Bridging the Gap Presents…
Resources for New Believers

Christian Service

Growing up in a family of 10, I learned early that each member had to help with the household chores.  My first job was learning how to wash dishes.  I eventually graduated to scrubbing floors and more!  Every Saturday, Mom made the list and we carried it out.  Then she put on her “white glove” and made sure the work was up to snuff!  Anyone relate?

Likewise, in the family of God there are many tasks to complete.  The good news is that God has a job for you!  Once you have joined a church and have followed through with the steps leading up to becoming part of a ministry team, step out of the box and find out where you fit.  What has God equipped you to do?  Do you like to write?  How about teach?  Are you a good speaker?  Like me, maybe your talent is scrubbing up a storm!   Maybe you’re not sure what you’re good at doing.  Not to worry, God has already “gifted” you to do something good.

Our heavenly Father is an extravagant gift-giver!  The gifts He has for us never get used up or worn out.  They are always fresh and exciting. Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 both talk about these gifts. In these chapters, Paul tells us the importance of finding out what our gift(s) is and, then, tells us to use it for the good of the body of believers by becoming involved in church ministry.  

1 Corinthians 12:27 reads, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.”

Romans 12:6-8, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

Are you ready to find out what your gift is?  The leadership group at your church will be delighted to help you discover your gift and direct its use for God’s glory and the building up of the body of believers.  Talk to the Women’s Ministries leader and find out where you can best serve.  If there’s not a Women’s Ministries Dept., talk to your pastor and his wife.   Find out where your strengths lie. Pray and ask God to open a door for you.  Opportunities for ministry are available to those willing to serve in a spirit of humility and love.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”  Colossians 3:23-24.  Just do it! 

by Karen Geisen

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