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Question to ponder:

Question to ponder: . Will God, use this retreat t o make Danube a stronger Church, so that we will grow in maturity, and f ulfill our calling? . Dominant. Influent. Conscientious. Stable. Age old problem. Generating information i s always easier t han creating change.

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Question to ponder:

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  1. Question to ponder: Will God, use this retreat to make Danube a stronger Church, so that we will grow in maturity, and fulfill our calling?

  2. Dominant Influent Conscientious Stable

  3. Age old problem Generating information is always easier than creating change Desired Outcomes Better teams Increased effectiveness Better Relationships

  4. Age old problem Outcomes we seek: Generating information is always easier than creating change • Personal level – Being spiritually gifted • Calls me to courageous, faith-filled initiative • It’s my move as a STEWARD • Calls me to better understand each of you • Corporate level – our gifting • Asks the church’s leadership to excel in stewardship. Every gift needs to be utilized and maximized • Asks for us all to create a culture that appreciates the importance of spiritual gifts

  5. Ephesians 4:7-13

  6. UNITY Diversity Same Author

  7. Ephesians 4:7 • But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

  8. Ephesians 4:7 • But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Grace

  9. Ephesians 4:7 • But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Each

  10. Ephesians 4:7 • But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Apportioned

  11. Verse 7 summary • Grace– • The gift is an expression of God’s goodness. • There is a loose connection between me (my merits) and this gift. • The gifts tell us more about the GIVER than about the recipient. • Each - Diversity is Universal in the Body of Christ – it affects everyone. • Apportioned - God orders the diversity according to his desires and values. Each piece fits into a larger plan.

  12. Glorious context of the gift giving! Cherish it! Allusion to Psalm 68:18 Consider WHO the gift is coming from!

  13. Why where the gifts given? • To equip the saints for works of service… • so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in faith… • and become mature. Ephesians 4:12,13 Jesus gave me something, to do something, that I’m not totally sure I’m planning on doing.

  14. One primary challenge • Indentifying a gift, using a gift and growing in a gift… • Is probably going to be connected to our dedication to use it as God intended.

  15. Are we ready to be practical? • Are their pre-requisites?

  16. Pre-requisites • You must value teamwork • You have to desire to achieve high levels of performance • You must have motivation to confront change • You have to really care about people

  17. Spiritual gifts Character Beliefs & Values Pre-requisites to effective use of gifts

  18. Exploring Beliefs and Values • Paul – “I choose to glory only in the cross of Christ.” • George – I glory in myself and my accomplishments.

  19. Essential Beliefs and Values • I am the steward of the gift God gave me. It is my jobto identify it and use it. • I am called to use the gift to bless the Body of Christ whether or not its exercise is easy or difficult. • I have been re-created to serve others, and my gift is a divine responsibility. 1 Peter 4:10 • There is real spiritual power that God intends to flow through me. Something spiritual happens when I exercise my gift.

  20. Comparison of definitions Values option 1 Values option 2 • In developing my gift, I’m dedicated to learning by trail and error. • I do what I’m best at, and avoid areas of lower performance. • Gifting means that it should come naturally. (It should be easy) • Investment in God’s kingdom is so valuable I’ll pay the cost. • The weekend is my free-time, a good time for others to build me up. • In the weekend I will be with my spiritual family, so it is a great time to use my gift.

  21. What is my primary challenge? • Lack of knowledge? • Lack of wisdom – “No man builds a barn without first calculating the cost” -- assess the pre-requisites. • Lack of willingness?

  22. Moving toward action: • Each one has a gift, each one has a stewardship. The ball is in my court. • God give me courageous, faith-filled initiative! • What if I don’t see an “easy application? • Question – are there really that many easy applications? • Will you send to the elders your top 3 gift assessments? • Davidginn@aol.com

  23. A healthychurchrecognizes giftedness and diversity • Recognition of giftedness binds us together • Recognition of giftedness often creates contentment • The soul seeks its place of service • A soul that is restless is more inclined to envy & jealousy

  24. Reflection time • God, what do you want me to do with my gift? • God, how am I doing on the pre-requisites of effective gift use? • Have I accepted the stewardship of my gift? • Have I been expecting it to be easy? • Do I believe that REAL spiritual power will flow through me? • Am I living out the attitude, “Here I am, send me?” • How easy does it have to be in order for me to use my spiritual gifts?

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