August 4th, 2021
As humans, we are used to being tested. From our earliest years, we were tested in school. Then, we may have been tested in our ability to drive a car. Then, tested for our ability to attain a certain job. Our performance at that job was tested. Along the way, other kinds of test surely came up. Our faith was tested. Our self-confidence was tested. Our commitment to family and friends was tested. You may even feel like your patience is tested!
And then, there are the tests of faith. Temptations come, do we give in, or do we keep our eyes on God? A global pandemic hit and the Church was tested...would it adapt to a new way of worshiping, a new way of serving and a new way of connecting? And each of us as Christians were tested at the same time. Would we be as dedicated to online ministry as we were to in-person ministry? While everything was stopping, would we refuse to let our faith stop? And now as things open up (and hopefully stay open), will we learn the lessons that COVID-19 taught us? Will we continue to acknowledge and include our friends who are worshiping and serving with us virtually? Will we continue to offer virtual ways of participating in everything that we do? And individually, will each of us find our own unique and God-driven way of being the Church in a new normal?
You may feel like you are a different person after a year and a half of a global pandemic. Or at least that some parts of you are different. So, this might be a great opportunity to stop and discern who you are right now. What are the gifts and graces God has given you to live life and do ministry in 2021?
The United Methodist Church has a "test" to help us see what our spiritual gifts might be. It takes about 10-15 minutes, and it is 80 questions. At the end, it will tell you what they believe are your spiritual gifts. It is important to answer as honestly as possible. No one else will see your results, and as soon as you exit that screen, they go away forever. So, this really is just for you. But if you would like to share what your gifts are, and would like to talk about how you might be able to use them to enhance the ministries of the church here in Absecon, I always have time in my day for those conversations.
If you are wondering, the results I ended up with say that my spiritual gifts are faith, healing and exhortation, shepherding, leadership and teaching. I like that list! I love that they only focus on the positives! If you would like to give it a try, the link is down below. If you don't have the time right now, perhaps you can just think about it on your own for a few minutes. What gifts has God given you that are needed for ministry in 2021?
https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts
Blessings,
Reverend Dave
And then, there are the tests of faith. Temptations come, do we give in, or do we keep our eyes on God? A global pandemic hit and the Church was tested...would it adapt to a new way of worshiping, a new way of serving and a new way of connecting? And each of us as Christians were tested at the same time. Would we be as dedicated to online ministry as we were to in-person ministry? While everything was stopping, would we refuse to let our faith stop? And now as things open up (and hopefully stay open), will we learn the lessons that COVID-19 taught us? Will we continue to acknowledge and include our friends who are worshiping and serving with us virtually? Will we continue to offer virtual ways of participating in everything that we do? And individually, will each of us find our own unique and God-driven way of being the Church in a new normal?
You may feel like you are a different person after a year and a half of a global pandemic. Or at least that some parts of you are different. So, this might be a great opportunity to stop and discern who you are right now. What are the gifts and graces God has given you to live life and do ministry in 2021?
The United Methodist Church has a "test" to help us see what our spiritual gifts might be. It takes about 10-15 minutes, and it is 80 questions. At the end, it will tell you what they believe are your spiritual gifts. It is important to answer as honestly as possible. No one else will see your results, and as soon as you exit that screen, they go away forever. So, this really is just for you. But if you would like to share what your gifts are, and would like to talk about how you might be able to use them to enhance the ministries of the church here in Absecon, I always have time in my day for those conversations.
If you are wondering, the results I ended up with say that my spiritual gifts are faith, healing and exhortation, shepherding, leadership and teaching. I like that list! I love that they only focus on the positives! If you would like to give it a try, the link is down below. If you don't have the time right now, perhaps you can just think about it on your own for a few minutes. What gifts has God given you that are needed for ministry in 2021?
https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts
Blessings,
Reverend Dave
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