How might discovering your spiritual gifts help Hope Church?

some thoughts from Rev. Wendy

The discernment of spiritual gifts is a helpful process for those who would like to be involved in the church but who may not know what they have to offer.

Paul writes in First Corinthians:  Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  Everyone has gifts, useful, even necessary to the work of God in and through the church.  And the gifts we have are not the same gifts--each of us has something different that we can offer.  In no way can it be construed that any one gift is better than any other gift. All gifts are precious. And all gifts are needed in the life and ministry of the church.

"For God does not give gifts, nor did [God] ever give one, so that we might keep it and take satisfaction in it; but all were given - all [God] ever gave on earth or in heaven - that [God] might give this one more: [God]self. (Johannes Eckhart) 

Our gifts must be given in order for us to be whole.  For instance, if one has the gift of hospitality then having people in one's home should bring forth feelings of love, joy, peace, etc., rather than making one feel anxious, impatient or imposed on.

If you are able to take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory, answer each question on its own merits. Once you have discovered the results, you may want to ask yourself:

* Do I agree with the results? Why or why not?

* Am I using my strongest gifts? How, or what do I need to do differently?

* Are there gifts which I'd like to make stronger? How would I do that?

* How does what I have learned from the inventory fit into my ministries?

* What does this exercise lead me to do now?

The discernment of gifts is not a solo practice. One's gifts should be affirmed by the community. A small group of us have done this already, but more can be revealed if more folk discover their gifts.  Discuss your gifts. If you encountered surprises, share them. If you have some doubts, discuss them humbly. Ask for feedback, support, or clarification.  Contribute to the affirmation process for the others in the church.

Of course, after one has identified one's spiritual gifts, the process of discernment turns to the discernment of one's ministry, the use of one's gifts -- living out one's baptismal vows -- in the church and community. Let us be in dialogue as a faith community about how our spiritual gifts can support the ministry of Hope Church.