Theme: Set your mind to look for the gifts.
We are all made in God’s image. As image bearers, God created each one of us with unique gifts that are essential for the church. Often we hear pastors sharing from the stages of our churches an enthusiastic charge to serve within the local body of believers and beyond. I don’t know about you, but this encouragement stirs something within my heart to take action.
Over the last few years, I have observed that many of my friends with disabilities also have a stirring in their hearts to serve and a yearning to make a difference in the body of Christ. Unfortunately, many of their yearnings do not get fulfilled.
My friend, Stephanie Hubach, shared this in her book Same Lake, Different Boat, “…we need to celebrate the giftedness of those with whom we connect. ‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Rom. 12:6). Because we rely on each other to bring completeness to the body of Christ, everyone’s contribution is a gift in its own right. Note that our differing abilities are seen as positive and purposeful. There is genuine joy in celebrating the unique qualities that express God-given individuality in the context of unity.”
It was this paragraph that was the inspiration for the title of this Blog post, Celebrate Giftedness.
So, if we understand as Stephanie points out that “we rely on each other to bring completeness to the body of Christ,” then our friends with disabilities – whatever they are – are needed for that completeness.
Okay…so what do we do with that?
Here are some practical ways that we can carry out the mission of making sure that everyone has the opportunity to serve and share their gifts.
Observe
Investigate
Match
Observe. Let’s take the time to look for gifts in people affected by disability. They are there. This will require that we take the time to get to know them. We most likely will also get great information and insight from those who love them.
Investigate. Look around at the different aspects of successful ministry. You will see that there are many facets of service happening. From the simplest to the more complex, there are many pieces. For example, in children’s ministry, people are needed for these various tasks:
to prepare the classroom with the proper set up,
To prepare a craft or project that the children will engage in,
To set out the snacks
To make sure all the check-in supplies are ready
To help families navigate the system set up in your church
To teach, guide, communicate with the children
And there are many more tasks that I have not listed here. In youth ministry, there are other tasks. With worship, there are taks unique to that ministry. Hospitality carries with it tasks particular to that service.
And the list goes on and on.
Match. Once you have observed and determined a gifting – an ability in a person who wants to serve – match them up with a place to serve. This may require a buddy to work with the person affected by disability, but it may not. Communication is key. You will want to have a conversation with the person responsible for the task to be completed and get their support in helping the match to happen and to thrive. If a buddy is appropriate, you will need to train the buddy to know how to help the person who wants to serve carry out the task in the best way. You get the idea.
Follow-up. Check in to make sure that the match is a good fit. If there are some challenges with it, see if you can support the effort from all sides – from the perspective of the individual with disabilities, the buddy (if there is one), and the team with which the individual is working. If it is simply not a good fit, start the process again. Don’t give up. There is a place for them.
The main thing to remember is that God created each one of us with unique gifts that are essential for the church. We need each other. God is pleased when we create an environment where the goal is to provide a way for everyone to serve.
Much love,
Tom and Julie Meekins
CONNECT WITH US:
We invite you to connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy through:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
Phone: 410-746-9010 (Voice or Text)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Champions4Parents
Don’t forget our website: www.Champions4Parents.com
And check out Amy’s book at www.HeartReCHARGE.com
