For years I have done ministry and leadership backwards.

Somewhere along the way, I came to believe that the person who works at a job during the week doesn’t want to do that same job on Sunday or as a part of church ministry. In the last few years I have learned that is generally not correct and that it is not healthy for the individual or the church.

People who work from their strengths are happier, more successful, and better satisfied than those who do not. They serve confidently and joyfully. The significance for this in the church is staggering.

Two events occurred to make me change my mind about this. First, FBC Covington has a wonderful ministry to special needs children and adults. Several factors came together to get our ministry started. One factor was a group of special needs teachers in the school system who asked for the opportunity to use their “strengths” (special needs training and experience) for God. I had always been led to believe that those who worked with children all week didn’t want to do so at church.

I was wrong and I am so thankful someone straightened me out. The second event occurred when our church asked a large number of people to help count the offering on Sunday. Instead of having a small group who did the counting each week, we selected a much larger number who would serve on a periodic basis. The result was a large number of people thanking me for the opportunity to serve and to serve where they had experience.

Asking people to serve based on their strength puts people in their sweet spot. They serve with confidence and passion, knowing they are giving their best for God.

Wouldn’t the case be the same for the pastor? Aren’t we better satisfied and more confidant when we serve based on our strengths?

Here’s another idea. Isn’t this exactly how spiritual gifts work? Shouldn’t we be serving according to our gifts? Why do we persist in putting square pegs in round holes? Paul called on those with specific gifts to use them with all their strength and power (Romans 12:6-8).

If you are a church member, are you serving according to your strength? If you are a pastor, are you looking to match ministry with gifts?

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of other, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

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