1. Using what God gave you
Graeme Sterne
2005

2. Every ability you have was given to you by God
They were given not just to make a living but for ministry to other people
What you are is God’s gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God
God deserves your best. He shaped you for a a purpose and He expects you to make the most of what you have been given.
Matthew 25:14-30

3. Understanding your shape
S = Spiritual gifts
H = Heart
A = Abilities
P = Personality
E = Experiences

4. Spiritual Gifts How do you discover them?
Spiritual gift inventories are of limited value – standardized, interpreted by denominational bias.
Some people discover them through being told by others (word of knowledge)

5. Discovering Spiritual Gifts
The best way to discover gifts is by obeying God when He asks you to do something.
( John 7: Obedience leads to enlightenment )
Until you’re actually involved in serving it will be difficult to know what you are good at
Other believers will confirm your gifting

6. Heart What do you enjoy doing most? When do you feel most fully alive?
What are you doing when you lose track of time?
What are you most excited about?

8. Abilities Encouraging Music Calculating Practical serving Leading
Managing
Counselling
Administering
Coaching
Teaching
Selling
Research
Governing
Miracles
Faith
Cross cultural literacy

9. Personality
C = Conscientious
A = Amiable
R = Relational
D = Dominant

13. Experience Your experiences are unique
People don’t always learn from experience
People are always more encouraged when you share how God’s grace helped you

14. Summary: Use what you have (don’t wait for training)
Do the best you can with your gifts
Don’t just use them on your job
Discover your unique SHAPE
Be obedient to God and see what happens