We are members of the body of Christ. Everybody has a role to play in the body of Christ. Rom 12:4-8, 1 cor.12:12, 27-31. God did not save you for yourself, he saved you for a purpose.
TYPES OF MINISTRY GIFTS:
1. The Ministry of Exhortation: Acts 15:32, Heb. 3:13, Exhortation is a Ministry of Exhortation and encouragement. Please note that Ministry is something you do every time, not once in a while. In 1 Sam 30:6-7, David encouraged himself in the Lord. He became stronger because he was encouraged. Men become weak when there is a lack of encouragement
2. The Ministry of Giving/Generosity: Some people are natural stewards and know that whatever they have is not theirs. 2 Cor. 9:12-13 (NLT)
Aphthous Hady was a man trained to be a missionary but because he was in sickness, he cried in agony telling God he wanted to serve him, but God told him, he didn’t want him to go but to stay there and make money to sponsor other missionaries. So he gave plenty to missionaries, similar testimony came for Oswald J. Smith that he gave abundantly to missionaries in.
3. The Ministry of Mercy: is borne out of compassion. Rom12:9. This ministry is akin to Jesus. He showed Mercy to all. Eph 4:2
4. The Ministry of Administration: Rom 12:8, 1 Tim 5:17, They are called to rule and lead.
5. The Ministry of Helps: Rom 16:1-2, Mark 15:40-41, Even Jesus Needed help from the women that came around to help him sort other matters
THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY (1cor 12:12,27)
1. Apostles: 1Cor 12:28, Heb 3:1. Apostle is a man sent from God with a specific message or commission. God sets him apart to take the gospel to a particular territory at a particular time. Eph 3:3
2. Prophet: A foreteller of God’s word. In the Old Testament, judgment was sent to the people via the words of the prophet. 1kg 17:1. So this ministry comes with a deep intimacy with God and then the prophet knows the mind of God concerning his people. So God stirs the prophet to speak, which normally comes to pass, except the people are repentant. In this dispensation, we don’t have to fear the prophets. Their duty now is to confirm what God has told you in the past. Don’t rush to receive every prophet. Acts 11:27-30
3. Evangelist: is a preacher of the gospel, whose focus is to win souls for Christ. His goal is to get you to give your life to Christ. 2 Tim. 4:5. Acts 8:14
4. Pastor: A pastor is an overseer of the church, He tends, guides, guards, and feeds the flocks. John 10:16, 1 Peter 5:2-3. A pastor is a man of the people, he stays with them and counsels the people.
5. Teachers: are to be an instructors of God’s word. He is to shatter the darkness and ignorance of the word. He is to unpack mysteries and deep things of God. He brings light and understanding which transforms the life of the people. 2 Tim 2:2. Most times they don’t have a church, they go from nation to nation, dividing the truth.
DISCOVERING YOUR MINISTRY
The SHAPE test will help us in this analysis. Let’s glean from the acronym S.H.A.P.E
S: Spiritual Gifts: What has God supernaturally gifted you to do? You can discover your spiritual gifts through experimenting, studying, Taking assessments like the S.H.A.P.E test, and asking others for input
H: Heart/Passion: What drives you or what is your passion? what are the people you want to help and are drawn to?
A: Abilities: What natural talents do you have? Abilities can be gleaned from Natural Talents, Learned Skills/Abilities, and Supernatural Giftings
P: Personality: Where does your personality best suit you? Personality is broken into four Major Temperaments:
i. Sanguine: Energetic, sociable, optimistic, spontaneous, Extroverted, lively, adaptable, enthusiastic, social and cheerful. Usually Suited for: Evangelism, hospitality, encouragement.
ii. Choleric: Ambitious, confident, decisive, goal-oriented, Natural leaders who are driven and assertive, confident, extroverted. Usually suited for: Leadership, administration, prophecy. Their ability to take charge and make decisions
iii. Melancholic: Analytical, detail-oriented, sensitive, perfectionistic and creative problem-solvers, thoughtful and introspective, deep thinkers, Introverted, reflective, and conscientious. Usually Suited for: Teaching, discernment, mercy.
iv. Phlegmatic: Calm, patient, reliable, easygoing, peacemakers, seen as dependable, excellent listeners and supportive. Usually Suited for: Service, help, intercession.
E: Experiences: What experiences have you had e.g: Spiritual experience, Ministry experience and Life experiences
APPLYING THE SHAPE: This can be done by:
i. Discovery: Prayerfully reflect on your “SHAPE” Identify the key trends and patterns that emerge
ii. Develop: Grow your gifts and abilities
iii. Deploy: serve others and fulfil your purpose
Scenario examples:
– Susan, a gifted teacher with a heart for children, discovered her ministry by actively participating in Home Cell teaching
– John, an entrepreneur with a passion for missions, used his business skills to start a non-profit organization that supports community development projects in slums through evangelism.
– Sarah, a compassionate listener with the spiritual gift of encouragement, found her ministry in one-on-one counseling, walking alongside those struggling with depression and anxiety.
Selah!
God Bless you richly!
However, for the word to profit you more, give your life to JESUS, join a bible believing church, or get in touch with us via our counseling lines or email via the contacts on this site, for prayer and counseling
