Paul instructs us in Romans 12:1-8 that Genuine Worship in the church is not predominately about the music or order of service or anything else external. He points out that the believer's spiritual service of worship is giving oneself in service to the Body of Christ. Other passages of Scripture emphasize that every single believer, regardless of age, gender, background, has been given a special gift or gift mix to be used for the building up of the Body.
Paul lists seven major gifts in Romans 12:3-8: speaking, service (ministry), teaching, encouragement (exhortation), giving, leadership, and mercy. These may be combined to result in a unique, personal gift. As a Believer, God has gifted you in a very unique way to invest your life in something that has eternal value and meaning - the Body of Christ.
1. This means that each follower of Christ needs to prayerfully consider what his or her spiritual gift/s are in order to serve His Church. It may take some experimentation and perhaps finding what is not a gifting and what is. The goal is that each follower of Jesus is actively serving in a ministry.
2. This means that we as the Body of Christ must allow individuals to grow in their spiritual gifts. It will take practice and discipline and trial and error as each person grows in using his or her gifts. As a church, we must develop opportunities to serve with feedback as well as allowing individuals to "practice" using his or her gifts. We must allow individuals to develop in speaking, teaching, leadership, mercy, etc., and support their efforts.
3. There are many opportunities currently for ministry at Valley Grace. We need to develop teachers for Sunday School, in all departments. We will need help in AWANA in many facets of that ministry from nursery, to listening to verses, to teaching a devotional time, to helping to provide safety and security, helping to pick up children, etc. Those with the gift of mercy can help with visitation to shut ins and others going through difficult times. We have opportunities to develop leadership for ministries and for the church. There are many other opportunities as well.
The result, when each believer is functioning effectively in his or her gift mix, the Body of Christ is built up (Eph. 4:11-16). Thanks to all of you who are faithfully serving and helping the Body of Christ at Valley Grace to function effectively. Looking forward to seeing God work through His people as Fall ministries begin!
