Question to ponder:

Will God, use this retreatto make Danube a stronger

Church, so that we will grow inmaturity, and

fulfill our calling?

Dominant

Conscientious

Influent

Stable

Desired Outcomes

Better teams

Increased effectiveness

Better Relationships

Age old problem

Generating informationis always easier

than creating change

Outcomes we seek:

Personal level – Being spiritually giftedCalls me to courageous, faith-filled initiative

It’s my move as a STEWARDCalls me to better understand each of you

Corporate level – our gifting Asks the church’s leadership to excel in stewardship. Every gift needs to be utilized and maximizedAsks for us all to create a culture that appreciates the importance of spiritual gifts

Age old problem

Generating informationis always easier

than creating change

Ephesians 4:7-13

Same Author

Ephesians 4:7

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Ephesians 4:7

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Grace

Ephesians 4:7

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Each

Ephesians 4:7

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Apportioned

Verse 7 summaryGrace –

The gift is an expression of God’s goodness.There is a loose connection between me (my merits) and this gift. The gifts tell us more about the GIVER than about the recipient.

Each - Diversity is Universal in the Body of Christ – it affects everyone. Apportioned - God orders the diversity according to his desires and values. Each piece fits into a larger plan.

Glorious context of the gift giving!

Allusion to Psalm 68:18Consider WHO the gift is

coming from!

Cherish it!

Why where the gifts given?To equip the saints for works of service…

so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in faith…

and become mature. Ephesians 4:12,13

Jesus gave me something,to do something, that I’m

not totally sure I’m planningon doing.

One primary challenge

Indentifying a gift, using a gift and growing in a gift…Is probably going to be connected to our dedication to use it as God intended.

Are we ready to be practical?

Are their pre-requisites?

Pre-requisites

You must value teamworkYou have to desire to achieve high levels of performanceYou must have motivation to confront change

You have to really care about people

Spiritual giftsCharacter

Beliefs & Values

Pre-requisites to effective use of gifts

Exploring Beliefs and Values

Paul – “I choose to glory only in the cross of Christ.”George – I glory in myself and my accomplishments.

Essential Beliefs and Values

I am the steward of the gift God gave me. It is my job to identify it and use it. I am called to use the gift to bless the Body of Christ whether or not its exercise is easy or difficult.I have been re-created to serve others, and my gift is a divine responsibility. 1 Peter 4:10

There is real spiritual power that God intends to flow through me. Something spiritual happens when I exercise my gift.

Comparison of definitionsValues option 1 Values option 2

1. I do what I’m best at, and avoid areas of lower performance.

1. In developing my gift, I’m dedicated to learning by trail and error.

2. Gifting means that it should come naturally. (It should be easy)

2. Investment in God’s kingdom is so valuable I’ll pay the cost.

3. The weekend is my free-time, a good time for others to build me up.

3. In the weekend I will be with my spiritual family, so it is a great time to use my gift.

What is my primary challenge?

Lack of knowledge?Lack of wisdom – “No man builds a barn without first calculating the cost” -- assess the pre-requisites.Lack of willingness?

Moving toward action:

Each one has a gift, each one has a stewardship. The ball is in my court.

God give me courageous, faith-filled initiative! What if I don’t see an “easy application?

Question – are there really that many easy applications?

Will you send to the elders your top 3 gift assessments?

Davidginn@aol.com

A healthy church recognizes giftedness and diversity

Recognition of giftedness binds us togetherRecognition of giftedness often creates contentment

The soul seeks its place of serviceA soul that is restless is more inclined to envy & jealousy

Reflection time

God, what do you want me to do with my gift?God, how am I doing on the pre-requisites of effective gift use?

Have I accepted the stewardship of my gift?Have I been expecting it to be easy?Do I believe that REAL spiritual power will flow through me? Am I living out the attitude, “Here I am, send me?”

How easy does it have to be in order for me to use my spiritual gifts?