I am still in the "afterglow" of the Spiritual Gifts Inventory workshops Barbara Miller led at the Northeast Jurisdictional convocation of the Fellowship of United Methodists in and Worship Arts at Lycoming College in July 2000.

Spiritual gifts and spirituality types discovery sounded like an interesting exercise, but I couldn’t have guessed then what value it would have for my life. Because of this tool and what I learned about spiritual gifts, I didn’t feel as if I were weird or uneducated about spiritual living or how I thought about God. I learned that I’m a "Mystic," a spiritual type that isn’t often nurtured in the church. So now, in my role as Director of Worship Arts, I seek opportunities for myself and for others in my congregation who crave these experiences.

I feel freer to celebrate the kind of person I am. I undersand now why I think participative worship is important. I no longer wistfully wish for more experiences in worship; instead, I attempt to provide those opportunities.

I am highly energized when I talk about spiritual gifts. I experienced a personal epiphany that has had an impact on my leadership role as well as on my personal spiritual journey. I have told several people about my experience. My sister-in-law, who works for a large United Methodist church in Florida, sees great potential for using the spiritual gifts and spirituality type tools with the congregation there. During a recent conference, I talked with her and with many leaders from her church. They spoke with ease about using their spiritual gifts. It was affirming to hear others talk about their gifts.

I had been in my position for only seven months before I took the spiritual gifts inventory. A lot has changed within the church that might have changed anyway; but because of the motivation I gained at the Lycoming convocation, I hesitate less in working for change. Most of the staff are curious and enthusiastic about what potential lies untapped in our congregation. The pastor took a little convincing, but after another staff member learned the value of basing ministry on our spiritual strengths, the pastor is now actively seeking the right time and method for our church to explore our gifts.

The resources that would help most in enhancing the spiritual gifts inventory experience are regular booster shots via small groups and short seminars or workshops where we can get kinetic energy from one another. I often feel alone, particularly since I'm so different from most church leader "types." I'd really appreciate contact with others who are sensitive to new ways of pursuing a relationship with God.

Posted January 15, 2001; Updated and Revised July 18, 2002