Romans 12:6-8
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, 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
Charles Stanley has written a powerful book entitled, Ministering Through Spiritual Gifts published by Nelson Impact. If you have not yet deciphered your own personal motivational gift, I would exhort you to follow my posts as I summarize Dr. Stanley's study from the In Touch Series. Dr. Stanley says, "I believe two things will happen as you truly understand who you are in Christ Jesus - and what your identity is within the Body of Christ. First, I believe you are going to be excited about your identity and the ways in which God desires to use you. Second, I believe you are going to be challenged to develop your gift and employ it to the best of your ability."
The following notes apply to the individual who has the motivational gift of ministry or service. There is a great need for individuals with this gift in our churches and communities. We find these persons volunteering to do some of the menial tasks that others are not interested in performing. The reason for finding oneself in one of the seven motivational gifts is for self reflection on what motivates one to be intentional and purposeful in the Christian community. M
Motivational Gift of Ministry or Service
Timothy had the motivational gift of ministry/service.
General Characteristics
1. See practical need and see it first; in tough with human needs; practical
2. Love/delight in bringing others to achievement; create environment for others to succeed
3. Disregard for weariness on their part; just don’t quit; are like the Energizer Bunny
4. Find it difficult to say, “no.”
5. Have strong desire to be with other people—not loners
6. Are alert to likes/dislikes; remember everything about everyone (birthdays, favorite colors, etc.)
7. Find it difficult to forgive
8. Need approval and recognition—not for ego, but to validate their help and validate that they did hear God
9. Say, “It can be done”
10. Like short-range projects with clear instructions—they like to see results—need to break big projects down to bite-sized pieces; task-oriented
11. Meet needs quickly; when sensitive to the Lord, they are not early or late, but right on the money; are frustrated by red tape
12. Feel inadequate or unqualified, so sometimes do not do what God asks them to do
Ways people with motivational gift of ministry are misunderstood:
1. Because they are quick to get something done, others think they are pushy and wanting to be in control;
2. Because they meet needs quickly, others may feel excluded;
3. In their eagerness to serve others, non-servers may perceive them as just wanting to advance;
4. Because they have the instinct to serve, it is very difficult for them to be served; they need to learn how to be in the moment;
5. Sometimes others think they are off-track because if they hear of another need, they rush off to find out about that need.
Walking in the Spirit
Very alert to wants and needs of others
Hospitable, Joyful, Flexible
Very alert to wants and needs of others
Hospitable, Joyful, Flexible
Express generosity with time, efforts, talents, giftings
Available (and enjoy being available)
Great endurance
Walking in the Flesh
Totally unconscious; don’t see someone bleeding right in front of them
Loner & Self-centered
Stingy and tight—“it’s all about me, myself, and I”
Stingy and tight—“it’s all about me, myself, and I”
“Woe is me” attitude; thinks no one cares about them or appreciates them
Will resist change; will not move; inflexible
No energy; totally drained
