Using My Abilities in Ministry message #5 in the series Discovering my S.H.A.P.E. for Ministry

S

H

A

P ersonality

E xperiences

Ministry =

 God intends for my ministry to the body of Christ.

So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
(1 Corinthians 14:12, ESV)

What Does the Bible Say about Our Abilities? 

The Construction of the Tabernacle – (Exodus 31:1-6)

The Lord said to Moses, ² “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ³ and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, ⁴ to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, ⁵ in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. ⁶ And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: (Exodus 31:1-6, ESV)

Preparation for Building the Temple – (1 Chronicles 26:29-32)

Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to external duties for Israel, as officers and judges. ³⁰ Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, 1,700 men of ability, had the oversight of Israel westward of the Jordan for all the work of the Lord and for the service of the king. ³¹ Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was chief of the Hebronites of whatever genealogy or fathers’ houses. (In the fortieth year of David’s reign search was made and men of great ability among them were found at Jazer in Gilead.) ³² King David appointed him and his brothers, 2,700 men of ability, heads of fathers’ houses, to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king. (ESV)

Five Facts about our Abilities

1. Our abilities come from – they reflect the way he has shaped us and made us. 

2. Our abilities are of God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

3. Our abilities should produce and , not .

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” ¹⁸ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. (Deuteronomy 8:17-18, NIV84)

4. Our abilities should be developed through education, training, and practice into that will bring .

Iron sharpens iron,
    and one man sharpens another.
    (Proverbs 27:17, ESV)

 If the ax is dull
    and its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed
    but skill will bring success.
    (Ecclesiastes 10:10, NIV84)

5. Our abilities are revealed and confirmed as we with different areas of ministry.

At Ingleside, we want to create a climate for ministry where . . .

•  Excellence is .

 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV84)

• Creativity, innovation, and faith-filled risk taking are !

When we try new ministries or new methods, mistakes will be made.  “No mistakes” likely means that we are not growing or exploring enough new possibilities.  At Ingleside, we have no “failures” in ministry, only “experiments that didn’t work!”

• People, not programs, are !

There is a difference between personal worth and personal performance.  A failed project does not mean a failed person.  It’s just an opportunity to learn and grow.

• No one because they are carrying too much of the load.

My primary ministry is in an area where I am most , while my secondary ministry is in an area where I am most !