| the path... commit to ONE area of service
Ready to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts? Take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory A spiritual gifts inventory is not a test with right or wrong answers, but rather a tool to help you to identify your God-given gifts, or assets. It's not so much of an assessment or analysis, but rather a starting point. After you discover what your gifts are, you are better able to examine the results and draw conclusions on which ministries you may best serve and in what capacity. Reflecting personal achievement is not the objective of a spiritual gifts inventory. Gifts are about God's design for you, God's power through you and God's grace in you. How you can actually use your spiritual gifts for maximum effectiveness in serving the Lord. How to complete the inventory: Determine the validity of each statement from your point of view. Use the appropriate scale for each section and record your response for each question. Tally your results at the end of the inventory.
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Visit www.FCCconnect.org/serve to learn more about the ministries at First Christian and how you can use your talents and gifts!
The Spiritual Gifts Defined
After you've taken the Spiritual Gifts Inventory, add up your scores and determine you area(s) of giftedness from the descriptive list below. SERVING
This person is happy working behind the scenes. It is possible that more people have this gift than any other gift. This person with this gift might (paint walls, pick up trash, sort hymnals, clean the baptistery, bake cookies, cook meals, drive the bus, plus any other of the millions of tasks that need to be done in the church). Strengths: Burdened by other’s needs and quickly responds Can hardly say “No” Likes to have a good leader they can support Usually very patient Doesn’t like attention drawn to themselves
Where to put this gift to use: - A/V Tech Ministries
- Nursery Ministry
- Church maintenance and grounds
- Helping in the office
TEACHING
This person loves communicating knowledge and helping others see who God is through leading a group discussion. This person likes to study topics and arrange the data in a way the congregation can understand and relate to. Strengths: Has a great burden to know and teach the Bible Relies heavily on the authority of the Bible He questions those who teach him They like to see things clearly and always look for better ways communicate truth A verse out of context bothers them Has an organized structure
Places to use this gift: - Teach a children's, youth or adult Sunday School class
Begin a Bible Study or lead a Small Group
ENCOURAGEMENT
These folks are how to people. They usually make the best counselors. They like people and want to spend time with them. They love giving guidance and advice in practical steps. They see the big picture. The encourager has a plan for everything. If you go to them with a problem they may say OK try A, B and C. You can do it. Strengths: Able to help others define their problem and see a solution Very practical Can break a problem down into baby steps Loves to motivate others to succeed Makes decisions based upon logic rather than emotion
Where to use this gift: Be a mentor Encourage those who are discouraged
GIVING
The giver loves to use the resources God has given them to bless others with. Givers have no trouble sharing their time, talent and treasure. They love to give to others and remain anonymous. They do not want to draw any type of attention to themselves. Givers love helping others financially. Strengths: Sensitive to the financial needs of others Always ready to give Wants to know his gift is being used properly Usually has a burden for missions Has the ability to make quick decisions concerning finances
Where to use this gift: Anywhere small or large amounts of money are needed A member of the benevolence committee A member of the finance committee Help underwrite special needs (camp fees, special projects)
LEADERSHIP (SEE ADMINISTRATION) MERCY
This person has the ability to enter into the grief or happiness of another. This person has the ability to show empathy. Sympathy is where you feel for someone. Empathy is where you feel with another. When there is a death the mercy-shower goes to the house and helps fix the meal, when a promotion comes the mercy-shower gives a big hug. Strengths: Has a burden to comfort others Their heart goes out to anyone who has a big need They are non-condemning, and do not gripe They are self-sacrificing They are patient, sincere, responsive and tolerant
Where to use this gift: As a hospital, nursing home or shut-in situation Providing meals for funerals, or new births
WISDOM
This is what we call “common sense.” Wisdom is knowledge gained from experience. This person has the ability to combine head knowledge with heart knowledge. Strengths: Has a very practical, common sense approach to life Is not afraid to make mistakes When a mistake is made they learn as much as possible from it Is able to communicate in simple terms knowledge
Where to use this gift: Helping to prepare for a bible study Leading a small group elective Being on a church board Helping others arrive at a plan of action
KNOWLEDGE
This person has the ability to seek an answer until they find it. They do not look for a quick answer, but dig and dig and dig until they find the truth. Strengths: Where to use these gifts: Writing a Bible lesson Researching for a proposal
FAITH
This person has the ability to see something that God wants done, and shows the ability to believe He will do it, no matter what the situation. This person is very sure to only ask God what He wants done. Strengths: Where to use this gift: Loves starting new ministries Prayer support for these ministries An encourager to those who lack faith A second hand assistant
HELPS
This person loves to give assistance, a helping hand. This gift is where The Spirit calls you to not be in the spotlight, but lend your support to a worthy ministry. Your efforts allow others to be free to focus on their area of giftedness. Strengths: Where to use this gift: Teacher’s assistant Communion prep and cleanup Help with mailings
ADMINISTRATION (also Leadership)
This person is a take charge type of person. When no one else takes charge, they jump in and begin to rally people for a common cause. They put plans on paper and begin delegating responsibility. One type organizes events, while the other organizes people. Strengths: Has big dreams for God Delegates when possible Can’t bear to lose Willing to take risks Capable of making quick decisions and sticking with them
Where to use this gift: A leader of a board Organizing any type of ministry Helping plan events
EVANGELISM
This person has a tremendous heart for people who are outside of Christ. They have a true love for people. Whenever they can they look for ways to share the love of Christ with others. When someone comes to Christ they cannot think of a more exciting event. Strengths: Has a consuming passion for lost souls Loves to be around non-Christians Is forgiving and relates with people outside of Christ Has a clear understanding of the gospel message Loves to listen and encourage others
Where to use this gift:
PASTOR/SHEPHERD
This person leads, feeds and protects the flock. They are the “captain of the team.” The heartbeat of the shepherd/teacher is the members of the church. They love encouraging others in the church. When danger is around they protect the flock, at times confront the flock. Strengths: - A burden to see others grow
More relational than task-oriented Loves helping other reconcile Has a high tolerance of other’s short-comings Protective of those under them
Where to use this gift: - Sunday school teacher
A ministry leader Hospitality worker Social coordinator Special Needs ministries
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