The Gifts Discovery process lifted up and clarified for me what my spiritual gifts are, their nature, and how to use them effectively. When I am engaged in an activity and using my gifts, whatever I am doing seems effortless. It is being who I am. In an activity that doesn't use my gifts, I struggle, use considerably more effort, and don't have that same feeling of being connected to the power of God.

My local church has recently organized ministry on the basis of Spiritual Gifts and Task Type Preferences. This has been done in conjunction with changing the structure of ministry. More short-term, small-group studies are being offered — sequentially, not concurrently. It appears to be a better paradigm than the former model of "placing bodies in slots"; that is, filling positions with anyone willing to serve. It's too early to say whether these changes are truly more effective, but the early results seem to suggest that is so.

Personally, I have a strong feeling of fulfillment of my deepest desires and living in God's will. At the same time, I do not have that feeling about my church fulfilling my deepest desires for it. I suppose that is to be expected inasmuch as institutions take longer to move from one paradigm to another.

Posted 3-8-02