If the Master returned today, what would he say about the way you've used what he gave you?

How have you worked at developing it?

What kind of responsibility do you fee toward God regarding your talents?

When if ever , have you observed that the more you used a talent, the more talents God gave you?

What will you do this week with the talents God gave you?

One of the best ways to figure out what God wants you to do with your life is to take a look at your abilities and assets.  Finish the sentence by checking three or four things: "I'm good at..."
working with children
listening/caring
helping behind the scenes
playing an instrument
problem solving
coaching/teaching
organizing/administering
acting/singing
sharing my faith
motivating/leading
getting others involved
crusading for a cause
peacemaking/reconciling
cooking/homemaking
teaching the Bible
running a business
helping others start a business
working with old people
playing ball
making people laugh
sticking it out
cheering other on
hanging out with the kids
being sensitive to others
raising money

Add two more things you are good at:

Now imagine how these abilities could be used to share Christ's love and do God's work in your circumstances.  Be specific as you apply your strengths to "Kingdom business."

What is your favorite excuse for not using your talents?

What do you need to get you started?

Discovering your God-given gifts: Here is a simple test to help you identify some of your special gifts.  It focuses on seven ministry gifts that are mentioned in Romans 12:6-8.  For each question, choose the response which best describes you.  Then tabulate your scores.

Would you consider it more loving and caring to:
P help a person change for the better (or)
S invite a needy person into your home?

To form an opinion about something, would you:
P go by what you feel and believe already (or)
T research it until you are confident enough?

In giving advice, do you:
P quote Scripture as basic ideals for action (or)
E give practical, motivational steps for action?

Are you more likely to find fulfillment in a:
T teaching career (or)
G business venture?

Would you rather:
P pray for someone (or)
G provide for him/her?

Would you rather:
T train others to do a job (or)
A delegate work to others?

Would you rather spend time:
P in prayer (or)
A organizing a Christian project?

Do you find that you:
T enjoy intellectual pursuits
C daydream and fantasize a lot?

Would you rather participate in:
P an intercessory prayer group (or)
C a program to feed the poor?

Would you prefer to:
E do individual counseling (or)
A manage a group project?

Would you rather:
S help set up for (and serve) a church dinner (or)
T speak to the group after dinner?

Do you encourage people:
E by sharing your own experiences (or)
G by giving them practical help?

Would you rather:
E give motivational speeches (or)
C help with caring type ministries?

After a meeting, do you feel it is more important to:
S make sure the room is left in order (or)
E spend time socializing?

Would you rather:
G financially assist an ongoing project (or)
A organize the ongoing project?

Would you rather help someone in need by:
G give generously to a ministry (or)
C minister directly to those who are hurting?

If a room needed cleaning would you:
S get a broom and sweep it yourself
A figure out who is best suited for the job?

Would you rather work with:
A a group (or) C one person at a time?

Are you more attentive to:
S peoples practical needs (or)
C how people feel?

Do you like to have:
T a few select friends with similar interests (or)
E lots of friends, the more the better?

Review these answers you checked. Count up the number of "T's" and put that number on the line below next to Teacher,  Do the same for the other letters/gifts.  When you are done you will have a preliminary idea of what your ministry gifts may be.

(T) Teacher
(S) Server
(G) Giver
(C) Compassionate Person
(P) Perceiver
(E) Exhorter
(A) Administrator

This exercise has been taken from the book Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts-Don Fortune, @1987. Chosen Books/Revel.

If Jesus asked you for an accounting of his investment in your life up to now, what would you say? "I am committed to the will of God in my life..."

If you knew you could not fail, what is one thing you would like to give your life to?

Spiritual Gifts Inventory: Part 1

Wagner-Modified Houts Questionnaire-Step 1

For each statement, indicate to what extent it is true of your life: Do so by entering on the line to the right a 3 for Much, 2 for Some, 1 for Little or 0 for Not at All.

Upon completion of Part 1, go to Part 2 to find out what your spiritual gifts are.

1. I have a desire to speak direct messages from God that edify, exhort or comfort others.

2. I have enjoyed relating to a certain group of people over a long period of time, sharing  personally in their successes and their failures.

3. People have told me that I have helped them learn Biblical truth in a meaningful way.

4. I have applied spiritual truth effectively to situations in my own life.

5. Others have told me that I have helped them distinguish key and important facts of Scripture.

6. I have verbally encouraged the wavering, the troubled or the discouraged.

7. Others in the church have noted that I was able to see through phoniness before it was evident to other people,

8. I find I manage money well in order to give liberally.

9. I have assisted Christian leaders to relieve them for their essential job.

10. I have a desire to work with those who have physical or mental problems to alleviate their suffering.

11. I feel comfortable relating to ethnics and minorities, and they seem to accept me.

12. I have led others to a decision for salvation through faith in Christ.

13. My home is always open to people passing through who need a place to stay.

14. When in a group, I am the one others often look to for vision and direction.

15. When I speak, people seem to listen and agree.

16. When a group I am in is lacking organization, I tend to step in to fill the gap.

17. Others can point to specific instances where my prayers have resulted in visible miracles.

18. In the name of the Lord, I have been used in curing diseases instantaneously.

19. I have spoken in tongues.

20. Sometimes when a person speaks in tongues, I get an idea about what God is saying.

21. I could live more comfortably, but I choose not to in order to live with the poor.

22. I am single and enjoy it.

23. I spend at least an hour a day in prayer.

24. I have spoken to evil  spirits and they have obeyed me.

25. I enjoy being called upon to do specific jobs around the church.

26. Through God I have revealed specific things which will happen in the future.

27. I have enjoyed assuming the responsibility for the spiritual well-being of a particular group of Christians.

28. I feel I can explain the New Testament teaching about the health and ministry of the body of Christ in a relevant way.

29. I can intuitively arrive at solutions to fairly complicated problems.

30. I have had insights of spiritual truth which others have said helped bring them  closer to God.

31. I can effectively motivate people to get involved in ministry when it is needed.

32. I can "see" the Spirit of God resting on certain people from time to time.

33. My giving records show that I give considerably more than 10 percent of my income to the Lord's work.

34. Other people have told me that I have helped them become more effective in their ministries.

35. Other people have told  me that they knew that I cared when they had material or physical needs.

36. I feel I could learn another language well in order to minister to those in a different culture.

37. I have shared joyfully how Christ has brought me to Himself in a way that is meaningful to non-believers.

38. I enjoy taking charge of church suppers or social events.

39. I have believed God for the impossible and seen it happen in a tangible way.

40. Other Christians have followed my leadership because they believed in me.

41. I enjoy handling the details of organizing ideas, people, resources and time for more effective ministry.

42. God has used me personally to perform supernatural signs and wonders.

43. I enjoy praying for sick people because I know that many of them will be healed as a result.

44. I have spoken an immediate message of God to His people in a language I have never learned.

45. I have interpreted tongues with the result that the body of Christ was edified,  exhorted or comforted.

46. Living a simple lifestyle is an exciting challenge for me.

47. Other people have noted that I feel more indifferent about not being married than most.

48. 48.  When I hear a prayer request, I pray for that need for several days at least.

49. I have actually heard a demon speak in a loud voice.

50. I don't have many special skills, but I do what needs to be done around the church.

51. People have told me that I have communicated timely and urgent messages which must have come directly from the Lord.

52. I feel unafraid of giving spiritual guidance and direction in a group of Christians.

53. I can devote considerable time to learning new Biblical truths in order to communicate them to others.

54. When a person has a problem I can frequently guide them to the best Biblical solution.

55. Through study or experience I have discerned major strategies or techniques God seems to use in furthering His kingdom.

56. People have come to me in their afflictions or sufferings, and told me that they have been helped, relieved and healed.

57. I can tell with a fairly high degree of assurance when a person is afflicted by an evil spirit.

58. When I am moved by an appeal to give to God's work, I usually can find the money I need to do it.

59. I have enjoyed doing routine tasks that led to more effective ministry by others.

60. I enjoy visiting in hospitals and/or retirement homes, and do fine in such a ministry.

61. People of a different race or culture have been attracted to me, and we have related well.

62. Non-Christians have noted that they feel comfortable when they are around me, and that I have a positive effect on them toward developing a faith in Christ.

63. When people come to our home, they indicate that they "feel at home" with us.

64. Other people have told me that I had faith to accomplish what seemed impossible to them.

65. When I set goals, others seem to accept them readily.

66. I have been able to make effective and efficient plans for accomplishing the goals of a group.

67. God regularly seems to do impossible things through my life.

68. Others have told me that God healed them of an emotional problem when I ministered to them.

69. I can speak to God in a language I have never learned.

70. I have prayed that I may interpret if someone begins speaking in tongues.

71. I am  not poor, but I can identify with poor people.

72. I am glad I have more time to serve the Lord because I am single.

73. Intercessory prayer is one of my favorite ways of spending time.

74. Others call on me when they suspect that someone is demonized.

75. Others have mentioned that I seem to enjoy routine tasks and do well at them.

76. I sometimes have a strong sense of what God wants to say to people in response to a particular situation.

77. I have helped fellow believers by guiding them to relevant portions of the Bible and praying with them.

78. I feel I can communicate Biblical truths to others and see resulting changes in knowledge, attitudes, values or conduct.

79. Some people indicate that I have perceived and applied Biblical truth to the specific needs of fellow believers.

80. I study and read quite a bit in order to learn new Biblical truths.

81. I have a desire to effectively counsel the perplexed, the guilty or the addicted.

82. I can recognize whether a person's teaching is from God, from Satan, or of human origin.

83. I am so confident that God will meet my needs that I give to Him sacrificially and consistently.

84. When I do things behind the scenes and others are helped, I am joyful.

85. People call on me to help those who are less fortunate.

86. I would be willing to leave comfortable surroundings if it would enable me to share Christ with more people.

87. I get frustrated when others don't seem to share their faith with unbelievers as much as I do.

88. Others have mentioned to me that I am a very hospitable person.

89. There have been times when I have felt sure I knew God's specific will for the future growth of His work, even when others have not been so sure.

90. When I join a group, others seem to back off and expect me to take the leadership.

91. I am able to give directions to others without using persuasion to get them to accomplish a task.

92. People have told me that I was God's instrument which brought supernatural change in lives or circumstances.

93. I have prayed for others and physical healing has actually occurred.

94. When I give a public message in tongues, I expect it to be interpreted.

95. I have interpreted tongues in a way that seemed to bless others.

96. Others tell me I sacrifice much materially in order to minister.

97. I am single and have little difficulty controlling my sexual desires.

98. Others have told me that my prayers for them have been answered in tangible ways.

99. Other people have been instantly delivered from demonic oppression when I have prayed.

100. I prefer being active and doing something rather than just sitting around talking or reading or listening to a speaker.

101. I sometimes feel that I know exactly what God wants to do in ministry at a specific point in time.

102. People have told me that I have helped them to be restored to the Christian Community.

103. Studying the Bible and sharing my insights with others is very satisfying for me.

104. I have felt an unusual presence of God and personal confidence when important decisions needed to be made.

105. I have the ability to discover new truths for myself through reading of observing situations first hand.

106. I have urged others to seek a Biblical solution to their affliction or suffering.

107. I can tell whether a person speaking in tongues is genuine.

108. I have been willing to maintain a lower standard of living in order to benefit God's work.

109. When I serve the Lord, I really don't care who gets the credit.

110. I would enjoy offering cheerful conversation to a lonely, shut-in person or someone in prison.

111. More than most, I have had s strong desire to see peoples of other countries won to the Lord.

112. I am attracted to non-believers because of my desire to win them to Christ.

113. I have desired to make my home available to those in the Lord's service whenever needed.

114. Others have told me that I am a person of unusual vision, and I agree.

115. When I am in charge, things seem to run smoothly.

116. I have enjoyed bearing the responsibility for the success of a particular task within my church.

117. In the name of the Lord, I have been able to recover sight to the blind.

118. When I pray for the sick, either I or they feel sensations of tingling or warmth.

119. When I speak in tongues, I believe it is edifying to the Lord's body.

120. I have interpreted tongues in such a way that the message appeared to be directly from God.

121. Poor people accept me because I choose to live on their level.

122. I readily identify with Paul's desire for others to be single as he was.

123. When I pray, God frequently speaks to me, and I recognize His voice.

124. I cast out demons in Jesus' name.

125. I respond cheerfully when asked to do a job, even if it seems menial.

Part 2-In the grid below, total up the numerical value of each of your responses to the answers requested for each line and place the sum in the "Total" Column.

Rows-Use questions       Total,                     Gift

1.  1, 26, 51,  76, 101Prophecy

2.  2, 27, 52,  77, 102Pastor

3.  3, 28, 53,  78, 103Teaching

4.  4, 29, 54,  79, 104Wisdom

5.  5, 30, 55,  80, 105Knowledge

6.  6, 31, 56,  81, 106Exhortation

7.  7, 32, 57,  82, 107Disc. of Spirits

8.  8, 33, 58,  83, 108Giving

9.  9, 34, 59,  84, 109Helps

10. 10, 35, 60,  85, 110Mercy

11. 11, 36, 61,  86, 111Missionary

12. 12, 37, 62,  87, 112Evangelist

13. 13, 38, 63,  88, 113Hospitality

14. 14, 39, 64,  89, 114Faith

15. 15, 40, 65,  90, 115Leadership

16. 16, 41, 66,  91, 116Administration

17. 17, 42, 67,  92, 117Miracles

18. 18, 43, 68,  93, 118Healing

19. 19, 44, 69,  94, 119Tongues

20. 20, 45, 70,  95, 120Interpretation

21. 21, 46, 71,  96, 121Voln. Poverty

22. 22, 47, 72,  97, 122Celibacy

23. 23, 48, 73,  98, 123Intercession

24. 24, 49, 74,  99, 124Exorcism

25. 25, 50, 75, 100, 125Service

What ministry is most interesting to you?  Which people and what kind of ministry would you like to get involved with?  Mark the opportunities you would like to check out:

Worship

Usher
Greeter
Teller (counts offering)
Parking volunteer
Prayer Group

Children

Sunday School
Preschool
Elementary
Vacation Bible School
Music activities
Art support (posters, bulletin boards, etc.)
Junior Church

Youth

Youth Sunday School
Junior High volunteer
Senior High volunteer
College Volunteer
Transport

Specific Adult Ministries

Seniors
Singles
Men's Ministries
Women's Ministries
Personal and spiritual growth seminars
Trustees (Maintenance, etc.)
Elders (Spiritual Counsel, etc.)
Board (Leadership, etc.)
Administrative (Treasure, etc.)

Adult Bible Fellowships/Small groups

Teacher/facilitator
Fellowship Team (directs/organizes groups)

Ministry Teams

Hospital Visitation
Grief Ministry
Telephone Ministry
New Member Ministry
Unemployment Ministry

Music

Drama
Video & Audio tapes
Adult ensembles
Adult choir
Soloist
Productions, sets, etc.

The Scriptures describe the Christian family in a variety of ways.  One of the most powerful metaphors for this is used by the apostle Paul, who states that every Christian is part of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27).  Just as the human body has many parts, so it is with the body of Christ (12:12).  It encompasses people of vastly different ethnic groups, cultures, ages, abilities and interests.  Yet this heterogeneous body is a unity (12:13).  Jesus has connected every believer with himself in such an intimate way that he lives in us and we in him.  In a burst of creative love God has laces us fragmented lonely humans to himself and to each other with bindings of love.

The bonds of the whole Christian family fashioned by the power and love of Jesus Christ are distinct from those of other groups.  All Christians are involved in a unique web of relationships that transcend the normal barriers of human prejudice.

A Right and Responsibility to Train

Even Christian Leaders sometimes find themselves asking questions like: "What right do I have to involve myself in another person's life?"  or "What right do I have to pry into another's life or responsibility do I have to train another person?"

We have the responsibility to train based on the concerns of people.  Frequently I find that people, especially those who are hurting, want to talk about their concerns.  Although they may flinch when you first ask about what deeply concerns them most, they will later express relief and be grateful that you cared enough to ask, listen, and help them to deal with their concerns.  Widows and widowers frequently complain that after their spouse's death, friends and other concerned people seem reluctant to talk about the deceased.  Contrary to what you might think, most widowed people want to talk about the significant other they have lost.

In general, people desire the loving relationship of fellow Christians.  It is our privilege and responsibility to share this.

Homework

1. Giving and Receiving Help

Time: 20 minutes

Write the following items, on a piece of paper.

1. What did you experience in this exercise?

2. Why is help sometimes hard to accept?

3. What are the implications of this exercise regarding active training for your trainee?

Please relax and make yourself comfortable.

I'm going to ask you to imagine something, but first I'd like you to close your eyes.  Slow down your breathing. Breathe deeply.  Really relax.  Then open your eyes.

Think of a time when you needed help, but were reluctant to ask for it.  Get a specific incident in mind.

I want you to relive the incident in your imagination.  What was the problem?  Try to experience it again what you felt at the time..

You must have thought of asking for help.  Why didn't you?  Try to experience again the feelings elicited by the thought of asking for help from others, the thought of accepting help.

Think of how wonderful it would have been, had someone broken through your reluctance and come to you instead of waiting for you to come to them.  Think of how it would have felt to have someone to listen to you... to have someone understand.  Now, go back in your mind to another incident in your life, this time one in which someone did help you, where you were able to accept help.  Think of that situation.

How did it feel?

Now come back to the present.  When you feel ready come up with answers to those questions.

2.  How can we help you in prayer this week?