Cheryl and I have had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans several times to serve, assist and minister to some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. To us this ministry is not a burden; we love to do it; it really “jazzes us” to serve our Lord in this way by using our God-given spiritual gifts.
Cheryl has the gift of mercy. She can detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering by providing compassionate and cheerful support to those who are experiencing distress, crisis and/or pain.
Ron has the gift of service (or helps). He enjoys working along side gifted craftsmen like Pete Schoolfield and Hank Calisti and providing practical, hands-on assistance in repairing or rebuilding homes quickly and cheerfully.
God calls each of us to serve Him in our giftedness. In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit” (v.4). “To each one the evidence of the Spirit within us is given for the common good” (v.7). “The (church) body is one unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (v. 12).
So what is your “part” in the overall ministry at Greenridge?
Do you have a gift that communicates God’s Word (e.g. preaching, evangelism, missions or starting new churches)?
Do you have a gift to educate God’s people (e.g. teaching, encouragement, wisdom, discernment or knowledge)?
Do you have a gift that demonstrates God’s love (e.g. service, mercy, hospitality, shepherding or giving)?
Do you have a gift that celebrates God’s presence (e.g. music, or arts and crafts), or a prayer-related gift (e.g. intercession or healing)?
Or do you have a gift that supports one of the five purposes of Greenridge (e.g. leadership, administration or faith)?
Too many of us think we have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different God-given gifts together, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, serve others, enhance the spiritual growth of the body of believers and spread the Good News of Salvation. If we don’t, the body of believers at Greenridge will be less effective.
We encourage each of you as members to discover your “S.H.A.P.E.”, your spiritual gifts, your heart or passion, your abilities, natural talents and skills, your personality and your spiritual experiences. Greenridge has access to this spiritual gifts test. Feel free to email Sarah Rodriguez to get a copy so that you, too, can discover your spiritual gift(s)!
Pray that our spiritual gifts are yielded to the Lordship of Jesus and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister in the Body of Christ at Greenridge.
~Ron & Cheryl Welke
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