Spiritual Gifts Our Leverage in Living and Leading

1. Spiritual Gifts Our Leverage in Living and Leading www.lifeway.com/women • LifeWay Christian Resources

2. ReleasingThe RealYou R eality of a relationship with the Father through His Son E xpressing our unique personality in harmony with God’s Word A cting upon the fruit of the Spirit L iving out our giftedness in life and ministry

3. Purpose • What the Bible says about Spiritual gifts • Consider the gifts that have been given to us as unique individuals • Ways to discover or affirm ones Spiritual gifts • Understanding how to effectively work in harmony with others to impact the Kingdom

4. Biblical Basis for Gifts • What are Spiritual Gifts? 1 Corinthians 12: 1, 4 – 11; Romans 12:1-8 Definitions: “A special qualification, granted by the Holy Spirit, to every believer, to empower him/her to serve in ministry.” C. Gene Wilkes “Individualized endowments of grace from the Father, equipping you to play a vital role in His plan for the redemption of the world.” Ken Hemphill

5. B. The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts • Ephesians 4:11 – 13 • To prepare God’s people for service • Build up the body of Christ • Create unity of faith • Provide knowledge of Christ • Develop maturity

6. C. The Command to use our Gifts “Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

7. D. Key Biblical Principles Concerning Spiritual Gifts Each Christian has at least one gift (1Cor 12:7) Each gift is given as the Holy Spirit directs(1 Cor 12:11) No one has all of the gifts (1 Cor 17:7, 12:29-30) No gift is better than the other (1 Cor 12:21-26) Each gift has the same purpose (Eph 4:12, Rom 12: 6-8) God works through us when we exercise our gifts Exercising our gifts helps us develop our spiritual maturity (Eph 4:11,13) Your gifts reveal God’s grace (Rom 12:4-8)

8. RealityCheck Discussion WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR CHURCH?

9. OUR Motive Fill a position Accomplish a task Keep people busy Bring attention to ourselves The Matter of Motive

10. GOD’S Motive Reveal Himself to us Reveal Himself through us Encourage & edify other believers The Matter of Motive

11. Changing Our Motive Churches must move from a position where people serve the structure of the church to a position where its structure serves the people’s needs. C. Gene Wilkes, Jesus on Leadership

12. Teaching Leadership Knowledge Wisdom Prophecy Discernment Exhortation Shepherding Faith Evangelism Apostleship Service Mercy Giving Scriptural Examples of Spiritual Gifts

13. The ABC’s of Gift Discovery A. Ask the Holy Spirit for truth in your innermost being. • wisdom to understand yourself • help to understand your spiritual gift(s) • faith to accept and use your spiritual gift(s) • ability to see the needs of your local • body

14. The ABC’s of Gift Discovery (Continued) B. Believe God’s Word when it says that YOU are gifted. C. Commit to move out of your comfort zone and try new avenues of service.

15. The ABC’s of Gift Discovery (Continued) D. Discern through the affirmation of other Christians where God is directing you to serve. E. Examine your motives for seeking God’s gifts. F. Follow the Spirit’s leading when He reveals your passion, your burden.

16. The Process of Gift Discovery Spiritual Gift Assessment Tools • Spiritual Gifts Survey • Spiritual Gifts List • Where do you feel God leading you to serve Him?

17. Using Gifts in Ministry Strategies to assist women in finding their place of service • Leadership must set an example of Biblical service through spiritual gifts • Examine our motives and allow God to give us His motive • Provide ongoing opportunities for Bible study regarding spiritual gifts

18. Provide ongoing opportunities for spiritual gifts assessment • Develop and implement a system to match gifts with current ministry opportunities. • Continually encourage women as they seek to serve God through their spiritual gifts

19. Strategies to assist women in finding their place of service Discussion

20. Resources • Women Reaching Women: Beginning and Building a Growing Women’s Enrichment Ministry, Revised and Expanded Chris Adams, LifeWay • Transformed Lives: Taking Women’s Ministry to the Next Level, compiled by Chris Adams, LifeWay • www.lifeway.com/women, click Ministry, then Women’s Ministry FAQs • Jesus on Leadership, C. Gene Wilkes, LifeWay • Spiritual Gifts, David Frances, LifeWay • Unique Design: Connecting with the Christian Community, Serendipity Life Connections Series/LifeWay • Uniquely You in Christ, Dr. Mels Carbonell • Yours for the Giving: Spiritual Gifts, Barbara Joiner

21. Resources • The BodyLife Journey, John S. Powers • Network Curriculum, Willow Creek Association • Following God: Using Your Spiritual Gifts, Eddie Rasnake • Gifts: Learning a Lifestyle of Service, Pursuing Spiritual Transformation, John Ortberg • What's So Spiritual About Your Gifts?, Blackaby • Women Gifted for Ministry, Ruth & Elmer Towns • Unique Design: Connecting with the Christian Community, Serendipity House/LifeWay • Making Love Last Forever, Gary Smalley, LifeWay