How can church communities support individuals in developing their God-given talents? Seeing God’s Blueprint in Exodus 31:6 “Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to work with him. And I have given skill to all the craftsmen, so that they may make everything I have commanded you.” (Exodus 31:6) God does three things in this verse: • He deliberately appoints people. • He places them in community (“to work with him”). • He supernaturally supplies the ability needed for His work. Those same three realities shape how a church can help people discover and develop their God-given talents. Core Principles for a Talent-Growing Church • Recognition: Talents are God-given, not self-manufactured. (James 1:17) • Purpose: Gifts exist “so that they may make everything I have commanded.” Skills serve God’s agenda, not personal fame. • Community: No one crafts the tabernacle alone. Partnership protects against pride and burnout. • Empowerment: The Spirit who filled Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:3) still equips believers today (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). • Intentional Placement: The Lord chooses specific people for specific tasks. The body is healthiest when every part functions in its appointed lane (Romans 12:4-8). Concrete Steps Any Congregation Can Take 1. Identify Gifts Early • Observe members in varied settings—service projects, small groups, informal gatherings. • Invite seasoned believers to affirm strengths they notice. 2. Provide Mentoring and Apprenticeship • Pair emerging talent with experienced servants, as Oholiab was paired with Bezalel. • Use a “watch, assist, do, teach” progression (2 Timothy 2:2). 3. Offer Training and Resources • Host workshops, classes, and online modules tailored to specific skills—music, teaching, craftsmanship, administration. • Budget for materials and tools; investment signals value. 4. Create Safe Practice Environments • Schedule low-stakes opportunities—youth services, mid-week gatherings, outreach events—where beginners can hone abilities. • Encourage constructive feedback that builds, not bruises. 5. Celebrate Diverse Contributions • Publicly recognize behind-the-scenes roles (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Share testimonies of how each gift advances the mission. 6. Guard Rhythms of Rest • Institute rotating teams so servants can renew strength (Mark 6:31). • Model Sabbath habits from leadership downward. 7. Keep the Mission Central • Regularly remind the congregation that every talent points to Christ and His gospel (Ephesians 4:11-13). • Evaluate ministries by “Are we making everything He commanded?” New Testament Reinforcement • 1 Corinthians 12:4-7—“There are different gifts, but the same Spirit… To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” • Romans 12:6—“We have different gifts according to the grace given us.” • Ephesians 2:10—“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Wrapping It Up When a church mirrors the pattern of Exodus 31:6—recognizing God’s appointments, cultivating community, and relying on Spirit-given ability—it becomes a workshop where every believer can discover, develop, and deploy the talents God planted in them for His glory and the building up of His people. |
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