manchester central seventh-day adventist church a new church for a new people pastor michael simpson

Manchester Central Seventh-day Adventist Church

A New Church A New Church

For For

A New PeopleA New People

Pastor Michael Simpson

Manchester Central Seventh-day Adventist Church

A Gift-Oriented Church A Gift-Oriented Church

With CellsWith Cells

Pastor Michael Simpson

Men are needed who Men are needed who pray to God for wisdom, pray to God for wisdom, and who under the and who under the guidance God, can put guidance God, can put new life into the old new life into the old methods of labour and methods of labour and can invent new plans can invent new plans and new methods of and new methods of awakening the interest awakening the interest of church members and of church members and reaching the men and reaching the men and women of the world women of the world ((EvangelismEvangelism, p 105), p 105)

The Advent Movement

Cell & Small Group Overview

SaturdaySeeker

ThursdayGift

Assessment Team

FridaySmall Group

6.00 pm – 8.00 pm

WednesdayPraise Team6.00 pm– 8.00 pm

FridaySmall Group

Bible School7:30 pm – 9:30

pm

WednesdayLifeCell #6

Young Family with Children

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

WednesdayLifeCell #5

Teens6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

TuesdayLifeCell #4

Youth7.00 pm – 9.00 pm

TuesdayLifeCell #3

7.00 pm – 8:30 pm

TuesdayLifeCell #211:30 am – 1:30

pm

TuesdayLifeCell #111.am –1.00pm

MondayDay care

22ndnd Sunday SundayPrayer & Prayer & FastingFasting

ManchesterManchesterCentralCentral

Cell Cell CoordinatorCoordinator


The Advent Movement

New methods must be introduced.

God's people must awake to the God's people must awake to the necessities of the time in which they are necessities of the time in which they are living. God has men whom He will call living. God has men whom He will call into His service,--men who will not carry into His service,--men who will not carry forward the work in the lifeless way in forward the work in the lifeless way in which it has been carried forward in the which it has been carried forward in the past. . . .past. . . .

{Evangelism 70.1}{Evangelism 70.1}

Do Not Block the Wheels.— There are some minds which do not There are some minds which do not

grow with the work but allow the work to grow with the work but allow the work to grow far beyond them. . . . Those who do grow far beyond them. . . . Those who do not discern and adapt themselves to the not discern and adapt themselves to the increasing demands of the work, should increasing demands of the work, should not stand blocking the wheels, and thus not stand blocking the wheels, and thus hindering the advancement of others.hindering the advancement of others.

--Letter 45, 1889. {Evangelism 104.4}--Letter 45, 1889. {Evangelism 104.4}

Methods to Be Improved.-- There must be no fixed rules; our work is There must be no fixed rules; our work is

a progressive work, and there must be a progressive work, and there must be room left for methods to be improved room left for methods to be improved upon. But under the guidance of the Holy upon. But under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, unity must and will be preserved.Spirit, unity must and will be preserved.

--Review and Herald, July 23, 1895. --Review and Herald, July 23, 1895. {Evangelism 105.1}{Evangelism 105.1}

The Advent Movement

Means will be devised to Means will be devised to reach hearts. Some of the reach hearts. Some of the methods used in this work methods used in this work will be different from the will be different from the methods used in the work methods used in the work of the past; but let no one, of the past; but let no one, because of this, block the because of this, block the way by criticism way by criticism

((Advent Review and Sabbath HeraldAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, , 3030thth September 1902). September 1902).

GIFT-ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE FAITHFAITH

They are able to conceive of the great things which God has planned, and to who can help to bring it about. They have dreams, visions and They are able to conceive of the great things which God has planned, and to who can help to bring it about. They have dreams, visions and are able to trust God. They act on the promises of God with unwavering belief and go forward when others will notare able to trust God. They act on the promises of God with unwavering belief and go forward when others will not

DISCERNMENTDISCERNMENTAble to distinguish between truth and errorAble to distinguish between truth and error

Sense presence of evil and deception in othersSense presence of evil and deception in othersRecognise inconsistencies in teaching, prophetic words or interpretationRecognise inconsistencies in teaching, prophetic words or interpretation

WISDOMWISDOMAble to look at complex situations and to see right to the heart of the matterAble to look at complex situations and to see right to the heart of the matter

Able to give wise advice in the steps to be takenAble to give wise advice in the steps to be takenAble to see the pitfalls that lie ahead if one decision Is takenAble to see the pitfalls that lie ahead if one decision Is taken

Perceptive, doesn’t look just at surface but able to see what is behind the scenesPerceptive, doesn’t look just at surface but able to see what is behind the scenesAble to reflect on past mistakes and to make sure it doesn’t happen againAble to reflect on past mistakes and to make sure it doesn’t happen again

ENCOURAGEMENTENCOURAGEMENTVery good at noticing other people and their contribution they makeVery good at noticing other people and their contribution they make

Help people to see the larger vision to avoid conflictsHelp people to see the larger vision to avoid conflicts

ADMINISTRATIONADMINISTRATIONMake things in church run smoothly.Make things in church run smoothly.

A resource person able to find right people or things needed for the churchA resource person able to find right people or things needed for the churchAble to devise systems to make things happen; to put plans into concrete existenceAble to devise systems to make things happen; to put plans into concrete existence

KNOWLEDGEKNOWLEDGEAble to look at a situation and apply biblical knowledge to itAble to look at a situation and apply biblical knowledge to it

Sometimes they know things trough divine revelation, that nobody else nowSometimes they know things trough divine revelation, that nobody else now

UNITED DAY CAREUNITED DAY CARE HOMELESS PROJECTSAMARITAN/FOOD BANKHOMELESS PROJECTSAMARITAN/FOOD BANK OTHER PROJECTSOTHER PROJECTS

GIVINGGIVINGLong to bless others thing the things they have. To give is a delight and joy, not a painLong to bless others thing the things they have. To give is a delight and joy, not a pain

Give generously of their time, their energy, their money, and their possessions o that others can be blessed They often work long and hard and not desire a reward Give sacrificially and go without things for themselvesGive generously of their time, their energy, their money, and their possessions o that others can be blessed They often work long and hard and not desire a reward Give sacrificially and go without things for themselves

HOSPITALITYHOSPITALITYPeople who reflect the love of God in welcoming others to their home In their house there is always room for one more visitorPeople who reflect the love of God in welcoming others to their home In their house there is always room for one more visitor

MERCYMERCYCare and have compassion for people who are suffering and are in pain physically, emotionally, spiritually or mentally. They cam empathise with others Instead of criticise they are accepting, understanding and forgiving People with deep inward problems come to themCare and have compassion for people who are suffering and are in pain physically, emotionally, spiritually or mentally. They cam empathise with others Instead of criticise they are accepting, understanding and forgiving People with deep inward problems come to them

HELPHELPThey have a special ability to notice how people might need help and they give itThey have a special ability to notice how people might need help and they give it

Help to keep things running smoothly and well They are always there to help without being askedHelp to keep things running smoothly and well They are always there to help without being asked

FAITHFAITHThey are able to conceive of the great things which God has planned, and to who can help to bring it about. They have dreams, visions and are able to trust God They act on the promises of God with unwavering belief and go forward when others will notThey are able to conceive of the great things which God has planned, and to who can help to bring it about. They have dreams, visions and are able to trust God They act on the promises of God with unwavering belief and go forward when others will not

SEPHERDINGSEPHERDINGThey are concerned with the well being of people and they care for themThey are concerned with the well being of people and they care for them

They are compassionate and loving and will go miles to help a person in needThey are compassionate and loving and will go miles to help a person in need

They emphasize the forgiveness of Jesus and consider the circumstances that motivates certain behavioursThey emphasize the forgiveness of Jesus and consider the circumstances that motivates certain behaviours

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

EVANGELISM

EVANGELISMEVANGELISM

They can communicate the message of Christ with clarity and convictionThey can communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction

They bring the gospel in every occasion possibleThey bring the gospel in every occasion possible

Sometimes feel that other Christians have little desire to reach the lostSometimes feel that other Christians have little desire to reach the lost

PROPHECYPROPHECY

See things in very black and white terms, and have a great desire to tell people what is wrongSee things in very black and white terms, and have a great desire to tell people what is wrong

and urge them to put it right as soon as possible. Sometimes appear to lack compassionand urge them to put it right as soon as possible. Sometimes appear to lack compassion

APOSTLESHIPAPOSTLESHIP

They usually become responsible for large areas of the church They usually become responsible for large areas of the church They will be also responsible for the establishment of churches in new areasThey will be also responsible for the establishment of churches in new areas

They have authority that is recognised by others but they do not use it to dominate othersThey have authority that is recognised by others but they do not use it to dominate others

CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONCREATIVE COMMUNICATION

Able to communicate and express the gospel in new and fresh ways, usually through the use of various art forms Able to communicate and express the gospel in new and fresh ways, usually through the use of various art forms without compromising with biblical principleswithout compromising with biblical principles

FAITHFAITH

They are able to conceive of the great things which God has planned, and to who can help to bring it about. They have They are able to conceive of the great things which God has planned, and to who can help to bring it about. They have dreams, visions and are able to trust Goddreams, visions and are able to trust God

They act on the promises of God with unwavering belief and go forward when others will notThey act on the promises of God with unwavering belief and go forward when others will not

STREET WITNESING HOME VISITATIONBIBLE STUDIES EVANGELISM TRAININGOTHERS SEMINARS/PROCLAMATION

WORSHIP

CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONCREATIVE COMMUNICATIONAble to communicate and express the gospel in new and fresh ways, Able to communicate and express the gospel in new and fresh ways,

usually through the use of various art forms without usually through the use of various art forms without compromising with biblical principlescompromising with biblical principles

MUSICMUSIC

CRAFTMANSHIPCRAFTMANSHIPAble to creatively design and construct items to be used for Able to creatively design and construct items to be used for

ministry ministry

WORSHIP TEAM A WORSHIP TEAM BMUSICMUSIC SYSTEM

FELLOWSHIPFELLOWSHIP

INTERCESSIONINTERCESSIONThey are very interested in prayer and have a great capacity for it. They minister and bless other people through prayerThey are very interested in prayer and have a great capacity for it. They minister and bless other people through prayer

They often see their prayers answered in special ways. They keep on praying when prayers seem not to be answeredThey often see their prayers answered in special ways. They keep on praying when prayers seem not to be answered

MERCYMERCYCare and have compassion for people who are suffering and are in pain physically, emotionally, spiritually or mentally. They cam Care and have compassion for people who are suffering and are in pain physically, emotionally, spiritually or mentally. They cam

empathise with othersempathise with othersInstead of criticise they are accepting, understanding and forgivingInstead of criticise they are accepting, understanding and forgiving

People with deep inward problems come to themPeople with deep inward problems come to them

SHEPHERDINGSHEPHERDINGThey are concerned with the well being of people and they care for themThey are concerned with the well being of people and they care for them

They are compassionate and loving and will go miles to help a person in needThey are compassionate and loving and will go miles to help a person in needThey emphasize the forgiveness of Jesus and consider the circumstances that motivates certain behavioursThey emphasize the forgiveness of Jesus and consider the circumstances that motivates certain behaviours

ENCOURAGEMENTENCOURAGEMENTThey help projects g through the end because they give new encouragement and zeal to people when they are tired and discouragedThey help projects g through the end because they give new encouragement and zeal to people when they are tired and discouragedVery good at noticing other people and their contribution they make, they affirm others by telling them they are doing a good jobVery good at noticing other people and their contribution they make, they affirm others by telling them they are doing a good job

They Help people to see the larger vision to avoid conflictsThey Help people to see the larger vision to avoid conflictsDISCERNMENTDISCERNMENT

Able to distinguish between truth and errorAble to distinguish between truth and errorSense presence of evil and deception in othersSense presence of evil and deception in others

Recognise inconsistencies in teaching, prophetic words or interpretationRecognise inconsistencies in teaching, prophetic words or interpretationHOSPITALITYHOSPITALITY

People who reflect the love of God in welcoming others to their homePeople who reflect the love of God in welcoming others to their homeIn their house there is always room for one more visitorIn their house there is always room for one more visitor

LIFECELLS CARE TEAMNURTURE/ COUNSELLING MINISTRYSmall Group

DISCIPLESHIP

TEACHINGTEACHINGThey have a great desire to understand the message and content of the bible and to make its message They have a great desire to understand the message and content of the bible and to make its message

clear to other people as they realise how important this is for the growth of the Church People with clear to other people as they realise how important this is for the growth of the Church People with the evangelism and pastoral gifts usually have the teaching gift as well the evangelism and pastoral gifts usually have the teaching gift as well

KNOWLEDGEKNOWLEDGEThey are able to look at a situation and apply biblical principle to itThey are able to look at a situation and apply biblical principle to it

They remember events and principles from the bible and help others to see what They remember events and principles from the bible and help others to see what should be done Sometimes they know things through supernatural means should be done Sometimes they know things through supernatural means

(divine revelation) (divine revelation)

WISDOMWISDOMWith a strong biblical foundation, They are able to look at complex situations and to see right With a strong biblical foundation, They are able to look at complex situations and to see right

to the heart of the matter and give wise advice to others. Ato the heart of the matter and give wise advice to others. Able to see the pitfalls that lie ahead if ble to see the pitfalls that lie ahead if one decision Is takenone decision Is taken

Perceptive, doesn’t look just at surface but able to see what is behind the scenesPerceptive, doesn’t look just at surface but able to see what is behind the scenes

Able to reflect on past mistakes and to make sure it doesn’t happen againAble to reflect on past mistakes and to make sure it doesn’t happen again

CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONCREATIVE COMMUNICATIONAble to communicate and express the gospel in new and fresh ways, usually through the use of various Able to communicate and express the gospel in new and fresh ways, usually through the use of various

art forms without compromising with biblical principlesart forms without compromising with biblical principles

SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHING MINISTRYLOGOS BIBLE STUDIESTRAINING

LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIPLEADERSHIP

Able to take ideas from others and build teams of peopleAble to take ideas from others and build teams of people

Able to see the potential in people Able to see the potential in people

Able to help individuals work as a teamAble to help individuals work as a team

They help people to keep going in the right direction They help people to keep going in the right direction

APOSTLOSHIPAPOSTLOSHIP

They usually become responsible for large areas of the church They usually become responsible for large areas of the church They will be also responsible for the establishment of churches in new areasThey will be also responsible for the establishment of churches in new areas

They have authority that is recognised by others but they do not use it to dominate othersThey have authority that is recognised by others but they do not use it to dominate others

FAITHFAITH

They are able to conceive of the great things which God has planned, and to who can help to bring it about. They have dreams, visions and They are able to conceive of the great things which God has planned, and to who can help to bring it about. They have dreams, visions and are able to trust Godare able to trust God

They act on the promises of God with unwavering belief and go forward when others will notThey act on the promises of God with unwavering belief and go forward when others will not

SHEPERDINGSHEPERDING

They are concerned with the well being of people and they care for themThey are concerned with the well being of people and they care for them

They are compassionate and loving and will go miles to help a person in needThey are compassionate and loving and will go miles to help a person in need

They emphasize the forgiveness of Jesus and consider the circumstances that motivates certain behavioursThey emphasize the forgiveness of Jesus and consider the circumstances that motivates certain behaviours

WISDOMWISDOM

With a strong biblical foundation, They are able to look at complex situations and to see right to the heart of With a strong biblical foundation, They are able to look at complex situations and to see right to the heart of the matter and give wise advice to others. Athe matter and give wise advice to others. Able to see the pitfalls that lie ahead if one decision Is takenble to see the pitfalls that lie ahead if one decision Is taken

Perceptive, doesn’t look just at surface but able to see what is behind the scenesPerceptive, doesn’t look just at surface but able to see what is behind the scenes

Able to reflect on past mistakes and to make sure it doesn’t happen againAble to reflect on past mistakes and to make sure it doesn’t happen again

LEADERSHIP MINISTRY/TRAINING

Spiritual Spiritual GiftsGifts

Unlocking Your Unlocking Your Personal PotentialPersonal Potential

A Bible Based Workshop for PersonalA Bible Based Workshop for Personal

Discovery and DevelopmentDiscovery and Development

ofof

Spiritual GiftsSpiritual Gifts

The Advent Movement

Means will be devised to Means will be devised to reach hearts. Some of the reach hearts. Some of the methods used in this work methods used in this work will be different from the will be different from the methods used in the work methods used in the work of the past; but let no one, of the past; but let no one, because of this, block the because of this, block the way by criticism way by criticism

((Advent Review and Sabbath HeraldAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, , 3030thth September 1902). September 1902).

““God has set in the church God has set in the church different different giftsgifts. These are . These are precious in their proper precious in their proper

places, and all may act a part places, and all may act a part in the workin the work

of preparing a people forof preparing a people for

Christ's soon coming.”Christ's soon coming.”

Gospel Workers, p. 481.Gospel Workers, p. 481.

Jesus Way of Doing Church

It is vital to see the gifts of the Spirit in It is vital to see the gifts of the Spirit in their true setting. All believers are part their true setting. All believers are part

of the of the Body of ChristBody of Christ - the Church. The - the Church. The Apostle Paul placed a tremendous Apostle Paul placed a tremendous importance on the use of “spiritual importance on the use of “spiritual gifts.” The endowment or giving of gifts.” The endowment or giving of

spiritual gifts is a vital part of the Holy spiritual gifts is a vital part of the Holy Spirit's ministry (function). Each time Spirit's ministry (function). Each time Paul speaks of the ‘body of Christ’ you Paul speaks of the ‘body of Christ’ you can be sure that some mention of the can be sure that some mention of the gifts of the Spirit will shortly follow:gifts of the Spirit will shortly follow:

Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:27-281 Corinthians 12:27-28 2727 Now ye are the Now ye are the bodybody of Christ, and of Christ, and

members in particular.members in particular. 2828 And God hath set some in the church, first And God hath set some in the church, first

apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.governments, diversities of tongues. (KJV) (KJV)

Ephesians 4:11-12Ephesians 4:11-12 1111 It was he who gave some to be apostles, It was he who gave some to be apostles,

some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers,some to be pastors and teachers,

1212 to prepare God's people for works of to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the service, so that the bodybody of Christ may be built of Christ may be built up.up. (NIV) (NIV)


Ephesians 4:16Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held From him the whole body, joined and held

together by every supporting ligament, grows together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.work.


Every believer, has a part to play, and it is within this Every believer, has a part to play, and it is within this framework that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are revealed as God’s framework that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are revealed as God’s ‘divine design’ for the way in which He wants His church to ‘divine design’ for the way in which He wants His church to function. Therefore:function. Therefore:

People with the gift of teaching People with the gift of teaching must Teach must Teach People with the gift of administration must AdministratePeople with the gift of administration must Administrate People with the gift of leadershipPeople with the gift of leadership must Lead must Lead People with the gift of intercessionPeople with the gift of intercession must Intercede must Intercede People with the gift of evangelismPeople with the gift of evangelism must Evangelise must Evangelise People with the gift of givingPeople with the gift of giving must Give must Give

The Body of Christ is therefore, the physical The Body of Christ is therefore, the physical expression of Christ on earth, and just as the expression of Christ on earth, and just as the FRUIT of the Spirit (being love) is the expression FRUIT of the Spirit (being love) is the expression of Christ's character to the world, the GIFTS of the of Christ's character to the world, the GIFTS of the Spirit are the expression of Christ's power and will. Spirit are the expression of Christ's power and will. Spiritual gifts may be seen therefore, as the work of Spiritual gifts may be seen therefore, as the work of Christ in and through you by the exercising of your Christ in and through you by the exercising of your Spiritual Gifts.Spiritual Gifts.

Note:Note: Gifts are not given for our individual benefit but Gifts are not given for our individual benefit but

so that others in the Body may be built up and so that others in the Body may be built up and encouraged and so further the gospel mission of encouraged and so further the gospel mission of the church.the church.

Eight Essential Lessons:Eight Essential Lessons: Read the following passage carefully. It contains Read the following passage carefully. It contains

a gold mine of principles relating to Spiritual a gold mine of principles relating to Spiritual Gifts.Gifts.

Matt 25:14-30Matt 25:14-30

Spiritual Gifts

The talents - spiritual The talents - spiritual giftsgifts

1. 1. Essential Lessons:Essential Lessons: The talents The talents although referring to money in the although referring to money in the

first instance, are symbolic of first instance, are symbolic of spiritual gifts. spiritual gifts.

““All men do not receive the All men do not receive the same gifts, but to every servant of same gifts, but to every servant of the Master some gift of the spirit is the Master some gift of the spirit is

promised.”promised.”

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 327Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 327

2 2 Essential Lessons:Essential Lessons: The giving of The giving of gifts is the sole prerogative of God. gifts is the sole prerogative of God.

Spiritual gifts do not originate with Spiritual gifts do not originate with people - they come from God.people - they come from God.

The parable clearly shows that God The parable clearly shows that God (the Master) dispenses or gives His (the Master) dispenses or gives His

property - the giftsproperty - the gifts

See Mathew 25:14See Mathew 25:14

3. 3. Essential Lessons:Essential Lessons: Those who use Those who use their gifts will receive more. Talents used their gifts will receive more. Talents used

become talents multiplied.become talents multiplied. Desire:Desire: 1 Corinthians 14:1 1 Corinthians 14:1 The Little-Big Principle:The Little-Big Principle: Luke 16:10 Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least He that is faithful in that which is least

is faithful also in much: and he that is is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

(KJV)(KJV)

44 Essential Lessons:Essential Lessons: Everyone receives Everyone receives some gift.some gift.

Each servant received some gift.Each servant received some gift.

There was (and is today) an unequal There was (and is today) an unequal distribution of gifts - each person receiving distribution of gifts - each person receiving

what he or she had the ability or capacity to what he or she had the ability or capacity to use.use.

Therefore, there is no such thing as a Therefore, there is no such thing as a ‘gift-less’ Christian.‘gift-less’ Christian.

5 5 Essential Lessons:Essential Lessons: A talent (A talent (or giftor gift) is ) is highly valuablehighly valuable

The servant who received one ‘talent’ The servant who received one ‘talent’

of silver received an amount equaling of silver received an amount equaling twenty years wages for a common twenty years wages for a common

laborer - which equates to approximately laborer - which equates to approximately half a million pounds today.half a million pounds today.

Many believers feel that since they Many believers feel that since they

have only one gift, they have little to have only one gift, they have little to offer. In God’s work no one is offer. In God’s work no one is

insignificant when they utilize their insignificant when they utilize their spiritual gifts.spiritual gifts.

6 6 Essential Lessons:Essential Lessons: Utilising talents Utilising talents means taking risks.means taking risks.

The servant who took the greatest The servant who took the greatest risks and invested everything received risks and invested everything received

the highest commendation.the highest commendation.

““To use one’s gifts is to risk failure, To use one’s gifts is to risk failure, but to fail to use ones gifts is failure.”but to fail to use ones gifts is failure.”

7 7 Essential Lessons:Essential Lessons: Those who fail to Those who fail to use what they are given - lose what they use what they are given - lose what they

have.have.

The passage implies that all servants The passage implies that all servants had the ability to double their gifts.had the ability to double their gifts.

Verse 27 states: “Thou oughtest”Verse 27 states: “Thou oughtest”

The parable seems to focus on the The parable seems to focus on the servant who had one talent (gift). Christ servant who had one talent (gift). Christ

wants the people with fewer gifts (the vast wants the people with fewer gifts (the vast majority) to recognise their importance.majority) to recognise their importance.

8. 8. Essential Lessons:Essential Lessons: The use or disuse The use or disuse of Spiritual Gifts has eternal consequences.of Spiritual Gifts has eternal consequences.

The sin of the “unprofitable servant” The sin of the “unprofitable servant”

was his was his passivenesspassiveness. The cost of his . The cost of his attitude was high - eternal life. Verse 30attitude was high - eternal life. Verse 30

““Many who excuse themselves from Many who excuse themselves from Christian effort plead their inability to do Christian effort plead their inability to do

the work. This inability has been produced the work. This inability has been produced by their own inactivity and perpetuated by by their own inactivity and perpetuated by

their deliberate choice.”their deliberate choice.”Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 365.Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 365.

Spiritual Gifts Administration

People with the gift of administration have a vital part to play in making things in the Church run smoothly. These people are the ones who are able to devise systems to make things happen. They are the organisers who translate the desires of the group into reality. If you have this gift, you know what to do to change plans into concrete existence. You may be a resource person who knows where to find what the group needs. You can often find the right people or materials to start and finish a task. It is a special gift of God to His Church.

Spiritual Gifts Apostle A person with the gift of apostle is one to whom God gives special responsibility for the Church, in his or her own country or overseas. People with this gift may become responsible for large areas of the church. Their words will have a special authority, which will be recognised by those who hear them. Importantly, they will be responsible for the establishment of Churches in new areas, and will see those Churches through the process of birth and possibly into maturity. This is a gift, which requires great patience and humility. People who posses this gift do not dominate others by their personal strength. In fact they are often known for their quiet and self-deprecating spirit. But they walk closely with God, and share God's concern for the solid foundation of the Church. It emerges slowly - spiritual authority has to be recognised by God's people - it cannot be forced upon them. This spiritual authority comes by a process of personal growth. It is an important gift, especially for the formation of new Churches in parts of the world where no churches exist.

Spiritual GiftsCraftsmanship The Gift of craftsmanship is the ability to design creatively or construct items to be used for ministry. People with this gift work with a variety of materials to create things, which enhance and increase the effectiveness of other people’s ministries. These are exceptionally skilled and perceptive individuals who design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use. People with this gift could fail to see that their gift is one that could make a significant contribution significant to the body.

Spiritual GiftsCreative Communication The gift of creative communication is the divine enablement to communicate through the use of a variety of art forms. They develop new ways to communicate the gospel and challenge people to consider the message of Christ. They consider that are is not for art’s sake but a means to glorify God and effectively communicate His message. What separates these individuals and their abilities from creative non-Christians, is their commitment to express the gospel message without compromise of the Biblical ethos or conformity to the norms of society in the arts.

Spiritual GiftsDiscernment The literal meaning is to separate or make a distinction – differentiate. This is a divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error. It is the ability to discern the spirits, between good and evil, wrong and right. People with this gift are able to sense the presence of evil and can identify deception in others, determine whether or not a word attributed to God is authentic and recognise inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic word or interpretation. They may struggle with how to express their perceptions and insights and could be harsh at times in expressing truth. However, they are valuable to any Christian community.

Spiritual GiftsEncouragement A person with this gift is an asset in any Christian community. These are the people who help see projects through to the end. When everyone else is tiring, the encourager will come along and help them to find new strength and zeal. Encouragers or motivators are very good at noticing other people, and the contribution they make. They don't just notice the other people, but they go up to them and tell them they are doing a good job. When others feel like giving up, the encouragers have the gift of re-firing vision. Encouragers do not like to see the Body of Christ held back by disagreements amongst its members, so they try to resolve conflicts. They help people to see the larger vision of what God is doing, and get involved in that, rather than being sidetracked by secondary issues. An encourager is the key person who can help people keep going until the task is done. That's why they are such valuable members of any Christian community.

Spiritual GiftsEvangelism A person with the gift of evangelism can communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction and are vital for the growth of the Church. Evangelists are strongly motivated by God to bring the message of the Gospel on every occasion possible. If you have this gift you may sometimes feel that other Christians have little desire to reach the lost. But remember that God has gifted you in a special way, and others may not have the same gift. The main thing is to use the gift God has given you. There are great opportunities for people with the gift of evangelism. It is important that a person with this gift develop a ‘global perspective’ in regard to evangelism.

Spiritual Gifts Faith A person with the gift of faith is vital for the growth and development of the Church. People with the gift of faith are those who are able to conceive of the great things, which God has planned, and who can help to bring it about. Where other Christians are happy to go along with things, as they have always been, the person with faith dreams, has visions for the possible, and is able to trust God for things not yet in existence. This is the divine enablement to trust and have confidence. These individuals can act on the promises of God with unwavering belief in His ability to achieve His will. They believe in God’s word and inspire others to do so. They act in complete confidence of God and demonstrate an attitude of trust – helping ultimately to advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not. It was people of faith who God used to dramatically change the Church of the past. It is people with the gift of faith who God will use to initiate new work in the future.

Spiritual GiftsGiving A person with the gift of Giving longs to bless others with the things he or she has. Givers are moved with compassion when they hear of people in need. If they can help, they will - they generously give of their time, their energy, their money and their possessions so that others can be blessed. And they will often encourage others to become involved in giving too. For them, to give is a joy and a delight, not a pain. They will often work long and hard, and not desire a reward. They give sacrificially, and go without things for themselves, so that God's kingdom can be extended, and His people blessed.

Spiritual GiftsProphecy A person with this kind of gift will tend to see things in very black and white terms, with few shades of grey. Things are seen as right or wrong. Moral issues are clear-cut. Not only does a person with this kind of gift SEE wrong, but they also have a great desire to tell people what is wrong, and urge them to put it right as soon as possible. Prophets may speak out to both the church and to outsiders. Their great desire is to see a world and a church living pure and holy lives, with no sin. The danger for prophets is that they can sometimes appear to lack compassion. They will tend to be more concerned about the moral principles rather than the personal circumstances, which are found in a particular situation. For this reason, people with a prophetic gift may find themselves at odds with others that have a pastoral gift. The church and the world both need prophets, who will speak out the truth. Prophets are not always easy for other people to live with. They cannot help speaking out against wrong. In the missionary context this can sometimes be dangerous because governments do not like to be criticised by foreigners. Consequently, prophets have often suffered because they are outspoken. However, the Biblical records that they have also been pivotal in bringing about social and religious change.

Spiritual GiftsTeacher

Teachers have a great desire to make the message of the Bible clear to the people they come into contact with. They themselves have a great desire to understand the message and content of the Bible, and they realise how important the Bible is for the growth of the Church. A person with a teaching gift is essentially interested in Bible exposition - making the meaning clear. So your desire to make the word of God clear to others can mean you are ideally suited to become a Bible tutor. However, this gift may often be found within those who possess pastoral and evangelistic gifts.

Spiritual GiftsIntercession People with the gift of intercession are a special blessing of God to His Church. It is a gift, which above all blesses others. People who have this gift sometimes wonder why other Christians seem to be not very interested in prayer. But don't condemn them. Use your gift! People with this gift have a great capacity for prayer. They often see their prayers answered in special ways. And even if the prayers do not seem to be answered immediately, a person with the gift of intercession keeps on praying.

Giving A person with the gift of Giving longs to bless others with the things he or she has. Givers are moved with compassion when they hear of people in need. If they can help, they will - they generously give of their time, their energy, their money and their possessions so that others can be blessed. And they will often encourage others to become involved in giving too. For them, to give is a joy and a delight, not a pain. They will often work long and hard, and not desire a reward. They give sacrificially, and go without things for themselves, so that God's kingdom can be extended, and His people blessed.

Hospitality A person with the gift of hospitality is one who has a loving, caring way of blessing both Christians and non-Christians. It is a gift, which reflects the love of God Himself. Just as God says, "Welcome to the heavenly home", so the Christian with the gift of hospitality says, "Welcome to my earthly home." By exercising the gift of hospitality Christians express in a picture God's own welcome to people in need. It is a gift expressed by warm and generous people, a person for whom there is always room for one more visitor - people who can make the meal spread to one more plate. This gift is a great and wonderful one, and is often underestimated. A person with the gift of hospitality can bring refreshment, love, care and restoration, ready to go back. It is a very important gift, and it shows God's love.

Knowledge A person with the gift of knowledge is able to look at a situation and apply biblical knowledge to it. A person with this gift will often remember events or principles in the Bible, which are similar to a current situation, and help people to see what should be done, or how to react. Sometimes people have a supernatural gift of knowledge, in which they know things, which they could not have otherwise known. An example of this is when Peter knew about the deceit of Ananias and Saphira. God directly revealed this knowledge. God may still do this today, by giving a supernatural insight into events, so that a Christian is able to know information, which may not be superficially obvious to others.

Martyrdom Some people think that the gift of Martyrdom is not a valuable gift. But in fact people with this gift have been amongst the bravest pioneers of Christian work in the world. There are many parts of the world where missionary work is dangerous, and where a person's life can be at risk for the Gospel. Others who do not have this gift may not want to go. And that is why people with the gift are especially needed. In various parts of the world there are life-threatening dangers from people with opposing beliefs or simply from the natural environment. It is therefore essential that people with this gift should seriously consider service overseas in such dangerous areas. God needs those who will be fearless in proclaiming His word.

Missionary People with the gift of a missionary have their eyes on countries overseas and of seeing men and women brought to Christ there. While others may be thinking of needs in this (their indigenous) country, the person with a missionary gift wants to bring the Gospel cross-culturally. If you have this gift you may find yourself making friends and wanting to talk with people from overseas who you meet in everyday life. You may have a special interest in foreign languages, and on trips overseas you will be more likely to "plunge in" rather than "hold back". If you have this gift, you may have a great desire to bring Christ to people who have never heard of him before.

Helping People with the gift of helping are a great blessing to the Church in this country and overseas. They have a special ability to notice how people might need help, and they give it. Helpers are the people in the Church that keep things running smoothly and well. If it wasn't for the helpers, the leaders couldn't get the job done. But the helpers are always there, giving a helping hand without being asked. They are heroes of the Church, often-unsung heroes, but without them, things would grind to a stop. Overseas the helpers are wonderful to have around and it is in teams that helpers excel. If they are scholastically inclined, they will want to help fellow workers solve their problems. If they are practically inclined there are many ways of helping - in management, and in facilitating the work of in reach and outreach.

Leadership A person with the gift of leadership is vital if the work of the Church is to grow and flourish. People with this gift may not always have many ideas of their own, but they are able to take the ideas of others, and build a team of people, which can see God's work accomplished. Leadership is essential if the work of God is to be carried out systematically and effectively. Without this gift, the Church will function in a spasmodic, uncoordinated way, with each member doing what seems best. Someone with the gift of leadership is able to help individuals to function as a team. A leader helps people to keep on going in the right direction, even though it may be a long haul. It needs a leader to draw out the best in the members of the team, and help them to keep going when the going gets rough. There are many new advances, which are being held up solely for the lack of people with this gift.

Mercy A person with the gift of mercy is one who cares for people who are suffering. This kind of gift expresses itself in compassion and care of those who are in pain physically, emotionally, spiritually or mentally. Instead of criticising or condemning, people with the gift of mercy tend to be accepting, understanding and forgiving. They really try to get under the skin and empathise with the people with whom they come into contact. That's why people with deep inward problems often come to those with a gift of mercy. Missionaries or team workers have feelings too, and life on the mission field can be physically and emotionally exhausting, as well as a spiritual drain. In this context there would be many ways of being merciful, blessing brothers and sisters in need.

Pastor / Shepherding People with the gift of pastor are first and foremost concerned for the well-being and care of people. They are the good shepherds who will go miles to help a person in need. They are compassionate people. If they are helping someone who has sinned, the pastor will emphasise the forgiveness of Christ, rather than his judgement. They will always take into consideration the circumstances surrounding a person in need, realising that their circumstances affect behaviour. People with a pastoral gift will always care for those in need in their flock. Compassion and love typify them. A person with a pastoral gift in a missionary context may be exhausted by the immense need at home and overseas, by the constant demands, which come in. But the Church will grow through this kind of person. Christians will be blessed and cared for, and the world will see a picture of Christ.

Service People who have the gift of service are a great blessing to the Church. These are the ones who carry the work of the Church forward. When they notice that something needs doing, they go ahead and do it without being asked. And they don't mind being asked either. Their joy in life is to serve the Lord and to serve His people and to serve the world. And although other people may get the glory and the acclaim, it is the servants who are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. There is a special need for people with the gift of service in Bible work, both in this country and overseas. These are groups of Christians who encourage prayer, raise funds, and do practical things. This work cannot be done without people with the gift of service.

Wisdom A person with the gift of wisdom is able to look at complex situations, and to see right to the heart of the matter. This gift is characterised by having a strong Biblical foundation. They can then give wise advice about the steps to be taken. People with wisdom can often see the pitfalls that lie ahead if one choice of action is taken, compared with the advantages of another. The church needs many people with the gift of wisdom, and this is especially so in the missionary context. There the situations are often very complex, and yet wise decisions need to be made. A person with wisdom is a perceptive person, who does not simply look at the surface situation, but is able to see what is going on behind the scenes. For any work of God to move forward smoothly, people with the gift of wisdom are needed. A wise person isn't someone who never makes mistakes, but one who is able to reflect on what went wrong, so that it is not likely to happen again.

Answers from page 6. 1. F2. F3. T4. F5. F6. F7. F8. T9. F10. T11. F12. T 13. T14. F

I will make you fishers of menI will make you fishers of men

Fishers of men, fishers of menFishers of men, fishers of men


If you follow meIf you follow me





Hear Christ calling come unto meHear Christ calling come unto me

Come unto me, come unto meCome unto me, come unto me


And I will give you restAnd I will give you rest

I will give you restI will give you rest

I will give you restI will give you rest


And I will give you restAnd I will give you rest


Fishers of men, fishers of menFishers of men, fishers of men






If you follow meIf you follow me..


The Advent Movement

LifeCell ReportAdult LifeCell #2&3

Group sizeGroup size Who is attending?Who is attending? ActivitiesActivities GoalsGoals Plans for futurePlans for future

LifeCell ReportYouth LifeCell #4


LifeCell ReportTeen LifeCell #5


LifeCell ReportYoung Parents with children LifeCell #6


My heart is pained when I think how little our churches My heart is pained when I think how little our churches sense their solemn accountabilities to God. It is not sense their solemn accountabilities to God. It is not ministers alone who are soldiers, but every man and ministers alone who are soldiers, but every man and woman who has enlisted in Christ's army; and are they woman who has enlisted in Christ's army; and are they willing to receive a soldier's fare, just as Christ has willing to receive a soldier's fare, just as Christ has given them an example in His life of self-denial and given them an example in His life of self-denial and sacrifice? What self-denial have our churches as a sacrifice? What self-denial have our churches as a whole manifested? They may have given donations in whole manifested? They may have given donations in money, but have withheld themselves.--General money, but have withheld themselves.--General Conference Bulletin, 1893, p. 131. {ChS 35.4}Conference Bulletin, 1893, p. 131. {ChS 35.4}

manchester central seventh-day adventist church a new church for a new people pastor michael simpson

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