What am I gifted to do?
“To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Peter 4:10)
A spiritual gift can be defined as: “an expression of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers which empowers them to serve in the body of Christ, the church“ (Gene Wilkes, Jesus on Leadership). God has gifted you with an expression of His Holy Spirit to support the vision and mission of His church. Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents or personality traits, though these can overlap. The main difference is that spiritual gifts are always used for the benefit of others, not your own enrichment or enjoyment. Scripture identifies a number of specific gifts (Romans 12:6‐8; 1 Corinthians 12:8‐10, 28‐30; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:9‐11). Descriptions are included in the section on spiritual gifts.
What are you passionate about doing?
Matthew 6:21 (NIV) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”(1 Peter 4:10)
The Bible uses the term heart to represent the center of one’s motivation, desires, and inclinations. Each of us has a “ministry heartbeat” that quickens to different things. Our heart is a driving force in our life. We tend to focus our energies on what we most deeply care about and love to do. The “Heart” section of this tool looks at three areas of passion: Activities, People, and Causes.
What am I good at doing?
“I [God] have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.” (Exodus 31:3)
God gives everyone natural abilities and talents. You also learn skills through your vocation, home‐based responsibilities or hobbies. What can you do with competence and confidence? What are your strengths in relation to working with others and accomplishing goals? This tool looks at two types of abilities: Actions (tasks) and Aptitudes (qualities). Pay special attention to your “Motivated Abilities” – things you both are capable of doing and enjoy doing.
“P” Personality Assessment: What am I best suited to do?
Each person is wired with a unique personality that affects both what you do and how you do it. Personality styles are not right or wrong, better or worse … they are all part of God’s design for variety and balance (1 Corinthians 12:14‐20).
To demonstrate the importance of working with‐‐not against‐‐your personality, try this: First, write your name. Then write your name again using your opposite hand. Most likely, you could do it, but it felt uncomfortable and took more time and effort. It didn’t feel natural. Similarly, you will serve with greater motivation and effectiveness when you find a good match for your temperament. Because personalities are so complex, there are multiple ways they could be described. This Personality Survey looks at two factors: how you are energized, and how you are organized.
What has my life history prepared me to do?
“Now I want you to know that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12).
Your past experiences have helped to shape your character, hone your abilities and influence your desire to serve. This is especially true of your painful experiences and problems you have overcome with God’s help. Our most powerful witness comes out of our weaknesses, rather than our strengths (2 Corinthians 1:3‐4, 11:30, 12:9‐10). God wants you to be open to ministering to people who are walking through the same valley you have already passed through! This tool will ask you to consider what life experiences could translate into fruitful ministry.