direction in my life, my Gifts, and where Life / Spirit has planted me, I believe that God is calling me to be about... in my Daily Life: Home, Work / School, Leisure ... in the Body of Christ: The Church ..." "Specifically I am going to focus on the following project as a way to use my God given Gifts in ministry . . ."

Things to do this week: Share with your Prayer Partner the gifts you see in one another. It will make the journey easier! Using this Faith & Ministry outline as a guide, write out a journal of your Faith history: for yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Space for Personal Notes: