I’ve been in many churches in my lifetime and I’ve never found my true niche for serving. I’ve enjoyed being with children of any age. I enjoy teaching Sunday School lessons. I enjoy singing in choirs, although in two different churches I had very bad experiences with that. I’ve also had some bad experiences with other leaders when serving with children. And my calling is definitely not to greet people, because if someone comes in with an angry look on their face, it immediately wipes the smile off mine.
This morning I was reading my NLT Bible and landed in 1 Corinthians 12 where serving was laid out very clearly in verses 27-28:
“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
- first are apostles
- second are prophets
- third are teachers
- then those who do miracles
- those who have the gift of healing
- those who can help others
- those who have the gift of leadership
- those who speak in unknown languages.”
The King James Version says it this way:
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
I’ve taken at least three spiritual gifts test and they all point me to the gift of teaching. I took a personality test at our financial planner’s office, and that pointed out that I could easily adapt to being the leader or being the follower. (I found that interesting.)
Sometimes it is hard to find your place because it is already filled. Or someone who has been at the church longer is protective of their church and doesn’t want a new person coming in and taking over a program or spot of service they hold dear.
Other times you can’t bear to deal with how the program is already set up, and you know as a new person and low man on the totem pole, you are not allowed to make changes.
So do you settle? Do you quietly go to the nursery or childcare which is usually a place of great need? Jesus did say, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)
I’m still searching for the answer.
Have you found your place of service in your church? If so please comment below, and tell me how you did it.
Thanks and have a GREAT WEEK!
Just prayed for you to find your special place of service, Jane. In my experience, I started with where I’m comfortable (I’m not a greeter as I am an introvert and am not good at starting or engaging in small talk, especially with strangers). But I am comfortable in front of small groups. Consistently my spiritual gifts inventories pointed me to teaching and/or areas of service/mercy. I began just by being consistent in classes and offering to teach when the teacher was out. One church required teachers to take teaching classes, so I did that. God has been faithful to place me in teaching and leadership roles as I have been available.
Thank you for the prayers, Tim. How you found your place of service was very smart and helpful for me to hear. Thank you for sharing that!
Praying that God gives you clear guidance and the ability to serve Him where He wants.
Thank you for the prayers, Joni.