Page 68 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

68 Beginning Ministerial Internship: Student Manual

Understanding Gifts and Responsibilities

Identifying Strengths
Balance and fulfillment in ministry are most effectively achieved by
understanding our individual gifts and operating in them. The first step toward
the contentment and pleasure of ministry is knowing one’s gifts. Identifying
personal strengths will open the door to greater clarity in ministry. Those who
operate in their strengths find greater success and satisfaction. When we are
doing what we were made to do, even the hardest work is enriching. The reverse
is equally true. Persisting in tasks outside of our gifts leads to exhaustion and
frustration. Of course, this does not account for times when a job must be done,
and the spiritual leader is the one available to do it. In such instances, he or she
will simply have to manage. However, the minister should always seek to give
greater focus to his or her gifts.

15 How do your strengths To aid us in the discovery of gifts, the Bible is our source for understanding
connect with the spread of what God gives to His church. A good place to start is with the various gifts listed
the gospel? in Scripture (see Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4). Consider which
gifts bring you joy and where you may have experienced a level of success.
Observing others can be helpful as well.

Admitting Inability
Finding one’s gifts is one side of the coin. A healthy ministry demands that
the minister recognize weaknesses. Again, a minister’s staying too long in an area
that fails to strengthen the believers could be the result of self-imposed pressure.
Occasionally that pressure may be validated by the grateful attitude of some
people. Yet, there still must be caution, for people can have their own agendas that
might not have the good of the general body in focus. Many are content to watch
the minister do everything so they can pursue self-focused interests. The result is
unhealthy both for the minister and the congregation. It is essential that ministers
understand their own weaknesses and make the necessary adjustments.
It is much more difficult to admit inability with tasks that the minister wants
to do, but for which he or she fails to demonstrate any inherent ability. While
there is room to develop skills throughout the ministry, it can be intimidating for
a minister to admit a shortcoming. The congregation may need to adjust, as the
former minister may have possessed such gifts.

Acknowledging Responsibility
Any discussion of ministry gifts must include a look at responsibilities. The
nature of responsibility often demands that a minister fulfill tasks for which he or
she may not be gifted. Failure to perform such tasks can create difficulties for the
minister or the congregation.
In addition to fulfilling tasks, the minister should demonstrate good work
ethic. Those who use their lack of gifting as an excuse to avoid work do not bring
honor to God. Certainly, the servant will face unpleasant tasks, but doing the will
of the Master in such times is what defines servanthood.
16 What areas of That being said, a minister should be diligent in balancing the workload and
responsibility do you face that giftings. The more time spent developing the strong areas, the more productive
are most difficult for you? the ministry will become. If responsibilities seem to be shifting out of balance,
the minister should strategize with church leaders a way to shift the balance in a
more productive way.