So Many Gifts

In both 1 Corinthians 12 & Romans 12, Paul talks about the body of Christ and how we all should work together in unity. May we all find a place to use our gifts and abilities for the Lord.

Romans 12

On Wednesday nights during the school year, our church has a children’s club for preschool through elementary-aged children.  So far this year, we have been averaging around 95 clubbers. It takes many volunteers to keep this ministry going. 

Last night I was thinking about Romans 12 as I watched the many different volunteers doing their thing.  The club is split into 3 different sub-clubs, each with its own director.  Each of these directors has 4-5 leaders and each of those leaders has 1-2 helpers. Bible memorization is an important aspect of our club so there are usually 3-5 listeners who listen to children recite their verses. There’s the guy that runs the audio/visual.  There’s the lady that leads singing and gets 2-3 clubbers to assist her. And in the wings, the story guy is getting ready to tell tonight’s Bible story.  While that is going on, the gym is being set up by our game guy.  The secretary is getting ready to record all the verses said tonight.  The club store staff are getting ready for the next Store Night.  And there are those who are praying from their home that God’s will be done here.

So many different volunteers, with different personalities, and with different gifts.  My biggest role in the club, is recruiting volunteers. It is amazing to me to watch these folks in action. Each is doing their bit in this ministry, according to the spiritual gifts God has granted them.  And they are having fun doing it!  

As Christmas approaches and we celebrate the gift we all enjoy together, the birth of our Savior, consider the specific spiritual gift or gifts God has given you.  Romans 12 is a good place to start to learn more about them. There are other places in the Bible that talk about spiritual gifts.  Check them out too.  Chances are, there is a spot for you in your church just waiting for you. 

Bret A.

’63/ ’79 Stewartville MN