Ministry

Knowing one’s spiritual gifts is a staring place. We must know the gifts God has given us, the way his Spirit has empowered us, so we can maximize our efforts by leaning into God’s strength and power. A spiritual gift is a tool, though, that can be used in a great many ways and a great many circumstances. The carpenter may be skilled in using a whole array of tools, but this does not mean the carpenter knows what he will build. He could build a house, a hospital, a restaurant, or a business. Likewise, the follower of Christ must be thoughtful and prayerful about their optimal place of impact. James, Peter, John, Paul, and Barnabas were all leaders in the early church. Galatians records, though, how they all recognized the unique contributions they were called upon to make: “James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.” (Galatians 2:9). Knowing our ministry is critical. A person may be a gifted teacher, but the spiritual gift of teaching can be exercised in countless formats. Likewise, the spiritual gift of administration can be used to organize oversight for a church or be used to organize the inner-workings of a relief effort to those impacted by a hurricane. To be sure, a person’s ministry may change over the years. God may best utilize a person in one season by directing them to one ministry and then later direct them to another. It’s also true that the way we often find our best ministry is by getting involved and trying things. At some point, though, the follower of Christ will have increased clarity and commitment to what he or she is called to do in that particular season. Scripture tells us “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10). These good works may or may not be formal roles and responsibilities, but they will be known and embraced by those who do them. The authentic follower of Christ will take joy in focus and will make the most of the opportunity God has given to make a lasting and critical difference in the lives of others.