The multiplicity of spiritual gifts within a congregation and our denomination enables us to more effectively serve God and all of God’s people.
The discernment of gifts
In Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, he reminds the believers that diversity is necessary. Paul instructs them, and us, that there are varieties of gifts, ministries and activities, but the same God (I Cor 12:4-7). Not everyone is given the same gift of the Spirit.
Paul then asserts that as the Body of Christ, with a variety of members, they need one another. "If all were one and the same body part, what would happen to the body?” (12:19).
He follows up his argument by stating he will show them an “even better way” (12:31). The famous chapter of love follows.
We love our siblings in Christ because we follow Jesus’ teachings. Because we love God and our neighbor, we see the value in what each brings to the table.
Different gifts lead to thriving ministries
Thank goodness our pastors and lay people are given different gifts for leading the church! I know what my gifts are and are not.
When I was appointed at my last church, the senior pastor and I had differing gifts that complemented each other. We were an effective team because she could focus on using her strengths, and I could focus on mine.
While we had the same beliefs about servant leadership, we also could admit that the other was better at some aspects of ministry. We learned from one another, and respected, admired and appreciated what we each brought to church leadership. I am a better pastor because I worked with her and learned from her.
The appointment process we have in The United Methodist Church is designed to help send the right pastor to the church that needs his or her gifts at that time. Similarly, the nominations team within a congregation looks at the gifts of its people and nominates who would fit a certain leadership role or ministry team. Ministries and needs for a church change, requiring diverse skills.
One church may be facing financial difficulties, and they need a pastor and leaders who can lead through that time, while another may be in a season of starting a new ministry with the community surrounding them. Those leaders and pastor would need different gifts.
Diversity makes us stronger
As a denomination, we are blessed to be a worldwide church with much diversity. Even within a local church, we may have a variety of opinions on matters large and small.
But we all are followers of Jesus Christ.
We are united in our beliefs about the open table of Holy Communion where Christ invites us to remember him. We all believe in the sacrament of baptism, the ritual celebrating that each is a beloved child of God. We believe in the Trinity, that God is one in three different expressions: Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.
These are the essential theological tenets that ground us. Paul reminds us we need diversity and not uniformity in the church as we live out that faith. We need a variety of gifts, ministries, activities…and even opinions.
Throughout my years in ministry, what I hear consistently from youth is that they love being able to have relationships with adults who are not their parents. Specifically, older adults who feel more like grandparents.
Where else besides church can we find a group of people of all ages who gather for one common purpose? It is one of the many gifts we as United Methodists can offer to our communities.
Reflect:
- What makes you unique?
- What gifts has God given you?
- How are you alike and different from your siblings in Christ?
Let us pray: Thank you, God, for not making us all alike. Help us to celebrate our differences rather than fear them. Give us open hearts to learn from those we encounter who are not like us so that we may grow. Give us gentle spirits and open ears to listen to those who may have different opinions, and a tongue of compassion to speak truth in love. May your discerning Spirit guide and lead us to be the body of Christ together. Amen.
The Rev. Tiffany McDonald is an Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church serving in the Minnesota Annual Conference. She has served as a University Chaplain, solo pastor and associate pastor, and is currently appointed to family leave. Tiffany lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her husband and two daughters. Follow her blog: redheadedrev.org
