Monday, December 29, 2014

Together

Have you ever had a day where everything seemed to be falling apart, and just when you were about to throw in the towel, someone gave you an encouraging word? As discussed in Sunday’s sermon, Paul mastered the art of building broken spirits. Likewise, the encouraging letters he sent and his intentional approach of togetherness paved the way for fulfilling what you, I, and our community need so desperately. Despite the do-it-yourself attitude possessed by many in today’s culture, God created us to live and function as a whole. We need moments where someone says just the right thing at just the right time. We need people to come alongside us in prayer during difficult times. We need someone to cheer us on when we succeed. These are the moments that make the difference. Community allows us to experience Jesus’ love at a deeper level, build character, and grow spiritually.

Furthermore, community prompts us to love others more like Jesus, act more like Jesus, and lead others closer to Him. As easy as it is to read the Bible, go to church, and pray on our own, we are selling ourselves, and our community short if we do not engage with others on a deeper level. To be more like Christ is to act like Him, and in order to act like Him we must express care for others. When we choose to invest our time, prayer, and encouragement into people, it is mutually beneficial. Doing so, they will receive the encouragement needed as we become more like Christ. In a healthy relationship this will also be reciprocated.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 confirms this by stating,

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”


It’s time for The Church to get real with others. Instead of focusing on the processes and functions of what being a Christian “should” look like, we need to step out into our community and start to live it. Together. 

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant
Edited by: De Ann Sturdivant

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

The Christmas Crazies

Friday night, my family attended a holiday performance downtown. As we waited in a dense mob for the usher to take our tickets and seat us, a woman nearby lost her patience--and by "patience," I mean "mind." She unleashed a string of profanity so shockingly graphic that I clapped my hands over my youngest daughter's ears. Then, the impatient lady threatened to shove an elderly woman out of her way.

"Yikes! 'Tis the season, I guess," I thought sarcastically as we all finally made our way into the theater.

Unfortunately, the stress, pressure and complicated emotions of the Christmas season often bring out the worst in people. Thankfully, this Sunday we learned some skills to help navigate our encounters with the dishonest, demanding, deadly and defensive "Christmas Crazies" as exemplified in Matthew 2:1-16 with the craziest of them all - King Herod.

First, it's crucial to realize that it's impossible to get along with everybody. And if you are wronged, refuse to give into a payback mentality.

What stood out the most to me, however, was that we are to respond with love and concern in these situations. God loves them. God loves you. But He doesn't love you any more than He loves them (or anyone else).

Ouch.

I guess I know that in my head. But how hard is it to fully wrap my mind around the fact that the one (hypothetical) person I can barely stand to be in the same room with, Jesus loves just as much as He loves me? And as much as He wants me to walk in His purpose and blessing - that's what He wants for him/her, too.

Whatever reasons brought that woman at the theater Friday night to such a deep level of anger, Jesus knows. And He loves her and wants to heal her of those hurts and transform her into His likeness.

Because I am His, I need to learn to respond like Him--with love and concern. Not just because that will help me get beyond the craziness of the holidays, but because this is the second greatest commandment and my Jesus knows best.

Written by: Jaime Hlavin
Edited by: Brigit Edwards

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Family Christmas

This year was my first time to experience Family Christmas at Freedom Christian. I’m going to be honest, I was a little worried. Let me explain. We’ve all experienced that moment where there’s a movie we want to see but we can’t get to it right away.  It seems like all our friends, relatives, neighbors, and casual acquaintances want to do is gush over how awesome it is and how much we’re going to love it.  By the time we finally get to see the movie, it usually ends up falling a little flat because the expectations that were set could never be reached. For several weeks leading up to Family Christmas, I felt similarly bombarded by glowing reviews of how much I was going to love it. Likewise, I grew concerned it could never live up to the hype.

I am pleased to say that Family Christmas exceeded my expectations at every level.  Hearing the stories, feeling the emotions, and seeing the deep expressions of humble gratitude from those being honored filled my heart with a great measure of joy.  As we celebrated just a few of the amazing members of our church, there was a feeling of unity and love in the room that was tangible in a way I have not often experienced.

I think we forget sometimes how exciting it truly is to be a Christian.  In this world, some may feel they may never be more than bean counters or pencil pushers.  In the Kingdom of God, however, all of us can be heroes. We get to help rescue people and save their lives. We get to engage in spiritual warfare that really makes a difference in the world. We get to speak encouragement into each others lives that helps us reach the full potential of all God has in store. Days like Sunday help remind us of the real impact that the great people in this church are making in the world. Furthermore, they inspire us to reach greater heights for Gods glory.

Prior to Sunday, I was kind of surprised when Pastor Aaron had told me that 10-20 people make decisions to follow Christ each year at Family Christmas.  While I expected it to be a powerful and exciting time for our church family, the idea of Family Christmas never struck me as particularly “evangelistic”.  When I think about it now, it makes perfect sense.  People want to know that they matter.  They want to feel like they are loved and like they have a place to belong.  People want to believe that they can make a difference in their world.  People also need to see that Jesus is more than just a character in a book.  On Sunday, Family Christmas showed them all of those things were not only possible, but were to be expected as a part of the Family of Christ.

So I’ll leave us with this challenge: Let’s keep this same spirit alive throughout the year.  Our church does an exceptional job in so many areas already, but I believe we can do even better.

Jesus said in John 13:34-35:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.


In 2015, let’s be a church that outwardly displays the unity and love of Christ among our congregation for the world to see.  When we see a need we can meet, let’s meet it.  When we notice a brother or sister doing a great job at something, let’s write them a note and tell them how much we appreciate all they do.  When we see a young person striving to better themselves and do something great, let’s be there with an encouraging word. Let’s constantly seek to show people how much they matter, and how much of a difference they make in our lives.  Let’s be heroes--because the world needs a place like that to come home to for Family Christmas.

Written by: Pastor Travis Buerky

Monday, December 1, 2014

The Presence of God

The presence of God is constant. It is the instilment of confidence, the peace within a storm, the direction through chaos, the love that moves us, and the joy that lifts us. The presence of God is a tangible reality that connects Heaven and earth. However, so often we walk through life blind to His presence. In Christian culture, we love to talk about the presence of God. We dote on the how much God “moved” in a specific service, and how “God really showed up,” but what if we were to live our lives with the same awareness possessed in those moments?

As I reflect on the moments where God “moved” the most in my life, it’s in the times where I was listening to and seeking Him. It’s in the moments where I set aside my personal agenda, let go of what I considered realistic or possible, and simply sought God with an openness in my spirit. One of the most powerful moments I ever experienced was after school with the small Christian club we had called Converge. Thinking I was going to attend a typical meeting with a brief discussion and lesson, I soon found out that we were instead going to be traveling around Macomb to different locations to pray for people. Admittedly, I heard this and basically wanted to make a run for it. The introvert in me found that idea to be not only terrifying, but extremely awkward. When we were told to take a few minutes and ask God to give us direction regarding this evangelistic opportunity, I hoped to come up with an escape plan, and I prayed to God about my concerns. Praying for people I’ve never met around the city was not an exercise for an introvert like me. It didn’t seem realistic for me to partake in this excursion, and it certainly didn’t meet my expectation of what I considered to be a “cookie cutter Christian life.” As I battled through this, I felt God was reminding me of what it is to be a Christian. So much of the Bible revolves around people going outside their comfort zone and trusting in the presence of God. As my heart and mind began to open, I prayed, “God do what you want in and through me. Give me direction and strength, because I really don’t think I can do this.”
Soon enough, our prayer time before heading out to reach our city came to a close. We joined together to head out in the direction we felt the Lord leading us, and in that moment, God placed the name of a woman on my heart that we would meet that evening. Although I was terrified, I told the group about this woman I believed we would have the privilege to pray for. About an hour in, after we had some powerful times of prayer with many different people, I was still waiting to meet the woman about whom God had spoken to me. It wasn’t until we stumbled into a small shoe store that we found Helen. Helen…the woman God spoke to me about.
It wasn’t a moment of grandiose or God sweeping through the shoe store with a mighty wind. It was a still, real, tangible presence. God was there through it all-- I simply needed to trust Him. I needed to notice Him. I needed to follow Him.
I challenge you this week to seek God’s presence. Don’t just pray when you’re at church. Don’t limit God’s power to when you are amongst a congregation. Know that God can speak to you, use you, and dwell in you anywhere---even in a little shoe store.
Written by: Tamara Sturdivant
Edited by: Jenelle Kelly

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Shape Week 7-Refracted Light

What. Is. Beautiful?
Is it the way you notice how
she throws her head back when she laughs?
Or the way they wonder about
the genetic code that causes the corners of her mouth
to turn towards the heavens
like her mother’s?
Is it the unwaveringly dutiful cleaning?
Or the perfectly scattered chaos
that would trade shine and order
for perspective?
When presented with these options
Always choose E:
All of the above


Step away from the ever-stretching blackboard in our minds
where we constantly question "why?"
to every quirk we catch
And "how can anyone love someone so different?"
Step back and see that we are refracted light;
the very image of God distorted by reality,
reflecting qualities in strokes of color


Have you ever considered that your quirks are the key?
That you can say, "I know the Holy Spirits in me”
when he starts stacking
encouragements and apologies or
inventions and philosophies or
compassion and sympathies or
metaphors and similes
higher than the tower of babble ever could have been--
Till you could walk straight up them
To the foot of the throne


And when you feel like you're being chipped at
picked at
Like life has shoved you to the outer edges
of the masses--
Know that no one could be where you are right now
That you might be the only thing
bridging the gap for someone
whose life is hanging on the edge


Experience will guide you
But your heart will keep you
What do you thrive on?
The full stomach of a hungry child?
A perfectly balanced letter?
Or the uncertainty of every moment?


Why do we only seek our pulse when we are sick?
Why would you not seek the epicenter
of everything that makes your veins quake?
Of everything that heaven first spoke to you through?
If our bodies are temples, why are we not listening?
It's time to get in shape.
It’s time to get in your shape.
Because Your. Shape. Is. Beautiful.

 
Written by: Brianna Vanderveen
Edited by: Tamara Sturdivant

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Shape Week 6-Out of the Classroom

This week, we covered the A and the P in SHAPE. We spent a great deal of very entertaining time on the P (personality). I dont think I can expound any better on that particular topic since every last nuance of this introverts personality was laid bare on the altar of sermon illustrations. (Bless my husbands extroverted little heart.)

So, lets look at the “A” a little more deeply. Abilities.

We were presented a list of five myths surrounding abilities and skills. One in particular really stood out to me: Those skills that must be learned, are primarily learned in the classroom. (To hear the remaining four myths, be sure to tune into this weeks podcast if you missed the message!)

I loved school. The classroom was one of my favorite places. The smell of erasers, chalk and pencil shavings made me happy. And I was very good at school – annoyingly so. Straight As. Teachers pet. National Honor Society. The nerdy list goes on and on.

I was convinced that everything anyone ever needed to know could be taught in the classroom – up until the summer of my sixteenth birthday. I took driver’s education that summer. Three weeks in the classroom and three weeks behind the wheel was all that stood between me and the open road.

Of course, I aced the bookwork. The right of way at a four way stop? No sweat. Speed limit in a construction zone? Piece of cake. Flashing red lights on a school bus? Puh-lease.

As the weeks of classroom study came to a close, I remember casually remarking to my parents that driving was going to be so easy because the class work was a breeze.

My dad said, “You do realize that actually driving is much different than sitting in the class, right?

In my infinite 16-year-old wisdom, I replied, “Oh, I doubt it. How different can it be?”

The next three weeks proved me so very wrong. I couldnt (and still cant) parallel park to save my life. And I lost count of the amount of times my driver’s ed teacher had to use the special safety brake on the passenger side to save both of our lives. (It was especially embarrassing since my teacher was also our neighbor.) Ill never forget my father jerking the steering wheel out of my hands to prevent me from driving into oncoming traffic and yelling, “Where do you think we are?!?! England?!?! Stay on the right side of the road!!!” And lets not even discuss the debacle of backing out of my driveway.

Its impossible to perfect a skill from the safety and comfort of the classroom. The skills I learned had to be applied to real life. I offer that humiliating little glimpse into my life in order to encourage you to put into real life practice the skills that you currently possess. If you know you have certain abilities, utilize and sharpen them to further the Kingdom. Ecclesiastes 10:10 drives that point home: If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

A good way to identify your particular skill set is to ask yourself the following questions:

1. What do you currently do at your job?
2. What jobs have you held in the past?
3. What are you good at?
4. Have you taught classes/spoken at seminars? If so, what topics did you address?


I cant wait for each of you to hone your skills for the glory of God! Youll be happy you did…and well all be blessed because of you!

Written by: Jaime Hlavin
Edited by: Brigit Edwards

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Shape Week 5-Heart

Despite who you are, what your background is, or what you believe, we all possess motivation within our hearts that drives us to action. It’s easy to view the church as task-oriented and business-like, with people mindlessly filling ministry positions--but that’s not what it’s about. That’s not what Freedom Christian is about. We share a common vision of connecting with others, growing in our personal spiritual lives, and serving others. However, what sets business apart from ministry, and takes vision to a deeper level of impact is an intentional approach of whole-hearted, passionate action. Likewise, it’s so important that we are not apathetic towards how we carry out this vision.  

If you have ever served in a role that you really don’t have a passion for, you can probably testify to the void felt in your ministry. I can remember being encouraged by my parents to find a way to serve in the church, then randomly selecting to work in Children’s ministry. While I value the children of our church, I have never really possessed a passion to work with kids. Each Sunday I served, I remember dreading every minute. Now, before you write me off, I’m not a child hater. I simply had not found the correct fit for my shape. While my heart was elsewhere, I was simply trying to fill a role. I failed to recognize the vital importance of serving in something that I have the heart for. Thus, my service was lackluster and robotic. Just because I filled a role, I assumed I was getting the job done. Effectively ministering, however, required more than action. It required heart.

Beyond serving in ministries that are not in line with your heart, it’s also easy to make the mistake of remaining dormant in ministry because there are no platforms you “have the heart for.” In service, Pastor Aaron listed many different heart inclinations from designing and developing, to rule following, to maintenance. Perhaps you have read up on the different ministries throughout the church, and decided none of them suit you. Although that may be true, that does not excuse you from the ministry God has called you to. Each of us possesses a heart for something, and it is essential that we act upon these passions. The church needs people who have the heart of perseverance to encourage others to keep going. The church needs people who have the heart of maintenance to make sure things run smoothly. The church needs people with the heart for excellence to push people outside their comfort zone. The world needs people like this. It starts with us eliminating the concept of “volunteering our service,” from our minds, and beginning to use the passions God has instilled in us to fuel the advancement of Christ’s vision.


This week, I encourage you to reevaluate how you serve. Are you passionately ministering to others and glorifying God? Are you actively and effectively functioning in the way in which God has created you? If not, begin to identify what/who you have a heart for, and how that plays a role in ministering to others. 

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant
Edited by: De Ann Sturdivant

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Why Not Us?

“Compassion without action is just empathy.” 

Those are simple words, but they demand a difficult response.

On Sunday, we had the privilege of having Jay Mooney, the Executive Director of Compact Family Services, share his heart with us on the subject of orphan care and adoption.  It was an emotional message about how the Church needs to step up and begin to aggressively act to change this great need in our country.  While my heart was broken over some of the facts and stats he shared, that simple line about compassion without action is what stuck with me the most from his message.  That thought has challenged my heart in ways far beyond just the subject about which he was speaking on Sunday.

“Compassion without action is just empathy.  Like faith without works, compassion without action is dead.”

I started thinking about all the times I’d felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to respond to a need.  I’d like to think that more often than not I responded to that prompting in the appropriate way but, unfortunately, if a real tally were to be made, I’d be afraid that I might be ashamed of the amount of times my response amounted to nothing more than a, “Yeah God, you’re right, somebody should really do something about that.”

As I sat and contemplated these thoughts, I heard the Holy Spirit challenge me with a question.  “What if the next time you say to yourself, ‘Someone should really do something about that,’ you followed up with the question, ‘Why not me?’”

“Ugh…God, can I just politely file that away as one of those things that’s nice to feel challenged about but then never actually do anything with?  No?  Well then, we’ve got some work to do.”

What would it even look like to live that way?  Well, we don't have to look any farther than the Gospels to see the example that Jesus set for us.  Throughout the story of Jesus’ ministry, we find example after example where Jesus’ heart was moved with compassion for people, and then he turned that compassion into action to meet their need.  He was never so busy, and his agenda was never so important, that he couldn’t be sidetracked to respond to the needs of the sick, hurting, demon-possessed, spiritually broken, homeless, fatherless, diseased, thirsty, or hungry people he encountered each day.

Okay, but what about…you know…real life, where all of us who aren’t Jesus have to try to do all this stuff? 

Well, I want to share a story about my aunt and uncle, who are two of the most selfless people I know.  A few winters ago their son-in-law, Tim, found a homeless man that he had encountered several times before living in an abandoned building.  For whatever reason, that night the Holy Spirit prompted him to respond differently.  So he bought the man a cheeseburger and sat and talked with him for a while.  The man’s name was Eddy, and he had a son named Edison, who he loved dearly.  Eddy shared with Tim the story of how he had come to be in his current situation and was overwhelmed with emotion that this stranger would take the time to give him a sandwich and talk with him.

That night, Tim came home and relayed his encounter with Eddy to my aunt and uncle, and they were filled with compassion.  They decided that somebody should do something to help Eddy, and followed up with the question, “Why not us?”  So they tracked Eddy down, and over the course of the next few months he basically became a part of their family.  They rented him an apartment, leveraged personal relationships to help him get a job, invited him to meals and holidays, made sure he had groceries, helped him get clothing for work, and ensured that Edison was provided for.

My uncle told me about the first time they brought Eddy to church with their family.  Upon hearing the gospel for the first time, Eddy sat in his chair and wept.  Eddy wanted to be saved but was afraid that he couldn’t do it because he didn’t have any money.  My uncle said that he has never seen such an expression of pure joy than when he told Eddy that it was free, and that Jesus had already paid the cost. Eddy ran to the altar.  He continued to come to church with them every Sunday.

Eddy continued to be a big part of their lives until a few months later, as he was walking to the house where his son lived, he was struck by a car and tragically passed away.

What would’ve happened if they would’ve heard Eddy’s story, felt the compassion, but never acted upon it?  We will probably never know the full extent of how their involvement changed Eddy’s life, and how their continued involvement in Edison’s life will change the course of his future.

This is not just a one-time action for them, either.  They are regularly doing things for people that make me think, “This is what it must’ve been like to be around Jesus.” 

What if we all lived like that just a little bit more?  What if, when we feel the Holy Spirit drawing our attention to a need, instead of waiting for someone else to do it we simply ask, “Why not us?”  This church has an amazing capacity to meet the needs of those around us and even around the world.  We are already doing that in so many ways, as evidenced by all of the families who stood Sunday that have either adopted or fostered.  But I believe we can still do so much more, and it starts with asking one simple question:


Why not us?

Written by: Travis Buerky
Edited by: Jenelle Kelly

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Fall Festival 2014: Why We Do This

I spent bulk of last year’s Fall Festival squeezing through the claustrophobia-inducing mob of people and slopping through puddles of mud. While frantically scanning the endless sea of painted faces for my children, I thought to myself, “Is this even worth it anymore?”

And then the complaints of the children for whom this event was designed floated through the crowd and met my ears:

“My shoes are ruined.”
“It’s too crowded.”
“I don’t know half of these people.”

As I realized that those comments were coming from my own children and their friends – not the community and the neighbors – my heart sank. But part of me couldn’t blame them. In the days and weeks after the event, your pastor and his wife had some serious conversations about The Fall Festival. Had it run its course? Had the time come to kill this event? Because that’s what leaders do. They evaluate. They pray. They recalibrate.

Months after the Fall Festival, as Aaron and I led a Starting Point group (the new believers life group), we sat on the edge of our seats, nearly in tears, as one woman from the community shared her story with us. She had been bringing her children to the Fall Festival for four years and had never set foot within the doors of our church. Every year she came, she said that she could feel the love that generated from our church because of the thought and effort that went into planning such an event. She said that most churches plan elaborate events like that for their own people, but loving their neighbors enough to go to the extremes that we do – then open it up to strangers for FREE? Well, that was unheard of and spoke volumes to her about the love of Christ that Freedom was showing.

That year she and her children began attending our church. That settled it for us. What is the cost of one soul? Is it 26,000 pieces of candy? Is it a little mud? Is it the hours spent serving in the cold rain?

Last night, the weather was, yet again, not ideal. But we learned from the foibles of last year’s event. Obviously we couldn’t control the weather, so we put the tent up before the rain came and thus were able to utilize the entirety of its area (no flooded cordoned-off areas). So it wasn’t shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. And we put down plywood in the areas that receive the most foot traffic. We invested in new games, attractions, and more candy. There were more tables to sit at and more concessions. The overall feel of the Festival was electric. It seemed new and exciting again.

But better logistics aside, I walked away from last night with three observations.

The first was my own observation. Kids were running around having a blast. They connected with new friends. It was awesome to see my daughter connect with a young lady who is new to Freedom. There was energy and life. Families made memories to last a lifetime.

The second observation came from a friend. Her eyes surveyed the perimeter of the tent where all the team members were serving. “Look at all of the people who are serving here tonight. It’s such a different group.” I allowed my eyes to follow hers. A large number of the Festival workers this year were either A) brand to new to working the Festival, B) brand new to Freedom, or C) under the age of 20! That was so exciting to me because it became very apparent that people are finding ways to discover their S.H.A.P.E. (see previous blog posts!) And they’re doing so at younger ages! I love to see the next generation stepping into their gifts and abilities.

And the third was from my father. He doesn’t attend our church – or any church, for that matter. He shows up to things that his grandkids participate in.

Last night, as we sat at one of the concession tables, he scanned the crowd and then said, “You know what I think is really cool about this event? I see the same people from the neighborhood here year after year. Like that family right there (pointing)...I’ve recognized them from the past four or five Festivals…”

His words reminded me of the story from the woman in our Starting Point class. Maybe one of those families he recognized from years gone by will soon walk through the doors of Freedom Christian, and will become an integral part of what is happening here and in our neighborhood. And then they’ll step into their S.H.A.P.E. by serving at future Fall Festivals.

And then more and more will come to know Jesus because of a giant tent, 26,000 pieces of candy, some carnival games, and the hard work of some amazing people.

Written by: Jaime Hlavin
Edited by: Tamara Sturdivant

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Shape Week 4-Redefining Shape

It is part of human psychology that we are a classifying species. We give names and titles to things and spend our time trying to define what we are and are not. This is not a bad thing for the most part, of course. It is how we understand and interpret the world, how we gain understanding from others. As Christians, however, what can be a harmful tendency in the Kingdom regarding spiritual gifts is when we try and compartmentalize or classify the Holy Spirits movements.
               
  This week, Pastor Aaron continued the “Shape” series, discussing the ways in which our “puzzle piece” fits into the body of Christ. There were many spiritual gifts described; from missions, to administration, to music, to mercy, to teaching, to encouragement, to everything else (found in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4). But it was not necessarily the descriptions of these gifts, as it was the truth that covered each of them that spoke to me. At one point, Pastor Aaron made an example of the pastoral position in the church today, recognizing that “preacher” and “pastor” are not synonymous, though closely related. Hear that? Its the sound of jaws hitting the floor in the majority of America. While we have many positions and titles within the church world today, it is important to understand that though these are often accompanied by spiritual gifts, the positions are not the gifts themselves.
              
  I believe that many of us (myself included) have at some point, or currently are ignoring or minimizing our gifts because they do not fit into the specific titles we see all the time. As a college student who is constantly being asked to assign herself a title for her future, I am all too familiar with this scramble to shove our “piece” in the picture somewhere before we look too lost. What I have learned, though, is if you try and fit a square peg into a round hole, you CAN do it. You can jam and twist that sucker in there until it is indeed in the round hole. But to do this means the peg becomes damaged. The sharp corners become worn down, it gets scratched up and dulled—it is barely fitting into its role, and it is no longer as effective at the thing for which it was intended.
             
  I personally can recall a point in time where I was a bass player for the youth group at Freedom. Now of course, this essentially happened because our only real bassist was on his way to graduation (shoutout to Joe Harrier III), and no one was wrong for asking me to learn or to play; no one forced me into the round hole of musicianship. I remember, however, being antsy for practices to end and not wanting to practice, even though my knowledge of the instrument was sufficient. Eventually, I created in myself a lackluster for serving, which is one of my actual spiritual gifts. Yes, my peg was able to fit, but simply having the ability to serve did not make this position the right fit for me. Thankfully, we serve the Maker of all creation, who is an excellent sculptor. Through devotion, prayer, and being intentional about identifying and growing our spiritual gifts, He can reform all of us exhausted little square pegs to be as effective as we were meant to be.


  This week, I encourage you to let go of the restraints your own mind has put on what the Holy Spirit can do through you, or what kind of gifts you might possess. It can be difficult, as we all want to understand everything, but God works in ways that are often mysterious to us, and trust and surrender are so important in that. When we lay down our own desired titles at the cross, we lay the groundwork for building our true identity as part of the body of Christ.

Written by: Brianna Vanderveen
Edited by: Brigit Edwards

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Shape Week 3-Taking Action

Whether or not you have identified your spiritual gift(s), each person possesses a unique ability given to them by the Spirit. As 1 Corinthians 12:7 states, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  In possessing these gifts, it is important to have an understanding of how to recognize your gift(s), how to refine your gift(s), and what the intention is behind each gift. Once we are able to recognize, refine, and understand the purpose of each gift, we are then able to be more effective in our ministry.

Before being able to identify your spiritual gifts, it’s important to have an understanding of what a spiritual gift is. Simply defined, it is a God-given ability created with the intention of ministering to another person. Unlike talents, spiritual gifts are created for service. Talents can also be used to serve in ministry; however, spiritual gifts are different, in the sense, that they exceed human nature to manifest the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts always glorify God, and never glorify oneself.

In order to discover our gifts, we must first study the different listings in the Bible. In addition, we must note the role of the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible. Through a foundation of study, coupled with prayer, analysis, testing, and feedback from others, we will have the basis necessary to identify what gifts we may possess. Some important questions to ask when identifying one’s gift are: a.) Does this ability act in a way that the Holy Spirit would? b.) Does it fit my personality? c.) Is it benefiting others? d.) Is it something I’m good at?

Finally, developing one’s gift(s) is essential to the effectiveness of ministry. You have a gift, so use it! In order to fulfill the Spirit’s intention, we must develop sensitivity to the Spirit. This will help us determine how, and when it is appropriate to use our gifts. Although the ability is already present, a gift becomes effective when we exercise it with the fruit of the Spirit. As stated earlier, the intention of a spiritual gift is ministry. Thus, it is vital that we utilize our abilities in a way that is uplifting.

Taking it a step further:

1.       Read the listings of spiritual gifts in the Bible, and identify what gifts you feel that you possess.(Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11)       
                                     
2.       Ask someone you trust if they see that gift in you.


3.       Pray for a sensitivity to the Spirit, and an ability to discern appropriate time and usage of your gift. 

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Shape Week 2-Finding a Fit

As a kid, I can remember trying to put a puzzle together and getting so frustrated when I couldn’t get the right fit for a specific piece. I would even try to jam pieces into places they clearly didn’t belong, just because I wanted to complete the picture. My impatient personality was not willing to wait for the distinct surroundings necessary to compliment the bumps, gaps, and shape of a single puzzle piece. In the same sense, each of us is molded with specific experiences, gifts, abilities, personalities, and desires that have shaped us to fit a specific role in God’s big “picture.”

Like a puzzle piece possesses “bumps” along its edges, we experience pain in our lives that may alter our shape, and create a “bump along the road.” These bumps are not to be disregarded, however, as they may fill a gap in someone else’s life. As Philippians 2:13 states,For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Nobody likes to go through difficult times, but when we allow God to use what has re-shaped us, He can find a fit and use for our experiences that will fulfill a greater purpose.

In addition to the bumps of a puzzle piece, it’s important to note that each piece possesses gaps. As 1 Corinthians 7:7 states, “But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.” We are not perfect people. Likewise, we shouldn’t try and fit our “piece of the puzzle” into an area where we are lacking. An important part of using your gifts, abilities, personality, and heart is to know what does, and what does NOT suit you. If you are not good at something, don’t try and make it “fit.” Rather, shift your focus to the desires God has already instilled in you that coincide with who you are!

Finally, finding the fit in a puzzle piece is completely dependent on placement. You can have the perfect “shape” to complete a puzzle, but if you do not have the correct placement, the puzzle piece is not fulfilling the purpose it possesses. Likewise, it’s so important that we find the areas in which God has called us to serve. The world is full of areas lacking in practical, spiritual, and personal needs. Thus, it is our duty, as Christians, to fulfill these needs utilizing the shape we have been given.

Taking it a step further:

Step 1: Identify the things that have shaped you. What have you been through, and what have you learned? Ask God, “How can You use the things I’ve been through to fulfill a greater purpose?”

Step 2: Shift your focus to what fits your shape. Never attempt to fulfill a ministry need if you are clearly the wrong person for the job. Rather, take into account your spiritual gifts, your abilities, your personality, your experience, and your heart to determine a ministry that suits who you are.


Step 3: Develop your ministry. Whoever God has shaped you to be, begin to utilize your abilities, gifts, experiences, and desires. Constantly look for ways in which God can use you to fulfill His desires. 

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant
Edited by: De Ann Sturdivant

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Shape Week 1-A Call to Serve

Whether you are waiting for the “right time,” you feel like you’ve FINISHED your time, or you feel like you just don’t HAVE time, we are all called to serve. As Ephesians 2:10   states, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. As Paul boldly describes in this verse, we are more than just a happenstance creation. God created us to walk in His perfect will. In other words, God made each one of us uniquely to do something amazing for His kingdom! It’s also important to note that the “good works” God has equipped us with have been prepared in us beforehand (by God.) Likewise, if God leads us to serve on a specific platform, He has provided us with what we need to do so. Thus, whether you are intimidated by the thought of serving, or feel like throwing in the towel, we all must hold tight to the truth that God has created us on purpose for a purpose, and it is our duty to fulfill this call.

Furthermore, it is essential to follow the call God has placed on our lives because if we don’t, we are interfering with His perfect plan. Sure, God could probably find someone else to get the job done. However, when we are complacent or timid with our service, we detach ourselves from His plan, thus forfeiting what He had planned to do in and through us.

Finally, as a church we are called to serve. The Bible states in Romans 4-5, For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Each of us has been created to fulfill a specific role, whatever that may be. Likewise, each one of our different “functions” play an important role in the “body” of Christ, and we must all use the gifts God has given us to effectively serve. Therefore, if we all submit our unique abilities to God’s direction, we are able to function as the body of Christ, ultimately completing His perfect will.

Taking it a step further:

Step 1: Find out what your gifts are. What has God created in you that is unique?

Step2: Find a platform. Pray and ask God, “How can I use the gifts you have given me to serve you?”

Step 3: Make service a part of your everyday routine. Service isn’t just something that should take place on Sunday mornings. Constantly, God seeks to use our gifts to carry out His plan.  Make it a part of your daily prayer life to ask the question, “God, what are you up to today and how can I be a part of it? (Quote- Pastor Aaron)”

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant