The church is not a building or structure. We are a group of people who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour, gifted by God and working together as a team to spread the gospel and win others for Jesus Christ.
We each have a God-given gift or gifts which God expects us to use for His honour and glory. Once we discover what they are, we should develop them with the help of the Holy Spirit working within us and utilize them for the glory of God. When we do so, we experience a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment because our lives become more rewarding as we exercise our spiritual calling. In addition, the church is able to effectively carry out its ministry until Christ returns.
There are many areas where we can utilize our gifts and one area is within the church. Developing and utilizing our God given gifts within the church is one of the main mechanisms God uses to grow His church. When all these gifts function at their optimum, the church grows collectively, individual believers are strengthened spiritually, the surrounding community and beyond is reached and God is glorified.
According to Romans 12:6-8, some areas where we can utilize our gifts within the church are:
Prophecy – The Greek word translated “prophesying” or “prophecy” means to “speak forth” or declare the divine will, to interpret the purposes of God, or to make known in any way the truth of God which is designed to influence people.
Serving/ministry – This includes being involved in tasks or functions in various areas of the church, that will ensure the smooth operations of the church as a whole. In many instances, Christians with this gift work behind the scenes. Some areas of service may include; serving in the area of keeping the church building and surroundings tidy and well maintained; serving as a church bus driver or as an usher; serving on the worship team as a musician, song leader or choir member; serving as part of the church administration as a deacon, secretary or treasurer.
Teaching – This involves thoroughly explaining the word of God for the purpose of building up, unifying and maturing the body of believers. The Sunday School ministry is an area where many teachers with a variety of skills are necessary since classes range from preschool age all the way up to the adult class.
Exhorting – This is the ability to encourage, counsel, motivate and assist others to grow in their faith. This gift is very important when assisting new believers to develop in their faith. Exhorting is also exhibited in teaching and preaching.
Giving – Your gift may be the ability to identify others within the church who have a certain need and assist them financially or in whatever way you can. Christians with the gift of giving also give generously and cheerfully to the Lord’s work and mission of the church.
Ruling/leading – This is having the ability to lead others towards spiritual growth. It also includes having a clear vision for the group and thus the ability to set goals and to motivate members to work in unity to accomplish those goals in line with the mission of the church. It also involves having the ability to organize, manage, delegate tasks and to provide creative outlets for the other members on the team to carry out their functions effectively. This gift is not only reserved for the pastor but for those who are capable of leading a group or ministry within the church. This may include; Sunday School Superintendent, leader of Ladies Fellowship, leader of Men’s Fellowship and Youth Group leader.
Mercy/Compassion – Someone with the gift of mercy genuinely cares for those who are suffering physically, mentally or emotionally. It is not done only out of obligation but they do so cheerfully. A cheerful disposition leaves the suffering one with hope because it helps point them to the Lord as their strength.
Some other areas where spiritual gifts are mentioned in the bible are 1 Corinthians 12:8 – 10; 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11.
In order to know where you will serve best within the church, you need to be clear about the gift(s) you have. Therefore ask yourself these questions: “What is it that drives or motivates me?” “In what area of service do I feel the most satisfaction?” Even if it is not clear from the beginning, just get involved somewhere and as you do, pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you and clearly show you where you belong.
Also, here is a surprising way to help you discern your gift(s). Ask yourself: “What do I complain about in the church?” People tend to complain about areas where they are gifted. Gifted teachers may complain that the teaching is lacking and can identify areas for improvement. Gifted leaders may complain about the church or a certain ministry within the church being poorly organized and can give ideas to improve efficiency. Those gifted in mercy may complain that the church should be more hospitable and can suggest ways to do so. Those gifted in evangelism may complain that the church can do more for outreach and can suggest how to do so.
Once you have identified your gift(s), aim to develop them so that you will be able to serve at your best.