Discovering Your Ministry

Kingdom School of Ministry - Discovering Your Ministry

Introduction

  • Examines practical applications of biblical teachings to uncover personal gifts and ministry.

  • Importance of one's role in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7).

  • Every Christian is considered full-time in ministry (Ephesians 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:2).

Definition of Ministry

  • Ministry means service.

  • Derived from Greek terms: "diakonia" (service) and "leitourgia" (public service).

    • Diakonos refers to a person who serves (e.g., deacon).

  • Ministry encompasses work that benefits others, including roles like apostles, preachers, and lay members.

Biblical Examples of Servanthood

  • Paul identified various co-workers as servants (Phoebe, Tychicus, Timothy, Epaphras).

  • Jesus emphasized servanthood among His followers (Matthew 20:26-27).

  • All Christians are called to be servants to one another (Philippians 2:7).

Discovering Your Ministry

Key Considerations

  1. MINISTRY GIFTS

    • Not unnatural; should align seamlessly with a believer's life.

    • Strain in ministry indicates stepping beyond one's grace.

    • Begin with a general calling:

      • Ministry to the Lord (Romans 1:1; 12:1-3).

      • Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

      • Ministry to Saints (1 Corinthians 16:15).

  2. MINISTRY IS OUTWARD-LOOKING

    • Ministry must focus on people (Matthew 9:35-36).

    • Recognizing needs in others leads to discovering one's gifts.

  3. MEASURING MINISTRY

    • Comparison among ministries is unwise (2 Corinthians 10:12).

    • Each gift measured against Christ’s example (Ephesians 4:13).

Finding Your Level

  • Each ministry gift differs in:

    1. Capacity: Varies from large groups to one-on-one.

    2. Field: Specific assignments by God (2 Corinthians 10:13-16).

    3. Emphasis: Personal uniqueness shapes the ministry style (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

Understanding Individual Personality in Ministry

  • Personality types influence ministry engagement:

    • Extroverts: Quick participants, impulsive.

    • Introverts: Reflective, prefer observation.

    • Both dynamics are essential, with no right or wrong temperament.

Spiritual Gifts

  • Definition: God-given abilities activated by the Holy Spirit for serving God and others.

  • Gifts may include:

    1. Word of Wisdom : Applying spiritual principles.

    2. Word of Knowledge : Knowing supernatural information.

    3. Gift of Faith : Believing in the impossible.

    4. Gifts of Healings : Facilitating divine healing.

    5. Working of Miracles : Demonstrating God’s supernatural power.

    6. Gift of Prophecy : Communicating God’s message.

    7. Gift of Discerning of Spirits : Understanding spiritual motives.

    8. Diverse Kinds of Tongues : Speaking unknown languages.

    9. Interpretation of Tongues : Explaining unknown languages.

Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11)

  1. Apostleship: Cross-cultural ministry.

  2. Prophet: Ongoing ministry of prophecy.

  3. Evangelism: Communicating the gospel effectively.

  4. Shepherding: Nurturing believers towards maturity.

  5. Teaching: Explaining and applying God’s truths.

Practice of the Gifts

Guidelines to Identify Your Gift Mix

  1. Acceptance: Recognize your gifting from the Holy Spirit.

  2. Prayer: Seek God’s revelation regarding your gifts.

  3. Awareness: Educate yourself on spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:1).

  4. Submission: Be open to the Holy Spirit's leading.

  5. Passion: Your desires may indicate your ministry focus.

  6. Formation: Assess personal abilities and experiences.

  7. Affirmation: Listen to feedback from others about your gifts.

  8. Practice: Engage actively in ministry to confirm your gifts.