How can we identify and encourage God-given skills within our church community? Recognizing the Divine Source “Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person in whose heart the LORD had placed skill, everyone whose heart was stirred to come and do the work.” – Exodus 36:2 • God Himself “placed” the skill. • The impulse to serve came when “heart was stirred.” • Skill and desire are inseparable gifts from the Lord. Ways to Identify God-Given Skills • Pray for Insight – James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God … and it will be given to him.” • Watch for Spirit-Stirred Desire – Look for people who volunteer before being asked, just as hearts were “stirred.” • Observe Fruitfulness – Matthew 7:17: “Every good tree bears good fruit.” Results often reveal gifting. • Seek Confirming Witnesses – 2 Corinthians 13:1: “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Invite others to affirm what they see. • Invite Test Opportunities – Allow short-term trials in ministries; aptitude usually surfaces quickly. Creating Avenues for Service • Offer Clear, Varied Ministry Roles – From music to maintenance to mentoring, mirror the diversity seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. • Publish Needs Regularly – List projects and ask the congregation, “Whose heart is stirred?” • Pair New Workers with Seasoned Ones – Just as Bezalel and Oholiab led others (Exodus 36:2), let experienced members disciple newer volunteers. Encouraging and Affirming Gifts • Speak Life – Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Publicly recognize faithful service. • Celebrate Milestones – Romans 13:7: “Give honor to whom honor is due.” Simple thank-you events nurture perseverance. • Share Testimonies – Recount how God used particular skills to bless the body; it inspires others to step forward. • Guard Against Comparison – 1 Corinthians 12:21: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’” Emphasize interdependence. Equipping for Greater Effectiveness • Provide Training and Resources – Ephesians 4:11-12: leaders are “to equip the saints for works of ministry.” • Fan Into Flame – 2 Timothy 1:6: “Fan into flame the gift of God that is in you.” Offer workshops, mentoring, and study materials. • Model Excellence – Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Excellence honors the Giver. Maintaining a Culture of Grace • Encourage Humble Service – 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others … as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” • Cover Failures with Patience – Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens.” Growth involves missteps; nurture rather than criticize. • Keep Christ Central – John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Skills thrive when rooted in abiding fellowship with Him. By prayerfully discerning, opening doors, and affirming each member, a church mirrors Exodus 36:2—calling forth every person “in whose heart the LORD had placed skill” until the whole body joyfully “comes and does the work.” |
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