What’s one way of caring for the members in our groups?
One of the ways we can care for and love our group members is by praying for and encouraging them to discover and use the gift(s) that God has given them for the building up of his body, the church. As each person uses their gifts we all experience a greater fullness and manifestation of God’s love (Eph 3:19).
Just as we have received gifts for our calling in society and the world, we have also been given spiritual gifts to apply diligently in service to the body of Christ and preeminently to Christ who is the head (1 Cor 12). It is one of the great privileges that believers have been given, that God would see fit to use us to build his kingdom.
What are the motivations or benefits both positive and negative for doing so?
When a person neglects the use of their spiritual gift(s), they diminish the work of God’s grace in their life. It also impacts the joy that comes when one shares in producing fruit as a member of Christ’s body.
Practically, it often means that a certain percentage of people must make up for those who aren’t sharing in the work. An unbalanced church is unhealthy and underdeveloped. The illustration Paul uses in his epistle to the Corinthians of the body could be likened to a person who works out at the gym and only chooses to work on his abdomen. After a while his abdomen might be strong, but the rest of his body, arms and legs and everywhere else remains weak.
Positively, the use of one’s gifts is an act of love that brings honor to God. God is given glory through the building up of his temple (Eph 2:20). As the Holy Spirit works to express love through the unity of His people and their gifts, it’s a powerful testimony to the beauty of our God whom we worship. Second, it’s a demonstration of love to Christ’s body, the church. It ensures that the burden is light for all involved, and allows each to serve faithfully in the other endeavors they are called to engage in. Third, it reveals what a believer deems to be important to the watching world. And finally, it benefits the person who through exercising his/her gifts receives a fuller experience and expression of God’s grace and love.
In what way can I encourage someone in my group to use their gifts?
The simple answer is, point them to a resource or encourage them to take on a task. Spiritual gifts are often either sought after or stumbled across. Some people like to take tests in order to discern where their gifts lie to gain greater affirmation. APC has a few tests available designed to do just that (contact me for more info). Others seek out confirmation by jumping right in, and find they either love it or want to try other ministries until one seems to fit best. This is where they often seek out affirmation from others. The people in your groups will most likely be a combination of both, but the thing to remember is that although we have been given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit at the point of conversion, we are always growing in our effectiveness in the use of them. We need to give people time to discern their gifts and to encourage them as they do so.
Those who serve by demonstrating their gifts are doing it unto the Lord first and foremost (Eph 6:7), and yet everyone should be encouraged, affirmed and appreciated for their service to the Lord.
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