Spiritual Gifts
Every year my church, Community of Grace United Methodist Church in Huntington, WV, send out a survey to the congregation to inventory their spiritual gifts. This is done in order to see how the members can best serve the church. I happen to be very strong in music and administrative leadership. I serve by singing in the choir, filling in with music on services where the music director is unavailable and by playing guitar when needed. Everyone has a gift. It is our goal to find out what it is we do best whether it is taking care of the facilities, being deacons, visiting the shut-ins or even being a prayer warrior just to mention a few. Each one of our gifts are unique and become very powerful when we work with others in harmony to carry out God's will.
Chapter 11 - Prayer and Leadership
This chapter starts out saying that the spiritual leader should out pace everyone in prayer. I agree with this statement. As christian's we cannot grow in Christ without developing a personal relationship with God. If we do not talk to God, how are we going to develop the relationship. If you and I never talked we could never become close. Would you trust me or would I trust you? Probably not. Mastering prayer takes practice. The more you do it the better you are at it. When I first became a christian, I was confused why we would just talk and not get an answer. As I prayed more and more I could feel the Holy Spirit guiding me. If we are submissive we can feel the presence Holy Spirit. We must remember that prayer is spiritual warfare. Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9-13.
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
Reflection
1. Have you ever experienced being spirit filled? If so, how has the Holy Ghost affected your experiences?
The moment I was saved as a child was the first time I experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit. I was attending my churches summer youth church camp. The church camp coincided with week long revival services. It was on a Thursday night and we had a guest pastor. I don't remember what he was preaching on but the Holy Spirit was really working on me. I could not hold back the emotion and became overwhelmed and gave my life to the Lord. There have been many other experiences I have had where the Holy Spirit was in control and has guided me to where I was needed and provided the strength to overcome adversity. When we become submissive, a servant, to the Holy Spirit, you become untouchable.
2. Who are your prayer models? Why?
My prayer models are everywhere. My favorite people to listen to pray are the old country preachers. I find it amazing that they can remember every name and situation and put them at the feet of God in humble, honest, heartfelt prayer.
Chapter 12 - The Leader and Time - Pre-Reading Questions
1. If time were no object, what work in the church would you most enjoy?
2. Why do leaders often feel undue pressure in the use of time?
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