TOOL KIT TABLE OF CONTENTS

This conversation is not theoretical or philosophical. It is real, tangible, present, powerful.

Within the grand idea that all of this is about a living relationship with a Living God, I want to introduce you to a type of working formula - a connection of biblical ideas into a greater whole that has the power to transform your life. It’s pretty simple but the details are gloriously engaging over a lifetime. It helps coalesce the formation of your “ministry.” Here it is:

**Your Unique Spiritual Gift(s)

Your Unique Calling + Your Setting in Life

Your Ministry**

Your setting in life is a factor in your “ministry” because life stages and seasons change. Thus your ministry can and will change. Your calling is also a determining factor that guides the use of your spiritual gift. Calling is perhaps best understood in terms of burden. A burden directed at a specific people whom has God called you to serve. This is calling. Together with the discovery and deployment of your spiritual gift, you will discover your “ministry.” Remember, Ephesians 4 tells us that the church is to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” This is how we do it.

As you begin to zero in on your spiritual grace gift(s) from the Father, there are some good and not-so-good ways of going about it. This section is all about how to practically, biblically and wisely determine the spiritual gift of grace God has given to you. There will be others with a spiritual gift of the same name or type, but there is no one like you.

As you proceed in this wonderful process of discovery, it is important to take the next steps appropriately, patiently and humbly. There are several common missteps, but there is also a well-worn path of wisdom and joy. There is a lot at stake. I have found the following encouragement of Charles Swindoll particularly helpful. He’s talking to you about discovering your spiritual gift.

"The first step is to be informed. Research the gifts to know the parameters of each one. Second, be open. Don’t be too quick to zero in on one gift to the exclusion of another. Third, be available. Be willing to be used by God in different areas of ministry even though you feel you’re not quite ready for that task. Fourth, be sensitive. Carefully evaluate the effect your gifts have on others. Finally, be sensible. Don’t force yourself to fit into a certain gift if it doesn’t appear to be the one given to you.”

I hope you’re encouraged to realize you’re already down the road a bit. You’ve read a lot of Scripture. You’ve done some homework. You have prayed. But how exactly do you proceed from here? Let me organize and adapt Swindoll’s counsel and invite you to explore five simple steps to identify your spiritual gift. These steps are sequential and prioritized.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? And it is simple, in truth. But let’s look at these steps a bit more closely. Sometimes the simple things are the things overlooked, dismissed and forgotten.

Step 1: Pray

I hope this does not come as a surprise. Prayer is foundational to the spiritual life and spiritual maturity. We must be consumed by it. Pray and ask God to reveal Himself, His will and the unique design of your spiritual gift(s). Continue to do so, not just in this process of discovery, but throughout the rest of your life and ministry. Maybe you can pray this prayer. Better yet, let your heart write its own.

Father,

I know You love me. It is a marvel, but I know it’s true. You fully know me and fully love me. You value me. And for reasons that I don’t fully understand yet, because of my faith in Jesus, You have uniquely prepared me for usefulness and joy as an integral part of Your family and kingdom. Through Your Word and Your people, show me Your design for my life. Reveal Your unique gifts, given through Your Holy Spirit. Help me develop my gifts so that I can walk in the fullness of Your design. Allow me to serve You well, follow You closely, be a blessing to Your heart and Your people. Show me the way. I love you. I trust You.