discovering my ministrynbcftruth.org/newbeginnings/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/equipping... · class...

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!!!DISCOVERING

MY MINISTRY

!!EQUIPPING 301 !!

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship - 301 Discovering My Ministry Introduction

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship - 301 Discovering My Ministry Introduction!

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Class Outline

Introduction: Welcome to “Discovering My Ministry” 5 ....................... Goals of this Class 5 ........................................................................................................................... Exploring God’s Plan for Every Believer 6 ........................................................................................ Exploring My Unique SHAPE for Ministry 7 ................................................................................... How Has God SHAPED Me For Ministry? 8 .................................................................................... How Paul Was SHAPED For Ministry 9 ...........................................................................................

Session One: Exploring My Spiritual Gifts 11 ....................................... What Are Spiritual Gifts? 12 .............................................................................................................. Five Principles Concerning Spiritual Gifts 13 ................................................................................... Cautions about Spiritual Gifts 15 ....................................................................................................... Spiritual Gifts [List] 16 ...................................................................................................................... My Spiritual Gifts Assessment 19 ......................................................................................................

Session Two: Exploring My Heart Passion 23......................................... What is Passion? 24 ............................................................................................................................ Why is Passion Important? 25 ............................................................................................................ The Impact of My Passions and Interests 26 ...................................................................................... Identifying My Passions and Interests 27 .......................................................................................... I Love To [List] 28 ............................................................................................................................. My Heart Passion Assessment 29 .......................................................................................................

Session Three: Exploring My Abilities 31 ................................................ What Are my Natural Abilities 32 ...................................................................................................... My Abilities Assessment 33 ...............................................................................................................

Session Four: Exploring My Personality 35 ........................................... Exploring My Personality 36 ............................................................................................................. What Are the Four Personality Styles? 37 ........................................................................................... My Personality Assessment 42 ............................................................................................................

Session Five: Exploring My Experiences 43 ............................................ Four Experiences That Influence Ministry Involvement 44 ............................................................... The Relationship Between Life Experiences and Ministry 46 ........................................................... My Experiences Assessment 47 .........................................................................................................

Appendices 55............................................................................................ Bibliography 57 ..................................................................................................................................! !

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship - 301 Discovering My Ministry Introduction !

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Welcome to Base 301 Discovering My Ministry !

This class is designed to help you find a fulfilling place in ministry at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship. !

Ephesians 4:11-16 !“It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” !

The focus of this class is in “preparing God’s people for works of service” and helping New Beginnings grow in spiritual strength and health as each member does his or her work. Class 301 has a few simple goals. !

The Goals of This Class !1. Clarify the MEANING of ministry and the responsibility of every believer to be

involved in it. 2. Help you discover your SHAPE [spiritual gifts, heart passions, abilities,

personality and experiences]. 3. Help you find a PLACE of ministry involvement at New Beginnings

Christian Fellowship. !This last point is really the most critical of all. If you discover all there is to know about ministry and your place in it, and yet fail to actually DO any ministry, this class has not been a success. Consider an airline pilot. He could receive the finest training the field can offer, but if he never flies, what use is the training? Class 301 only lasts a few hours, but it really does not end until you are all fulfilling your role in service to God. !!! !

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Exploring God’s Plan for Every Believer !!1. Every believer is a chosen MINISTER and is part of the priesthood of believers. !“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.”

—1 Peter 2:9 “He has made us competent as ministers of the new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit…” — 2 Corinthians 3:6 !2. Every believer is PART of God’s plan for the church. !“ . . . those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.”

—1 Corinthians 12:22 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called . . . ”

—Ephesians 4:3-4 !3. Every believer is to HONOR God in all areas of their life. !“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling . . . We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you.”

— 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12 — !

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” —1 Peter 2:12 !4. Every believer has been given a spiritual GIFT from the Lord

to be used for effective ministry. !“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10

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!Exploring My Unique “SHAPE” for Ministry !!

In order for us to find our place of ministry in God’s plan we will explore five aspects of our unique “SHAPE”. These five ingredients will be the focus of our 301 material. !

1. Exploring My Spiritual Gifts __ What am I gifted to do? !2. Exploring My Heart Passions ____ What do I love to do? !3. Exploring My Abilities What natural talents and skills do I have? !4. Exploring My Personality ___ What is my natural temperament & disposition? !5. Exploring My Experiences _____ What life experiences will God use? !

How God made me determines what he intends for me to do. God has uniquely shaped each of us for a specific ministry. God intends to use every aspect of our heart passions, abilities, personality, experiences, along with his supernatural giftings, to equip us for the work of ministry. As you apply yourself to these five sessions be sure to prayerfully ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you in the discovery of your unique “SHAPE” for ministry! !! !

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How Has God Shaped Me For Ministry? !"Your hands formed and shaped me..." Job 10:8a (GN) !God has been molding and shaping you for ministry since you were born. In fact, God started uniquely shaping even before you were born! !"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous... You were there while I was being formed... You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe." Psalm 139:14-16 (LB) !1. I was _Shaped ________________ for a purpose. !2. I am __Unique__ ________________! !3. I am __Wonderfully Complex . !!"What right do you have, a human being, to cross-examine God? The pot has no right to say to the potter: ”Why did you make me this shape?” A potter can do what he likes with the clay!" Rom. 9:20-21 !We believe that in ministry, function follows form! In other words, what God formed you to be determines what function you are to have. !

What is Ministry? !• DEFINITION: (Greek "diakonos" - "to serve") !• "Ministry is using whatever God has given me to serve him and the needs of others.” !• “Ministry takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God.” –Warren Wiersbe !We believe you discover your gift through ministry [serving], instead of discovering your ministry by identifying your gifts. In other words, as you start serving, you’re going to find what you’re gifted at doing. !

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How Paul Was “SHAPED” For Ministry !

PAUL'S SPIRITUAL GIFTS "And of this gospel I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher." 2 Tim. 1:11 !PAUL'S HEART PASSIONS •"My constant ambition has been to preach the gospel where the name of Christ was previously unknown, and to avoid building on another man's foundation." Rom. 15:20 (Ph) •"For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles." Gal 2:8 •"Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus..." Acts 20:24 (LB) !PAUL'S ABILITY "... Paul went to see them, and stayed and worked with them, because he earned his living by making tents, just as they did. He debated in the synagogues every Sabbath, trying to convince both Jews and Gentiles." Acts 18:2b-4 (GN) !PAUL'S PERSONALITY "For you have heard of my past... I persecuted the church with fanatical zeal... and did my best to destroy it... I was ahead of most of my contemporaries in the Jewish religion, and had a boundless enthusiasm..." Gal. 1:13-14 (Ph) !PAUL'S EXPERIENCES

• HIS SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES * Watching Stephen be stoned (Acts 8:1) * Conversion on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1-20) * 3 years maturing in Arabia (Gal. 1:18) * Special vision from God (2 Cor. 12:2-7) !•HIS DIFFICULT EXPERIENCES "... I have been in prison more times... near death often... been whipped five times with 39 lashes by the Jews and three times by the Romans... once stoned.... I've been in three shipwrecks... and once spent 24 hours in the water... In my travels I've been in danger from floods... robbers... enemies... wild animals and false friends... I've served long hours without sleep or food or shelter or even clothing..." 2 Cor. 11:23-27 !"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these great revelations, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan, to torment me." 2 Cor. 12:7 !•PAUL'S ACHIEVEMENT EXPERIENCES "I received my training at the feet of Gamaliel, and I was schooled in the strictest observance of our fathers' Law." Acts 22:3 (Ph) (Gamaliel was the #1 Jewish teacher of the Old Testament of his day.) !•PAUL'S MINISTRY EXPERIENCES Read the Book of Acts!

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301 Discovering My Ministry

!NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN

FELLOWSHIP ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Session One: Exploring My Spiritual Gifts !

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session One: Exploring My Spiritual Gifts!

EXPLORING MY SPIRITUAL GIFTS !

What Are Spiritual Gifts? !!1. Spiritual gifts are Special Abilities .

(Therefore, spiritual gifts are not the same as natural abilities or skills.) !

!!2. . . . that God gives to Every Believer .. !

“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines” —1 Corinthians 12:11. !

3. . . . to Build Up the Body of Christ . . . !“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10 !“. . . so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” —Ephesians 4:12-13 !

4. . . . and Equip them for ministry to the world. !“Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers . . . But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all . . . “ —1 Corinthians 14:22, 24 !!

SPIRITUAL GIFTS NATURAL TALENTS SKILLS

Given by Holy Spirit Natural abilities Learned abilities

Discovered after spiritual birth

Present from natural birth Acquired with training

God-given to all members of the body of Christ

God-given to all members of humanity

Developed by people over time

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Five Principles Concerning Spiritual Gifts !!❖ Principle #1: Spiritual gifts are absolutely Essential to the work of ministry for

every believer. !“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own., but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.” — Acts 4:32-33 !“. . . until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:13 !!

❖ Principle #2: Spiritual gifts are freely given to every believer and it is our responsibility to both Discover and Use our gift(s) within the context of ministry to the body of Christ and the lost people among us. !“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 !“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10 !

❖ Principle #3: Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to strengthen the body of Christ for faithful, effective ministry. !“It was he [Jesus] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” — Ephesians 4:11-12 !“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving,

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session One: Exploring My Spiritual Gifts

let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” — Romans 12:3-8 !

❖ Principle #4: Spiritual gifts are to be used to release the Power of God through His believers. !“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” — Acts 2:1-4 !“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and hands became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” — Acts 3:6-8 !!

❖ Principle #5: Spiritual gifts are both Confirmed and Affirmed within a nurturing Community of believers who are united under common ministry goals. !“When he [Paul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” — Acts 9:26-27 !“Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.” — 1 Timothy 1:18-20 !

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Cautions about Spiritual Gifts !1. Spiritual Gifts Are Not Natural Abilities , Talents or Skills,

But Both Are Used By God. While spiritual gifts and natural abilities are not the same, both are vital to discovering our unique place in the work of ministry! Your unique contribution to ministry will come from both areas. !

2. Spiritual Gifts Are Not The Fruit of The Spirit, But Both Are Needed To Be Effective. While both are to be manifested in the life of every believer, the Fruit of the Spirit expresses the qualities of a maturing Christian life !

3. Spiritual Gifts Are Not The Same As Christian Roles , But Our Giftedness Will Help Us Discover Those Roles. One’s Christian role does not automatically determine that they will have the corresponding gift to function effectively in that Christian role. Gifts are not distributed by the Holy Spirit based simply on a person’s title. They are sovereignly selected and it is our responsibility to make sure that the Christian role matches the Spiritual gift and not vice versa. !

4. Spiritual Gifts Are Not The Same As Spiritual Disciplines , But Everyone Needs Both. All believers are to walk in faith, to pray diligently, to show mercy, to give generously, and to be a witness for the Lord. However, there are certain individuals in the body of Christ to whom God gives a special gifting in many of these same areas. This does not eliminate the rest from investing in the spiritual disciplines outlined in God’s Word. !

5. Spiritual Gifts should not be Projected on to others.Be aware of the "gift projection" tendency. (Expecting others to serve the way you do and have similar results) !

6. Spiritual Gifts exercised without Love are worthless. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." 1 Cor. 13:1-3 !

7. Recognize that you have both a PRIMARY and a SECONDARY ministry in God’s church:

▪ My PRIMARY MINISTRY commitment should be in the area where I am _Gifted_____.

▪ My SECONDARY MINISTRY includes serving in any other area in the Body when I am _Needed______. !

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Spiritual Gifts !The Gift of ADMINISTRATION

The special ability to identify the immediate and long range needs of the body of Christ and provide the organizational planning necessary to help them execute the work needed to increase the church’s effectiveness. (pilot or helmsman) (Acts 27:11-20, 27-29; 1 Corinthians 12:28) !

The Gift of APOSTLE The special ability given by God to certain individuals to give spiritual oversight to a group of churches and exercise spiritual authority over them in spiritual matters. (Ephesians 4:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Romans 1:5; Galatians 2:8) !

The Gift of DISCERNING OF SPIRITS The special ability to determine with great accuracy whether certain behavior finds its origin within God, man or Satan. (1 Corinthians 12:10; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Ephesians 6:12) !

The Gift of EXHORTATION (Encouragement) The special ability to offer words of comfort, encouragement, challenge or correction in a way that others in the body of Christ respond positively and are helped. (Romans 12:8, 15:4; Acts 11:3, 22-25; 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) !

The Gift of EVANGELISM The special ability to freely share the gospel message with unbelievers in such a way that they make a personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 8:26-40, 21:8; 2 Timothy 4:5) !

The Gift of FAITH The special ability to place one’s complete trust in the Lord and a willingness to act upon God’s directions with an extraordinarily unwavering confidence in His ability to help us in every situation. (Acts 5:1-11; 6:5-7; Hebrews 11:33-34; 1 Corinthians 13:2) !

The Gift of GIVING The special ability to cheerfully and sacrificially give of one’s financial resources or personal possessions for the sake of Christ and the church. (Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; Acts 4:36-37) !

The Gift of HEALING

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The special ability to miraculously restore physical or emotional health to an individual through a divine act of God’s intervention. (1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 19:12) !!

The Gift of HELPS The special ability to unselfishly give of one’s time and resources to meet the needs of others, thus often freeing them to more effectively exercise their gift(s). (Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 16:15-19) !

The Gift of HOSPITALITY The special ability to warmly welcome others who are in need by providing food or shelter with a spirit of true servanthood. (1 Peter 4:9-10) !

The Gift of INTERCESSION The ability to pray for the needs of others in the church family over extended periods of time on a regular basis. The ability to persist in prayer and not be discouraged until the answer arrives. (Col. 1:9-12) !

The Gift of INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES The special ability to interpret messages spoken in other tongues into a language that the listeners can comprehend so that each one may be built up. (1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:5, 27-28) !

The Gift of KNOWLEDGE The special ability to gain insights about persons, circumstances or pertinent biblical information that is relevant to the health and growth of the church. (Acts 5:1-10; 1 Corinthians 14:24-25) !

The Gift of LEADERSHIP The special ability to unite others around a common vision for the church and effectively communicate the goals for the future in a way that influences and directs the body of Christ in a spirit of cooperation. (Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Book of Nehemiah) !

The Gift of MERCY The special ability to express true empathy for those who are suffering physically, emotionally or mentally and demonstrate compassion for them in tangible ways to help ease their pain. (Romans 12:8; Acts 9:36; James 2:15-16) !

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session One: Exploring My Spiritual GiftsThe Gift of MIRACLES

The special ability to be used of God to perform powerful acts that transcend the laws of nature and demonstrate the divine activity of God among us. (1 Corinthians 12:10, 28; Acts 5:12; 8:13) !!

The Gift of PASTOR The special ability given to certain individuals to care for the spiritual needs and growth of individuals or groups of individuals in the church over an extended period of time. (Ephesians 4:11, 12; 1 Peter 5:1-3; John 21:16) !

The Gift of PROPHECY The special ability to communicate a direct and immediate message from God to His people for their edification or correction. (Acts 2:37-40; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 28) !

The Gift of TEACHING The special ability to clearly and effectively discern and communicate biblical truth in such a way that people learn and grow in their walk with God. (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 12:7) !

The Gift of TONGUES The special ability to share with the church a divine message from God in a language unknown to the person sharing. (1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 10:45-46; 1 Corinthians 14:26-28) !

The Gift of WISDOM The special ability to know the mind of the Holy Spirit and apply the revelation of God’s Word to specific situations within the church and individual’s lives. (Acts 6:10; 15:13-22) !!

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My Spiritual Gifts--Assessment !Place a “score” in the box below for each question based on the following criteria:

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!Spiritual Gift Assessment Key: (Circle the 3 which you have scored the highest from the totals above) !

Score How this statement describes me

0 I am seldom or never this way

1 I am usually not this way

2 I am this way some of the time

3 I am this way most or all of the time

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T1 !! 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 !! 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

41 !! 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

61 !! 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80

81 !! 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

101 !! 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120

Total !!!Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total

A = Wisdom B = Knowledge C = Faith

G = Discernment H = Tongues/ Interpretation I = Apostles

N = Pastors O = Intercession P = Exhortation (Encouragement)

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Ministry Evaluation Questionnaire !1. I am often sought out by others for advice about spiritual or personal matters. 2. I am approached by people who want to know my perspective on a particular passage or

biblical truth. 3. I find it natural and easy to trust God to answer my prayers. 4. I have seen God work through my prayers to heal people. 5. Through my prayers God has made the impossible possible. 6. I seem to be able to notice sin before others are aware of it. 7. I can readily distinguish between spiritual truth and error, good and evil. 8. God has used me to communicate a message to the Church in a language unknown to me. 9. I would like to start churches in places where they do not presently exist. 10. I am able to instruct others in the exact meaning of words and passages in Scripture. 11. I am more strongly motivated by the idea of meeting a need than performing a task. 12. I like to organize and plan. 13. I want to spend time with unbelievers so I can share my faith. 14. I have a burden to disciple others so that they can help one another. 15. I take prayer requests from others and consistently pray for them. 16. I enjoy being asked to share my advice or being an encouragement to others. 17. It is important to me that money I give to the church is used as effectively as possible. 18. I can easily get others to complete a ministry project. 19. Those who are in distress or elated seem drawn to me. 20. I enjoy using my home to minister to others. 21. I can often find simple, practical solutions in the midst of conflict or confusion. 22. I receive information from the Spirit that I did not acquire through natural means. 23. I have confidence in God’s continuing provision and help, even in difficult times. 24. I enjoy praying for those who are physically and emotionally ill, for God to heal them. 25. God has used me to make things happen which were far beyond human means. 26. I am compelled to unmask sin in other people. 27. I frequently am able to judge a person’s character based upon first impressions. 28. Praying in tongues is personally meaningful to me in my prayer life. 29. I am attracted to the idea of serving in another country or ethic community. 30. I have the ability to make difficult passages understandable. 31. I prefer to be led by others. 32. I finish projects and make decisions with great speed. 33. I feel that the most important task given to Christians is witnessing. 34. I feel the need to protect those whom I disciple from enemies of Christ. 35. I enjoy praying for long periods of time and receive leadings as to what God wants me prayer

for. 36. I give practical, step-by-step advice to those in need. 37. I watch finances closely so that I can give freely to God’s work. 38. Often groups in which I am involved look to me to lead them. 39. I enjoy doing kind deeds for people who are unable or will not return them. 40. Guests say they feel comfortable in my home. 41. I can easily select the most effective course of action from among several alternatives. 42. I am committed, and schedule blocks of time for reading and studying scripture, to

understand Biblical truth fully and accurately. 43. I believe that God will help me to accomplish great things. 44. God regularly speaks to me concerning people’s illnesses, so that I can pray for them. 45. God has blessed my prayers so that supernatural results have come from otherwise

impossible situations. 46. I boldly tell others about evils in our government and other worldly systems.

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session One: Exploring My Spiritual Gifts47. I can see through phoniness or deceit before it is evident to others. 48. I have been impressed by the Holy Spirit during prayer and worship, and began to speak in

tongues. 49. I am willing to take an active part in starting a new church. 50. Others have expressed to me that I have assisted them in learning Biblical truth in a

meaningful way. 51. I rapidly meet the need of others for help. 52. I enjoy setting goals and then making plans to meet those goals. 53. I feel an urgency that a decision for Christ be made when I witness to someone. 54. I deny myself in order to be there for weak or new Christians. 55. I am conscious of ministering to others as I pray. 56. I am more interested in studying passages of Scripture with practical applications than deep

theological truth. 57. It is fun for me to give freely because I love God. 58. I have the ability to make decisions rapidly and stand by them. 59. I like encouraging those in hospitals and homes for the aged by visiting them. 60. I have the ability to make strangers feel at ease. 61. I can anticipate the likely consequences of an individual’s or a group’s actions. 62. I have insight or just know something to be true. 63. I trust God in circumstances where success cannot be guaranteed by human effort alone. 64. People often seek me out to pray for their physical healing. 65. God works through me to perform miracles for the glory of His kingdom. 66. I enjoy being used by God to teach and caution large groups of believers. 67. I tend to see rightness or wrongness in situations. 68. I have spoken in a language unknown to me, that when interpreted brought a blessing to

those who heard. 69. I can adapt well to different cultures and surroundings. 70. I enjoy spending a lot of time studying the Bible so I can share these truths with others. 71. I enjoy helping those in leadership by completing some of their smaller tasks so that they can

minister. 72. I volunteer to organize others when I sense a lack of organization. 73. I am drawn to unbelievers because I want to win them to Christ. 74. I care more about relationships than tasks. 75. I pray with confidence because I know that God works in response to prayer. 76. Teaching that can’t be applied bothers me. 77. I am willing to do without in order to give money for God’s kingdom. 78. I adapt my guidance easily to fit the maturity level of those working for me. 79. I want to be comfort to Christians who are sick or in the midst of a distress. 80. I enjoy giving food and lodging to those who need it. 81. I give practical advice to help others through complicated situations. 82. I have suddenly known some things about others, but did not know how I knew them. 83. I am convinced of God’s daily presence and action in my life. 84. I have compassion for the sick and hurting which causes me to pray. 85. God uses me to show His sovereignty. 86. I desire for the audience to be convicted after I proclaim God’s Word. 87. I receive affirmation from others concerning the reliability of my insights or perceptions. 88. I have spoken in a language unknown to me, that God has used to strengthen the Body. 89. I can relate to others in culturally sensitive ways. 90. I find contentment studying God’s Word and communicating my understanding to others. 91. I find contentment in helping someone who can use my abilities. 92. I thrive on organizing people, ideas, and resources to improve the efficiency of a ministry. 93. I have an overwhelming desire to share with unbelievers. 94. I like being given the job of disciplining a group of believers. 95. When I hear about needy situations, I feel burdened to pray.

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session One: Exploring My Spiritual Gifts96. I like assisting others in resolving difficult questions in their lives. 97. I notice when others have a material or financial need. 98. If a group doesn’t have a leader, I will lead it. 99. I like doing special things for people who are sick or having difficulties. 100. I like having people visit my house. 101. I can apply scriptural truth that others regard as practical and helpful. 102. I discover important Biblical truths when reading or studying scripture which benefit others

in the body of Christ. 103. I am regularly challenging others to trust in Christ. 104. I am able to convey to sick and hurting people Jesus’ healing power. 105. God works miracles through me to point people to a relationship with Him. 106. I want my instructing to cause others to see what God is saying and to respond. 107. I can identify preaching, teaching or communication which is not true to the Bible. 108. I have spoken in a language unknown to me, that when interpreted brings comfort to the

Body. 109. I enjoy pioneering new undertakings. 110. I prefer to compile my own material, instead of using another teachers’ material for a

presentation. 111. I like helping others strictly for the need I feel I meet, not because I expect something in

return. 112. I have put into place effective plans to meet group goals. 113. I enjoy meeting non-Christians, even total strangers. 114. I desire to care for the spiritual well-being of a group of Christians over an extended time. 115. I am honored when someone asks me to pray for them. 116. I enjoy assisting others in the midst of problems by giving them practical advice. 117. I trust that God will meet all my needs so that I can give sacrificially a portion of all my

income. 118. I have the ability to help groups of all sizes in making decisions. 119. I am greatly concerned with being a comfort to others. 120. I enjoy welcoming guests and making them feel comfortable and involved. !Write your three top scoring gifts in the spaces provided below. Then circle the number that reflects how accurate you feel the rating of each gift is to your own thoughts prior to taking the survey. !

!!

Spiritual Gift Right On

Missed the Mark

1. _________________________________ 5 4 3 2 1

!2. _________________________________ 5 4 3 2 1

!3. _________________________________ 5 4 3 2 1

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FELLOWSHIP !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Session Two: Exploring My Heart Passion !

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Two: Exploring My Heart Passion !

EXPLORING MY HEART PASSION !!What Is Passion? !!

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor [passion], serving the Lord.”

— Romans 12 9-11

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“Passion is a God-given capacity to Fervently attach ourselves to an object (people, a cause, an idea, an area of ministry) over an Extended period of time to meet a need.”

“Passion has great power. It is an Intense emotion; a compelling action; a strong Devotion to some object, activity or concept. Passion is the starting point of all achievement . . . Passion is the Energy of our soul.”

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Two: Exploring My Heart Passion!

Why Is Passion Important? !A wonderful example of the power of passion is found in the life of Nehemiah. He had been living in exile with many other Jews and one day he received the tragic news that the city of Jerusalem was still in ruin. His story reveals to us four keys to understanding the importance of exploring our passions and why it is so vital to finding our place in ministry. !1. Passion represents the Expression of our heart. !

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” — Nehemiah 1:4 !!

2. Passion provides the Inspiration for action. !“Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, ‘If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it.” — Nehemiah 2:4-5 !!

3. Passion helps develop specific Direction for ministry. !“Come let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work.” — Nehemiah 2:17-18 !!

4. Passion creates a sense of Determination within us—especially in the face of opposition. !“After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.’“

— Nehemiah 4:14 !

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The Impact of My Passions and Interests !One of the best ways to determine our God-given passions for life and ministry is to reflect on those things that have the greatest impact on our values, convictions and emotions. Take a few moments to reflect on each of the “Six Passion Indicators”, and the corresponding scriptural references, before you attempt to more specifically identify your own passionate design for ministry. !!My Passions Will: !

1. Shape my Priorities . (Joshua 24:15, Philippians 3:7-11) !

2. Adjust my Schedule . (Matthew 4:19; 8:19-22; Luke 9:23; 1Peter 2:21) !

3. Direct my Thought Life . (Philippians 3:19; 4:8,9; 2Peter 3:1) !

4. Cause me, at times, to do the Unexpected . (Judges 7:1-8; 1Kings 18:30-38; Matthew 3:1-10) !

5. Shape my Convictions . (Joshua 14:6-11; Matthew 16:13-17) !

6. Reveal my Core Values . (Matthew 26:62-64; John 18:33-37; Acts 6:8-15; Galatians 2:20) !

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A WORD OF CAUTION: !We don’t always get to operate within our passions. Maturity mandates that we do some things simply because they need to be done. Imagine what our world would be like if restrooms only got cleaned when someone was passionate about it. !There may be times when God calls us to operate outside of our comfort zone to strengthen us. Moses and Gideon are two examples of individuals that God called to a ministry seemingly in spite of their personalities, abilities and passions. Our greatest passion should be to have a heart of obedient service to the Lord.

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Two: Exploring My Heart Passion

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Two: Exploring My Heart Passion

!Identifying My Passions and Interests !

While our personal interest is not the determining factor in exploring God’s unique design for our lives, our passions will help guide us on the road to finding our place in ministry. Generally, we tend to focus our passion and interests within two basic categories. !

❖ People -Oriented Passion Our passion for ministry in this first category focuses primarily on helping people grow in the Lord or supporting them during times of crisis. These individuals find great enjoyment in socially active ministry areas that place real value on nurturing personal relationships and helping others in need. !

❖ Task -Oriented Passion Some people find that their passions are found in things like problem-solving, systems development, organizing ministry resources and assessing the effectiveness of our ministry efforts. These important God-given passions often help bring the clarity and direction necessary for effectiveness in the work of ministry. !!

Based on the descriptions above, mark where your passions tend to fall on the scale below, then answer the questions on the following pages. !

!!!People First People First,

Task SecondTask First,

People SecondTask First

High interest in meeting with others,

building relationships and helping those in

need.

High interest in developing

relationships, but recognize that the task

must still be accomplished.

High interest in task, but recognize that without people the

task won’t get done.

High interest in providing direction

and solving any problems that will

help complete the task at hand.

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PE

O

!TA S K

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Two: Exploring My Heart Passion !!

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Two: Exploring My Heart Passion !

I Love To…. !❑ DESIGN/DEVELOP - I love to make something out of nothing. I enjoy getting something

started from scratch. !❑ PIONEER - I love to test and try out new concepts. I am not afraid to risk failure.!❑ ORGANIZE - I love to bring order out of chaos. I enjoy organizing something that is

already started. !❑ OPERATE/MAINTAIN - I love to efficiently maintain something that is already organized. !❑ SERVE/HELP - I love to assist others in their responsibility. I enjoy helping others succeed. !❑ ACQUIRE/POSSESS - I love to shop, collect, or obtain things. I enjoy getting the highest

quality for the best price. !❑ EXCEL - I love to be the best and make my team the best. I enjoy setting and attaining the

highest standard. !❑ INFLUENCE - I love to convert people to my way of thinking. I enjoy shaping the attitudes

and behavior of others. !❑ PERFORM - I love to be on stage and receive the attention of others. I enjoy being in the

limelight. !❑ IMPROVE - I love to make things better. I enjoy taking something that someone else has

designed or started and improve it. !❑ REPAIR - I love to fix what is broken or change what is out of date. !❑ LEAD/BE IN CHARGE - I love to lead the way, oversee and supervise. I enjoy

determining how things will be done. !❑ PERSEVERE - I love to see things to completion. I enjoy persisting at something until it is

finished. !❑ FOLLOW THE RULES - I love to operate by policies and procedures. I enjoy meeting the

expectations of an organization or boss. !❑ PREVAIL - I love to fight for what is right and oppose what is wrong. I enjoy overcoming

injustice.

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My Heart Passion−Assessment !1. What categories did you check on the ‘I Love To….” List? !2. Circle where you placed yourself on the People vs. Task scale. !

!3. What ministries, needs, activities or causes do you enjoy thinking, reading or talking to others about? !!4. Which activities do you truly enjoy doing so much that you tend to lose track of time in the process? !!!5. If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you attempt to do for God with your life? !6. What conversation would keep you talking late into the night? !!!!7. Based upon your response to the previous questions, make a list of TWO specific areas of personal passions and interests. !

a. !b. !

Your passion speaks of the God-given capacity within you to both glorify God and encourage others. If your passions and interests are not directed toward either of these then you need to re-examine the source of that personal passion. Remember, you are called to “delight yourself in

People First People First, Task Second

Task First,People Second

Task First

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Two: Exploring My Heart Passionthe Lord and he will give you the desires [passions and interests] of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). !

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Discovering My Ministry !

NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP !

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Session Three: Exploring My Abilities !

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Three: Exploring My Abilities !

EXPLORING MY ABILITIES

!What Are My Natural Abilities? !

God delights in equipping his creation with special talents and then using those abilities to bring glory to his name. Consider the implications of Exodus 31:1-6 !

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you.” !

God will anoint our natural abilities and give us opportunities to minister to the church and serve His kingdom. God loves diversity. He would be greatly disappointed if every believer decided to become a Pentecostal pastor. His desire is that carpenters, lawyers, athletes, engineers, musicians and accountants serve him by proclaiming his name from the tops of their professions. !!FIVE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ABILITIES (Skills and Talents) !1. MYTH: People aren't born with skills. All skills must be learned by experience. This simply is not true. There are a number of skills that seem to be inborn and develop very early in infancy. When people say, "He just seems to have a natural talent for it", it's probably true. !2. MYTH: Those skills that must be learned are learned primarily in the classroom. Actually some of your most basic skills were learned at home, "in the street", or somewhere outside the classroom.!3. MYTH: If you have certain abilities, you will be very aware that you have them. Again, that is not true. You're probably using a number of talents or skills that you are not even aware of. You need some process of skill identification. !4. MYTH: Skills that I use at work are only usable in that environment. I couldn't use them in ministry. Hopefully, by the end of this class, you'll see the fallacy of that idea. Be creative.!5. MYTH: Most people only have a few abilities. The truth is that many national studies have proven that the average person possesses from five hundred to seven hundred different skills. !

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Three: Exploring My Abilities !

My Abilities—Assessment ! Look over the following list and place an ☒ in front of those abilities that you feel best match your own. !❑ Entertaining ability: to perform, act, dance, speak

❑ Recruiting ability: to enlist and motive people to get involved

❑ Interview ability: to discover what others are really like

❑ Researching ability: to read, gather information, to collect data

❑ Artistic ability: to conceptualize, picture, draw, paint, photograph, or make renderings

❑ Evaluating ability: to analyze data and draw conclusions

❑ Teaching ability: to explain, train, demonstrate, tutor

❑ Feeding ability: to create meals for large or small groups

❑ Recall ability: to remember or recall names and faces

❑ Resourceful ability: to search out and find inexpensive materials or resources needed

❑ Counting ability: to work with numbers, data or money

❑ Classifying ability: to systematize and file books, data, records and materials so they can be

retrieved easily

❑ Welcoming ability: to convey warmth, develop rapport, making others feel comfortable

❑ Musical ability: to sing or play an instrument with competence

❑ Clerical ability: to handle general office work with enthusiasm ❑ Graphics ability: to lay out, design, create visual displays or banners ❑ Planning ability: to strategize, design and organize programs and events ❑ Managing ability: to supervise people to accomplish a task or event ❑ Counseling ability: to listen, encourage and guide with sensitivity ❑ Writing ability: to write articles, letters, books ❑ Editing ability: to proofread or rewrite ❑ Promoting ability: to advertise or promote events and activities ❑ Repairing ability: to fix, store, maintain ❑ Mechanical ability: to operate equipment, tools or machinery ❑ Public Relations ability: to relate to others and handle complaints with courtesy ❑ Composing ability: to write music or lyrics

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Three: Exploring My Abilities❑ Landscaping ability: to do gardening and work with plants ❑ Decorating ability: to beautify a setting or room tastefully ❑ Carpentry ability: to build from wood, metal or other materials ❑ Childcare ability: to care for children with gentleness and joy ❑ Other ______________________________________________ ❑ Other ______________________________________________

!!!

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FELLOWSHIP ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Session Four: Exploring My Personality !

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Four: Exploring My Personality !

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EXPLORING MY PERSONALITY !A personality profile helps us to not only identify our unique personality mix but also understand the characteristics of other personality styles. One of the great challenges to effectiveness in our ministry endeavors will involve how well we learn to work with others. !

Dr. Gary Smalley and Dr. John Trent’s Personality Inventory Instructions: In each box, circle the words that best describe your personality. Double the number of

words you circled and write that number in the line in that box. !Lion !

Likes Authority Takes Charge Confident Determined Firm Enterprising Enjoys Challenges Competitive Problem Solver Productive Bold Purposeful Goal Driven Adventurous Strong Willed Independent Self Reliant Controlling Persistent Action Oriented !

“Let’s do it now!” !Double the number circled:________________

Beaver !Enjoys Instructions Accurate Consistent Controlled Reserved Predictable Practical Orderly Factual Conscientious Perfectionist Discerning Detailed Analytical Inquisitive Precise Persistent Scheduled Sensitive Deliberate !

“How was it done in the past?” !Double the number circled:________________

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Four: Exploring My Personality

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Otter !Enthusiastic Takes Risks Visionary Motivator Energetic Very Verbal Promoter Creative-New Ideas Mixes Easily Enjoys Popularity Fun-Loving Likes Variety Spontaneous Enjoys Change Friendly Group Oriented Optimistic Initiator Inspirational Infections Laughter !

“Trust me! It’ll work out!” !Double the number circled:________________

Golden Retriever !Loyal Sensitive Feelings Calm Even Keeled Gives In Non-Demanding Indecisive Avoids Confrontations Enjoys routine Dislikes Change Dry Humor Warm and Relational Adaptable Sympathetic Thoughtful Nurturing Patient Tolerant Good Listener Peace Maker !

“Let’s keep things the way they are.” !Double the number circled: ____________

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What Are the Four Personality Styles? !We each have a unique personality—unique in many ways. We behave in different ways, respond to people, pressures and problems differently and tend to see life from our own unique perspective. As we explore our design for ministry in the church it is vital that we look, not only to the external needs around us, but also internally at who we are and what we have to offer. We all have something to learn and appreciate about our own personality and the personalities of others. Better understanding our own personality will not only help us build on our strengths but also acknowledge the weaknesses in our personality design. One useful exercise for helping us explore our ministry design is found in understanding the four recognized personality styles. !

The LION (Strong-willed, born leader, organized, delegates work, goal-oriented, always striving to achieve, determined, thrives on change, has little need for close friends) !The OTTER (Appealing personality, makes friends easily, enthusiastic and expressive, talkative, life of party, storyteller, influencing, interactive socializer, colorful and creative) !The GOLDEN RETRIEVER (Low-key but happy, patient, calm and cool, many friends, easy to get along with, good listener, peace-maker, has administrative ability, well-balanced, steady) !The BEAVER (Deep, thoughtful, analytical, organized, very orderly, likes charts, lists and graphs, perfectionist, detail conscious, quiet, cautious thinker, pessimistic nature, serious and purposeful) !

More detailed explanations of each of the four basic personality types are outlined in the following pages. As you review each, begin to assess your unique personality style or combination of styles. Then you may want to ask several people who know you well to offer their opinions concerning the accuracy of your conclusions from this session. !

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Note: Personality profiles, by design, paint with a broad brush. We understand that each of us have been created with unique personalities. Many people will exhibit characteristics of a mixture of styles. Still, such inventories can be valuable tools in our quest to get an honest look at who

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Four: Exploring My Personality!

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THE LION (Active / Task-oriented) !

Biblical Character: PAUL !Basic Description: A very strong personality that tends to be driven by a task or goal and possesses a powerful presence that may lack social skills but will usually get the job done with excellence! (Dominant, Direct, Demanding, Decisive) !Basic Motivation: CHALLENGE and CONTROL !Basic Desires: Freedom from control Difficult assignments Authority Opportunities for advancement Varied activities Choices, rather than ultimatums !Responds Best To Leader Who: Provides direct answers Gets to the point Sticks to task Provides pressure !Needs To Learn: You need people Everyone has a boss Relaxation is not a crime Self-control is very important Some controls are needed To focus on finishing well is important Sensitivity to people’s feelings is wise !Perceived Strengths: Potential Weaknesses: Independent Pushy Efficient Dominating Practical Insensitive Determined Unreasonable !Biblical Advice: Be gentle, not bossy “Wisdom from above is . . . gentle,” —James 3:17 (NASB)


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THE OTTER (Active / People-oriented) !

Biblical Character: PETER !Basic Description: A personality that includes an outgoing nature, optimistic outlook and the ability to keep everyone loose. Usually the first to volunteer for a job but usually becomes disinterested and prefers to move on to other fun adventures rather than finish the work. Their enthusiasm is often contagious and they usually show everyone else how to have a good time. (Inspiring, Influencing, Impressing, Inducing) !Basic Motivation: RECOGNITION and APPROVAL !Basic Desires: Prestige Opportunities to help others Friendly relationships Opportunities to motivate others Freedom from details Chance to verbalize ideas !Responds Best To Leader Who: Is fair and also a friend Provides recognition of abilities Provides social involvement Offers rewards for risk-taking !Needs To Learn: Time must be managed Being responsible is more important than popularity Deadlines are important Listening better will improve one’s influence !Perceived Strengths: Potential Weaknesses: Enthusiastic Egotistical Dramatic Undisciplined Outgoing Manipulative Personable Talkative !Biblical Advice: Be humble / avoid pride “Be completely humble and gentle . . .” —Ephesians 4:2 Control your speech “Be quick to listen, slow to speak . . .” —James 1:19

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Four: Exploring My Personality

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THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER (Passive / People-oriented) !

Biblical Character: MOSES !Basic Description: A personality known as more of an introvert who is often found observing situations and tends to be rather pessimistic. Their low-key nature can be a calming force in times of crisis and they can serve as effective peacemakers. Tends to have many friends and will choose to sacrifice achieving the task if it means that relationships may suffer. (Submissive, Steady, Stable, Security-oriented) !Basic Motivation: STABILITY and SUPPORT !Basic Desires: An area of specialization Security of situation Identification with a group Consistent, familiar environment Established work patterns !Responds Best To Leader Who: Is relaxed and friendly Allows to work at own pace Allows time to adjust to changes Gives personal support Needs To Learn: Change provides opportunity Discipline is good for us Friendship isn’t everything Risk taking is sometimes necessary !Perceived Strengths: Potential Weaknesses: Patient Awkward Dependable Dependent Reliable Slow Agreeable Fearful !Biblical Advice:


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THE BEAVER (Passive / Task-oriented) !

Biblical Character: THOMAS !Basic Description: A personality best described as an introvert who is a thinker and tends to view life from a rather pessimistic perspective. Known to be very analytical, serious and detail conscious. Often the plotters and strategists in the group who are schedule oriented and determined to keep everyone on track. (Competent, Compliant, Cautious, Calculating) !Basic Motivation: QUALITY and CORRECTNESS !Basic Desires: Clearly defined tasks Limited risks Details Time to think !Responds Best To Leader Who: Provides reassurance Spells out detailed operating procedures Listens to suggestions Provides resources to do task correctly !Needs To Learn: Optimism leads to greater success Total support is not always possible Thorough explanation is not everything !Perceived Strengths: Potential Weaknesses: Persistent Moody Organized Indecisive Serious Moralistic Industrious Picky !Biblical Advice: Be positive “If anything is excellent . . . think about such things.” —Philippians 4:8


My Personality−Assessment !When we explore our personality design it is vitally important for us to also recognize that God is at work in us by His Spirit: “ . . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). While we must honestly accept who we are today, the truth is that God is at work in us and we must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to blend our unique personality traits so that our strengths can be an asset to our ministry and our weaknesses are recognized and put under the controlling power of God’s Spirit. Our ultimate goal is to mirror Jesus who balanced the strengths of each personality style while overcoming the weaknesses. !!• What causes, activities, or people groups personally energize you? !

1. !!2. !!

• List your scores for the different personality styles Lion Beaver Otter Golden Retriever !• Considering your personality style, what three strengths from the lists we have seen do you identify with? !

1. !2. !

3. !• What two potential weaknesses or liabilities do you recognize? 1.

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NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP !

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Session Five: Exploring My Experiences !

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Five: Exploring My Experiences!

EXPLORING MY EXPERIENCES !!Four Experiences That Influence Ministry Involvement !!

1. Difficult EXPERIENCES !Even through life’s difficulties (and sometimes especially through them) God is at work and can use these experiences as part of our design for ministry. !

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to every one else that I am in chains for Christ.” — Philippians 1:12-13 !“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

—2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ! “Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beating purge the inmost being.”

—Proverbs 20:30 !!2. Relationship EXPERIENCES !We are all a part of the Body of Christ and much of the exploration of our ministry design is influenced by our relationships with one another and those outside the church. !

“When he [Paul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles . . . “ — Acts 9:26-27 !

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Five: Exploring My Experiences!3. Achievement EXPERIENCES !We are to learn from life’s triumphs. How do we handle success in life and ministry? Often our achievements can not only point to areas of personal success, they can also indicate abilities and skills that God desires to use within our ministry efforts. !

“While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them. . . When Peter saw this, he said to them: ‘Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?’” — Acts 3:11-12 !

4. Ministry EXPERIENCES !As we dedicate ourselves to serving the Lord the experiences we gain through our commitment will provide new opportunities for God to reveal to us our unique design for ministry. !

“He [Peter] said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.” — Acts 10:28 !“While Peter was still speaking [preaching] these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.”

— Acts 10:44-45

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True-Life Story A twenty six year old single woman from Minnesota went on a ten day missions trip to West Africa. Normally, she worked as a Physicians Assistant at a clinic near the church. On this short trip she was working with the medical team and was deeply touched by the needs around her. During the ministry trip God began to deal with her heart about a long-term commitment to that region of the world. One year later she is passionately serving full-time with a relief effort


The Relationship Between Life Experiences and Ministry !As we explore how God has uniquely “shaped” each person for ministry we must take a moment to examine our own unique life experiences and see how God can use them to divinely direct us toward present and future ministry opportunities. For instance, in the case of Joseph in the Old Testament his experiences served to fulfill God’s plan for his life and ministry.

!!The story of Joseph’s life reminds us that “in all things [experiences] God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose [plan]” (Romans 8:28). In fact, it was Joseph himself who shared with his brothers that what they had intended for evil turned out to be experiences in his life that God used for the good (Genesis 50:20). !

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JOSEPH’S EXPERIENCES !Difficult Experiences:

♦ Lived as a Slave in a foreign land ♦ Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife ♦ Thrown into prison !

Relationship Experiences: ♦ Sold into slavery by his own brothers ♦ Forgotten by his friends while in jail ♦ Reunited with his family !

Achievement Experiences: ♦ Placed in charge of Potiphar’s entire household ♦ Second in Command for all of Egypt !

Ministry Experiences: ♦ Was given a dream as a boy regarding future events ♦ Interpreted the Dreams of Pharaoh while still in prison


My Experiences−Assessment !Record in the space provided one of your most significant life experiences based on the four general descriptions (difficult, relationship, achievement and ministry) highlighted earlier in this session. It may include the death of a parent, an experience on a short-term missions trip, a change in jobs, a divorce or other significant experience that has influenced the formation of your Christian character and ministry interests. !!1.A Rewarding Ministry Experience . . . !!!!!2.A Gratifying Personal Achievement Experience . . . !!!!!3.A Touching Relationship Experience . . . !!!!!4.A Tremendously Difficult Life Experience . . . !!!!!!!!

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Five: Exploring My Experiences!!

My S.H.A.P.E. Profile !Name Date !SPIRITUAL GIFTS [PAGE ] !What were your three top scoring gifts. Circle the number that reflects how accurate you think the rating of each gift is. .

!Comments: !HEART PASSION [PAGE ] 1. What categories did you check on the ‘I Love To….” List? !2. Circle where you placed yourself on the People vs. Task scale. !

!3. TWO areas did you list as your personal passions and interests ! a. ! b. !

Spiritual Gift Right On

Missed the Mark

1. _________________________________ 5 4 3 2 1

2. _________________________________ 5 4 3 2 1

3. _________________________________ 5 4 3 2 1

People First People First, Task Second

Task First,People Second

Task First

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Five: Exploring My Experiences4. If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you attempt to do for God with your life: !!!!Comments: !!

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Five: Exploring My Experiences!ABILITIES [PAGE ] List the abilities you placed an ☒ in front of. !!!!!Comments: !PERSONALITY [PAGE ] !• List your scores for the different personality styles Lion Beaver Otter Golden Retriever !Comments: !!EXPERIENCES [PAGE ] Abbreviate what you recorded as your most significant life experiences. !1. A Rewarding Ministry Experience . . . !!2. A Gratifying Personal Achievement Experience . . . !!3. A Touching Relationship Experience . . . !!4. A Tremendously Difficult Life Experience . . . !!Comments: !

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Five: Exploring My Experiences !

My Ministry Application !Name Date !Address Phone ! !• How long have you attended New Beginnings Christian Fellowship? !•Are you currently a member? !•Date of….Salvation Water Baptism Baptism in Holy Spirit !•Do you currently attend a small group? □ No □ Yes [which one?] !•Are you currently serving in an area of ministry? □ No □ Yes [which?] !•Have you ever been involved in an area of ministry? □ No □ Yes [which?] !•What is your occupation? !!MY MINISTRY COMMITMENT

Having committed myself to membership and the habits essential for spiritual maturity, and agreeing with New Beginnings’ Vision, I commit to…!!

⇨Discover my unique shape for ministry and serve in the area that best expresses what God made me to be. !⇨Demonstrate a servant’s heart by serving in secondary ministries as the Body needs me.

!⇨Cooperate with other ministries and place the greater good of the whole Body over the needs of my ministry. !Signed Date_____________________ !!

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Five: Exploring My Experiences

My Ministry Placement !Name: !Please check the areas you would be willing to serve in. !STUDENT MINISTRIES CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

❑ General ❑ Nursery [Birth to 2 yrs.] ❑ General

❑ Junior High ❑ General ❑ Care Facility Visitation

❑ Senior High ❑ Sunday 9:30 AM ❑ Hospital Visitation

❑ College & Career Ministry

❑ Sunday 10:30 AM ❑ Evangelism Team

❑ Youth Leader ❑ Wednesday 7 PM ❑ Hospitality Team

❑ Child Care ❑ Special Events

❑ Toddler [ages 2-3]

MISSIONS MINISTRIES ❑ General HELPS MINISTRIES

❑ General ❑ Sunday 9:30 AM ❑ General

❑ Short-Term Mission Teams

❑ Sunday 10:30 AM ❑ Custodial Helps

❑ International Students ❑ Wednesday 7 PM ❑ Construction Helps

❑ Special Events ❑ Tape Ministry

❑ Rainbows ❑ Office Volunteers

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES ❑ Sunday School Teacher

❑ Security Ministry

❑ General ❑ Praise & Worship ❑ Bulletin Stuffers

❑ Small Group Ministry ❑ Craft Coordinator ❑ Greeters

❑ General ❑ Snack Preparation/Serve

❑ Ushers

❑ Small Group Leader ❑ Choir ❑ Transportation Ministry

❑ Small Group Apprentice

❑ Drama ❑ Parking Attendants

❑ Small Group Publicity

❑ Puppets ❑ 1st

❑ School of the Bible Teacher

❑ Children’s Church (ages 4-12)

❑ ALTAR MINISTRY TEAM

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Five: Exploring My Experiences

!!!RUNNING TO WIN !

Congratulations! You have completed Class 301—Discovering My Ministry. Now don’t stop here—make your hit a “Home Run” by committing to Class 401--Commitment to Missions. !In class 401, you will discover how to share Jesus in a personal, non-threatening way. Many people hope to go to heaven when they die, and honestly believe they will. But many don’t know the truth about how to get there. Class 401 will equip you with the questions and answers you need to share Jesus. Here are a few things you will explore: How to share your testimony in a clear way

❑ Men’s Ministry ❑ General

❑ Children’s Church

❑ Seniors Ministry (age 55+)

❑ Sunday School FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES

❑ Women’s Ministries ❑ Missionettes ❑ General

❑ General ❑ Royal Rangers ❑ Clean Up Crew

❑ Banquets ❑ Puppets ❑ Kitchen & Coffee Crew

❑ Sewing ❑ Drama & Musical ❑ Special Events

❑ Quilting ❑ Promotion

❑ Meal Ministry ❑ Children’s Helps Ministry

❑ Funerals & Weddings

❑ Resource Center WORSHIP MINISTRIES

❑ Fellowships ❑ Classroom Decorating ❑ General

❑ Outreaches ❑ Website/Computer Tech

❑ Audio/Video Technicians

❑ Child Care ❑ Vacation Bible School ❑ Instruments

❑ Fall Festival ❑ Vocals

❑ Outreach Events ❑ Child Care

❑ Praise Band ❑ Prayer

❑ Prayer Chain

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Session Five: Exploring My ExperiencesHow to ask people the right questions How important understanding the Law, conviction, and repentance is in sharing Jesus How to measure a person’s heart attitude toward God using Step Up to Life What is my part in the Global Mission of the Church? !We all know we should witness, but why is it so hard? What if we don’t have all the answers? !After taking this class, sharing Christ can be as simple and non-threatening for you as ordering a #1 combo at Burger King. Come to this class and find out how. !!

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FELLOWSHIP !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Appendices !!

!!

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New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 301 Discovering My Ministry Appendices

!Bibliography !

Bugbee, Bruce. What You Do Best in the Body of Christ. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1995. !

Malphurs, Aubrey. Maximizing Your Effectiveness: How To Discover and Develop Your Divine Design. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1995. !

Maxwell, John. The Power of Passion (video presentation). Atlanta: Injoy Resources. !Portions of this material have been adapted from the work of Gary Smalley and John Trent in

The Two Sides of Love, Word Publishing, 1990. !Material adapted from the work of Rick Warren in Discovering My Ministry: Class #301; a

ministry of Saddleback Community Church. !Material has been influenced by many descriptions of spiritual gifts, most notably those from

Paul Ford’s Unleashing Your Church, C. Peter Wagner’s book Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow and the Willow Creek Networking Curriculum. !

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version [North American Edition]. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by the International Bible Society. Other versions include The Living Bible [LB], Good News [GN], Phillips [Ph], New American Standard Bible [NASB.]

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