PERFECTING THE SAINTS

FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY

 

 

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13

 

 

The goal of this seminar is to increase the participation of the members by identifying and using their God given gifts for the building up (edification) of the body of Christ.

 

-         We are not to be spectators, but active participants in the work.

-         God does not give us gifts to be idle, but to commit us to the work at hand. He expects us to work!

-         He looks for EXCELLENCE!

 

 

"Eagerly desire the greater gifts…"  1 Co 12: 12-14, 27-31

 

THE GIFT OF SERVICE

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; (Romans 12:6-7)

COMMENTS

Perhaps this is the most basic and common gift. Not everyone can teach or preach, but everyone can serve. According to Jesus: “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44)

 

EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO HAD THE GIFT OF SERVICE

  1. Jesus – Mark 10:43; John 13:1-7
  2. Dorcas (Tabitha) – Acts 9:36-39

 

IMPORTANT SCRIPTURES THAT SPEAK OF THE GIFT OF SERVICE

  1. Galatians 5:13 - Serve one another in love.
  2. 1 Peter 4:11 - If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides.

 

THOSE WHO HAVE THE GIFT OF SERVICE:

 

LET’S SEE IF YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF SERVICE

Instructions: Answer the following statements using:

1= If you never do it,   2= If you do it from time to time,   3= If you always do it

 

                                                                                    Never              Sometimes       Always

  1. When there is a project for the church,                ____                   _____               _____

            I want to participate.                                                  

  1. I look for opportunities to serve.                         ____                   _____               _____         
  2. I enjoy doing things for others.                            ____                   _____               _____         
  3. I prefer to serve than to be served.                     ____                   _____               _____         
  4. I believe that is more blessed to give                   ____                   _____               _____    
    than to receive.

 

Total: Add up your answers. Scale: 10-15 points means that it is likely you have the gift of service. 6-9 points means that perhaps you have the gift of service. Less than 5 points means that you have a different gift from God.

If indeed you have the gift of service, use it for the glory of God!

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THE GIFT OF TEACHING

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; (Romans 12:6-7)

We all need to teach the Gospel, and serve, but not everyone has the gift of teaching.

 

COMMENTS

In each generation, the church needs teachers of the word of God. Faithful teachers are well grounded in the word and have the ability to effectively communicate the word of God.  Culture and customs are accessories to the message of the Gospel. A good teacher can relate to the audience through the use of familiar accessories, as Jesus did with the parables.

 

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THE GIFT OF TEACHING

  1. Ephesians 4:11-12  It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service…
  2. Titus 2:1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
  3. 1 Peter 3:14-16 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (Good teachers recognize that you cannot answer according to your likes, but in order for others to understand.)
  4. 2 Pedro 3:15-18 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (We need to be careful not to distance the truth for others)

THOSE WHO HAVE THE GIFT OF TEACHING:

 

LET’S SEE IF YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF TEACHING

Instructions: Answer the following statements using:

1= If you never do it,   2= If you do it from time to time,   3= If you always do it

 

                                                                                    Never              Sometimes         Always

1.      I feel comfortable teaching the Bible.                 ____                   _____               _____

  1. I take advantage of opportunities to teach.           ____                   _____               _____
  2. I want to teach.                                                   ____                   _____               _____
  3. I prepare well to teach a Bible class.                    ____                   _____               _____
  4. The leaders often ask me to teach.                       ____                   _____               _____

 

Total: Add up your answers. Scale: 10-15 points means that it is likely you have the gift of teaching. 6-9 points means that perhaps you have the gift of teaching. Less than 5 points means that you have a different gift from God. If indeed you have the gift of teaching, use it for the glory of God!

 

THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)

COMMENTS

The preachers are not the only ones that are supposed to encourage the brethren. There are other members in the body of Christ that support and encourage us in the Lord.

 

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

  1. Barnabas – His name means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36)
  2. Onesiphorus – Paul says of him: “…he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains”. (2 Tim 1:16)

 

IMPORTANT SCRIPTURES THAT SPEAK OF THIS GIFT

1-      Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

2-      Hebrews 10:24-25And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

THOSE WHO HAVE THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

-          Are enthusiastic (They have the Spirit inside of them)

-          They always make positive comments and have the ability to encourage others

-          They are always looking to help and lift up those who are discouraged

-          Through love, and not intimidation, they persuade others and spur them on toward love and good deeds by their example

-          They always express 3 positive things about you for every constructive criticism they may have to offer

 

LET’S SEE IF YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Instructions: Answer the following statements using:

1= If you never do it,   2= If you do it from time to time,   3= If you always do it

 

                                                                                    Never              Sometimes         Always

1.      I always want to encourage the brethren            ____                   _____               _____

  1. I am sought out to encourage others                    ____                   _____               _____
  2. I am able to give encouraging words                   ____                   _____               _____
    without much thought
  3. I seek to give encouragement by what I do         ____                   _____               _____
  4. I change my plans to be able to encourage          ____                   _____               _____
    those who need it

 

Total: Add up your answers. Scale: 10-15 points means that it is likely you have the gift of encouragement. 6-9 points means that perhaps you have the gift of encouragement. Less than 5 points means that you have a different gift from God. If indeed you have the gift of encouragement, use it for the glory of God!

THE GIFT OF OFFERING (GIVING)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)

COMMENTS

We know the church is not a business, but there are expenditures and material needs for us as a church and for certain individuals who qualify for benevolence.  Not to mention we need to spread the Gospel through all means, so we need budgets and aid for those in need and salaries for those who devote their lives to the building up of the body.  Each generation in the church is in need of individuals who have the gift of offering.

 

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO HAD THE GIFT OF GIVING

  1. The Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) – They gave beyond their ability.
  2. The church in Antioch (Acts 11:27-30) – God used them to prevent a famine in Judea.

 

IMPORTANT SCRIPTURES THAT SPEAK OF THIS GIFT

  1. Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
  2. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

THOSE WHO HAVE THE GIFT OF GIVING

-          Share their resources without asking for something in return

-          Don’t seek after their own gain or interests

-          Find joy and satisfaction in giving

-          Don’t trumpet their offerings or boast about what they give or have done

-          Are not greedy nor stingy

-          Do not depend on the church for giving

-          “Teach how to fish instead of giving fish”

 

LET’S SEE IF YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF GIVING

Instructions: Answer the following statements using:

1= If you never do it,   2= If you do it from time to time,   3= If you always do it

 

                                                                                Never              Sometimes         Always

1.      When there is a need in the church I’m there ____                   _____               _____

  1. I look for opportunities to give                        ____                   _____               _____
  2. I enjoy giving the most I can                            ____                   _____               _____
  3. I sacrifice myself to give generously                 ____                   _____               _____
  4. I share my resources with the poor                  ____                   _____               _____

 

Total: Add up your answers. Scale: 10-15 points means that it is likely you have the gift of giving. 6-9 points means that perhaps you have the gift of giving. Less than 5 points means that you have a different gift from God. If indeed you have the gift of giving, use it for the glory of God!

THE GIFT OF LEADERSHIP (GOVERNANCE)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)

COMMENTS

Each generation of the church needs individuals that can serve the purpose of training the body for works of service. These men must be full of the spirit as they lead in various ministries by excellence in governing diligently.

 

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO HAD THE GIFT OF LEADERSHIP

  1. The Elder who governs diligently (1 Tim 5:17) – The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
  2. Brother Titus, who diligently took ownership of his responsibility in God’s sight (2Co 8.16-24) – (17-18) For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.

 

IMPORTANT SCRIPTURES THAT SPEAK OF THIS GIFT

  1. 1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:23-24 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
  3. 1 Timothy 1:18; 3:1-13; Eccle 7:16-18 Balance and Temperament are required for governing diligently.

THOSE WHO HAVE THE GIFT OF LEADERSHIP

-          Take initiative (ownership) in their ministries

-          Are well organized and diligent in fulfilling their tasks

-          Are filled with infectious enthusiasm that motivates others to serve and give of themselves

-          Are faithful and trustworthy

-          Understand the need for effective leadership

-          Delegate responsibilities and train other leaders to take their place

 

LET’S SEE IF YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF LEADERSHIP

Instructions: Answer the following statements using:

1= If you never do it,   2= If you do it from time to time,   3= If you always do it

 

                                                                                  Never              Sometimes         Always

1.      It’s easy for me to organize projects               ____                   _____               _____

  1. I enjoy planning for and directing events           ____                   _____               _____
  2. I am sought out for planning and directing         ____                   _____               _____
  3. Others see this gift in me                                   ____                   _____               _____
  4. I am asked to lead because I am respected        ____                   _____               _____

 

Total: Add up your answers. Scale: 10-15 points means that it is likely you have the gift of leadership. 6-9 points means that perhaps you have the gift of leadership. Less than 5 points means that you have a different gift from God. If indeed you have the gift of leadership, use it for the glory of God!

THE GIFT OF MERCY (COMPASSION)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)

COMMENTS

This gift involves the ability of showing compassion by empathy, not only sympathy. They are able to comfort others through their experience of God’s comfort in times of trouble, sorrow and pain. They are able to understand others needs and fulfill them with a cheerful attitude, not thinking about themselves.

 

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO HAD THE GIFT OF MERCY

  1. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
  2. The father of the prodigal son (Luke 15:20)
  3. Jesus, when He saw the multitudes (Mark 1:41; Mat 9:36; 14:14; 15:32)

 

IMPORTANT SCRIPTURES THAT SPEAK OF THIS GIFT

  1. Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
  2. Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
  3. Being compassionate helps us act with temperance, neither exasperating nor ignoring others.

THOSE WHO HAVE THE GIFT OF MERCY

-          Do whatever they can to help those who are destitute

-          Share their resources with the poor (Romans 12:13)

-          Weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15)

-          Sympathize profoundly and comfort the afflicted  (2 Co 1:3-6)

-          Are able to communicate without intimidation and draw others to the surface (Prov 20:5)

-          Are approachable and sought out by those who are afflicted and destitute

 

LET’S SEE IF YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF MERCY

Instructions: Answer the following statements using:

1= If you never do it,   2= If you do it from time to time,   3= If you always do it

 

                                                                                   Never             Sometimes         Always

1.      When I see a need I desire to fill it                    ____                _____               _____

  1. I am moved by compassion when I see poverty  ____               _____               _____
  2. I delight in fulfilling other’s needs                        ____                _____               _____
  3. I am active in benevolence                                 ____                _____               _____
  4. I am sought out to comfort others                       ____                _____               _____

 

Total: Add up your answers. Scale: 10-15 points means that it is likely you have the gift of mercy. 6-9 points means that perhaps you have the gift of mercy. Less than 5 points means that you have a different gift from God. If indeed you have the gift of mercy, use it for the glory of God!