INTRODUCTION: How To Use this Material

The Purpose of GIFTED

This GIFTED material is meant to help you discover (1) what spiritual gifts are, (2) which spiritual gifts you have, (3) what needs you notice around you, and (4) where God might be calling you to get involved in using your gifts. The first element in that list is somewhat objective, but the rest are highly subjective. Nobody can answer those questions definitively on your behalf—it requires work in self-reflection and listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

This material was created with that internal processing in mind. These four sessions are not meant to teach you what you don’t know but rather to guide you in a reflective discussion that will hopefully end in discovery and action. You may walk away with confidence and firm answers at the end of these four sessions. Or you may not. Even if you don’t know exactly what to do as you complete this study, you should have gained some familiarity with a process of self-examination and listening to the Spirit that will serve you well as you continue to hold these questions before the Lord.

Invite Someone to Do This Study with You

You could benefit from walking through each of these sessions on your own. But the material was designed to be completed alongside at least one other person. You will need to reflect on your own heart, your own experiences, and your own giftedness. But when we seek to assess how God has made us to function and the areas in which we may be supernaturally gifted, another person’s observations about us are invaluable. Someone else might notice an area of gifting that you’re relatively blind to. Or you may be pursuing a specific area of ministry or service that actually lies outside of your gifting. If you’ve been pursuing a specific type of gifting that hasn’t been materializing, you may need a friend to help you assess the situation more objectively.

This material is best done over the course of four sessions. Typically, these would be weekly sessions, though you could certainly meet every two weeks or even once per month. Before you get together with the person or small group you’ve chosen, read the session for that week and spend some time thinking and praying about the reflection questions. When you meet, you can read through the sessions, or you could talk through each discussion question, or you could discuss the material and concepts in a more free-flowing format. You’ll have to decide what works best for you.

Approach the Material Prayerfully

The most important aspect of this study will be spending time listening to the Holy Spirit. You may not hear an audible voice, but if you’re asking him to direct your thoughts and to guide you, you can expect the Holy Spirit to help you notice themes, desires, needs, and opportunities. For most of us, that’s what it looks like to be led by the Spirit in this vital area. If you need pastoral support, reach out! Your pastors would love to help you process your gifting or opportunities. But you’ll notice as you read through the material that there’s an emphasis on you hearing from the Spirit regarding what he’d like to lead you to notice and to do. Don’t downplay that aspect. Bring your imagination and creativity to the process. Maybe you could surprise your pastors by telling them how God has already been using you in gifts you’ve long had or have just discovered!