Faith Lutheran Church

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. (Romans 12:6a)

Like good stewards of the manifold of the grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. (1 Peter 4:10)

Discovering, understanding, and applying our spiritual gifts in our lives, both inside and outside the church, enables us to live the life God intended for us. As the result of a long-range planning discernment process, Faith has identified the need to develop member's spiritual gifts and become a gifts-based church. Under the umbrella of the Fellowship Board and in partnership with the Gifted for Ministry Leadership Team, Pam Larson, Faith's Sharing the Ministry director, is available to help members identify their gifts and discern how God is calling them to use those gifts for Jesus' sake and the sake of the world. You can contact her via phone at 225-8334, x24, or via email at pamlarson@faithlc.org . To support our work in the area of Sharing the Ministry, Faith offers two additional resources to help members discern their spiritual gifts: the LifeKeys Gifts Discernment Course and two spiritual gifts inventories.

What Is a Gifts-Based Church?

A gifts-based church is not a new concept. The early churches were founded in the theology of gifts and relied heavily on their members understanding and using their spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ. One of Martin Luther's strongest themes was the priesthood of all believers.

A church that is grounded in spiritual gifts:

• Is filled with members that serve out of excitement and gratitude because they enjoy what they're doing. It is not drudgery to serve.
  
  
• Is filled with members who know both their strengths and weaknesses and understand that they're part of a team working together to grow God's church.
  
  
• Thrives on every member doing what they enjoy and do best. Members are encouraged to identify their spiritual gifts and serve based on those gifts so that no one will be left out and no one is overextended.
  
  
• Understands we are not here to be served but to serve and recognizes that a joy and freedom comes from serving through our gifts.