I want to share an inspiring story from a recent experience with an extraordinary church family.
From the moment I stepped into their building, I felt warmth and love. The night before my speaking engagement, I had the privilege of meeting with the ministers and Elders of this church. Their passion for one another and common purpose with vision casting was astonishing. This leadership team demonstrated an unwavering commitment to love, respect, and understanding. Even in the face of some heavy disagreements, they approached each other with love and sought harmony rather than strife. Their dedication to creating unity and serving as one body in Christ was a sight to behold. I left the conversation feeling blessed and encouraged.
The purpose of my visit was to speak on spiritual gifts and identity to a group eager for more spiritual growth. The leadership team had already planned a series of lessons and growth classes for the weeks ahead to delve deeper into gifts and how each participant could better serve their community and one another.
One ministry within this church is a food pantry, which initially served the community once a month with eight dedicated volunteers. Despite their efforts, they struggled to get more volunteers from the church. However, everything changed after the GTS Life Gifts weekend and the leadership team's vision-casting series.
The food pantry started operating weekly, and volunteer numbers soared from eight to thirty-two. The budget more than tripled, allowing the volunteers to expand their services. Many began setting up Bible studies, praying with people, and offering resume help and interview training for job seekers. They recently launched a back-to-school drive in conjunction with the food pantry. Through the dedication of the volunteers, the church discovered deeper needs within the community. Some regulars at the food pantry faced addiction issues, and with compassionate listening, the church responded by starting a Recovery program six months later.
It was a profound experience witnessing such a beautiful expression of God's love, vision, and unity in action. Witnessing God's people living out their God-given identity and using their spiritual gifts to serve others is truly inspiring.
As you reflect on this story, remember the words of 1 Peter 4:10-11: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
When you use your God-given gifts to serve and love others, you create a ripple effect of transformation and unity in your community. May you strive to listen, seek understanding, and work with others for the Kingdom of God. May you be inspired by this example of unity and service, remembering that you, too, can create a lasting impact in your community through love and purpose.
What beautiful service are you doing for the Lord?
If you haven't found a place to use your gifts, or you're wondering what your spiritual gifts are and how to use them to be the hands and feet of Jesus, I encourage you to take some time with the Lord, asking Him how and where you can serve. You, my friend, are vital to the growth of the Kingdom and using your gifts is just one way you can help spread the love, hope, forgiveness, and salvation of Jesus.
This church community is making a difference by coming together and using their God-given gifts, and so can you!
After seeking the Lord's wisdom and discernment about where and how to use your gifts, I encourage you to read about the impact and importance of discovering your spiritual gifts in this blog titled "5 Reasons Why You Should Discover Your Spiritual Gifts."
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