In This Issue:
What Is Your Gift?
Do Sumthin’
Volume: 1034 January 26, 2026
Theme: Service
What Is Your Gift?
Bill Brinkworth
God has plans for every Christian. To better equip each child of God and to bring Him the glory, each is given a gift(s) to serve the Saviour better.
These gifts are not the gifts the early church had before they had the entire Word of God. The seven gifts found in Romans 12:6-8 are necessary to accomplish the work of God in today’s world. They include the gifts of:
- Prophecy. This is not the same ability prophets and early disciples had. We have the entire plan of God in His written, preserved Word. We do not need to foretell the future as they did in Old Testament days.
This gift of prophecy is taking the Word of God and helping others understand it better. In his 1828 dictionary, Noah Webster defines the gift as the ability “to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects.…”
- Ministry. This God-given gift gives a great burden to a Christian to meet the needs of others.
- Teaching. This is a gift that allows one to help others better understand the things of God.
- Exhorting. This important gift helps one be an encourager to others—a most needed gift, especially among God’s people.
- Giving. This gift places a burden on one to meet others’ needs through their giving of things and of themselves.
- Ruling. This gift allows one to be a leader. Too many think they have it, but few have the God-given ability to lead God’s people.
- Mercy. This gift gives one the heart to have understanding, patience, and kindness with others.
If you are a child of God, God does not plan for you just to sit. He desires you serve Him and help others. He has given you at least one of the above gifts in this church age.
What are your gift(s), and are you using them to help others, honor God, and bring others to know and serve the Lord better?
“A child of God will find themselves in Heaven, but what regrets they will have for eternity when they discover the consequences of not doing anything or little for the Lord while they had the opportunity on Earth.”
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23
After one is saved, God’s intention for each person is not to sit around and soak up God’s goodness. His desire is for each to do something that would get more people saved and more living for the Lord. It is God’s hope for each of us that we serve Him.
Each child of God should be a tool that God can use for His glory, using the spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:4-8) He has entrusted to each individual. Those gifts, special talents, and abilities can be used to reach the lost and glorify God in many ways. Each of us can be an important cog in winning the world for the glory of God. We all can do something.
Here are some ministries in which I have seen many serving the Lord:
- Preaching ministry. Some are called by God and directed to reach the world with His Message by enabling them to preach. Preaching is not always from the pulpit on Sunday. Many have preached at subway stations, by the side of the road, in public gatherings, or wherever they can publicly expound God’s Word. Some have “preached” without uttering a word, but “spoke” boldly by their public Christian example. Most of us would not be saved if it were not for someone’s “preaching” God’s truths to us!
- Teaching ministry. Some have been burdened to teach the world what God’s Word says. If a teacher does not teach them, who will (Acts 8:30-31)?
Many have used their talents, hobbies, or interests in making God’s Word clearer to those they have taught. I have seen some use Gospel magic, art, puppets, and even their interest in animals to get the attention of many and use their teaching medium to instruct audiences in biblical principles. - Visitation ministry. Many churches have organized visitation at least once a week for all to attend. They often go in pairs to visit shut-ins, those who have previously visited the church, or to knock on neighboring doors to invite people to church. Sometimes there are even opportunities to tell people how to be saved. Millions have been saved by this method.
If a church does not have this opportunity, then people can still visit their neighbors, canvas their community, or contact anyone the Lord puts on their heart as a ministry unto the Lord. Telling others God’s Good News is not just a pastor’s responsibility. We are all to go and tell! - Nursing home ministry. I call it the “Last Chance Ministry.” For many of the home’s residents, it is the last opportunity they may have to hear how to be saved or to learn more of God’s Word before they leave this world. In this ministry, one can preach to those living at the facility or just visit them. Many in the homes have lost their loved ones, are lonely, and could use an encouraging visit.
- Tract Ministry. A “tract” is a little piece of paper with the plan of salvation on it or teaches some biblical truth. They can sometimes be obtained from one’s church or purchased at a Christian bookstore (The Bible Views available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html were created for that purpose). These tracts can be left in bathrooms, given to toll booth attendants, handed to people waiting in line at a restaurant, included in an envelope when paying bills, and given to those we encounter every day.
- Van or Bus ministry. Many churches have a bus or van ministry where a vehicle picks up children and adults and brings them to church. Get involved as a driver or worker. If your church does not have such a ministry, start one with your vehicle. Bring as many as you can to hear God’s Message. Someone may be saved because of your efforts.
- Singing or music ministry. Singing in church services is available in most churches. Some have used their ability to sing on their own in hospital or nursing home rooms. One nursing home worker asked whether she could sing a hymn as she visits each patient, and she would sing one if the resident desired. Another man visited those sick in the hospital. He brings his guitar with him, sings, and plays for anyone who wants him to.
- Minister to those who are sick or shut-ins. Have you experienced health problems where you were bed or house-bound? Perhaps you felt cut off from the world because no one visited you. Others feel the same way. When you hear of one who is not well, send them a card or call on them. It is a wonderful opportunity to be a Christian influence for someone who needs encouragement.
- Prison ministry. Prisons are often places where folks listen to what the Bible has to say. It may be difficult to get into that ministry. However, if the Lord desires you to get involved with those who are detained, He can open the doors of opportunity.
- Card Ministry. People need encouragement. Send a birthday, sympathy, get well, or “praying for you” card to people God puts on your heart to encourage. E-mailing or calling them are also ways to be a Christian encouragement to others.
- Writing ministry. God has always preserved His teaching with the written Word. His Message can still be distributed through this medium. One can expound what the Bible teaches by getting articles published in newspapers (letters-to-the-editor). Articles can be published in Christian newsletters, websites, and other publications. Some have even prayerfully picked names out of phone books, written those strangers, and given them the plan of salvation.
- Help ministry. Some notice a need in others’ lives and help meet it. They may visit a lonely person, babysitting for a working single parent, or even do household chores for someone who physically cannot do certain things.
- Prayer ministry. People have needs everywhere you look. We cannot always do something physically to help others, but we can pray for them. Make others’ needs your prayer burdens and bombard God’s throne with pleas for His help in the lives of those who are needy.
- Disciplining. People may be saved, but they rarely know what to do next or how to do it. For this reason, many never grow spiritually. If you feel led by the Holy Spirit, take a person under “your wing.” Spend time with that person. Perhaps your influence will encourage them to live for the Lord.
- Meals. Prepare meals for those who may be going through a difficult time and may not be able or have the time to cook.
- Exhorting others. Everyone gets discouraged or goes through hard times. While down in their “valley,” they could use someone’s kind words of encouragement. Checking up on people by telephone when they are absent from church or elsewhere, shows them that they are important.
- Widows ministry. There are not too many things harder than being married to a person for a long time and losing them in death. Widows need to be encouraged. Visit them. Help them do things that perhaps their deceased spouse used to do. They are often alone, can use a friend, and need help.
- Reading the Bible to people who cannot read it anymore. Some cannot read or cannot see to read. Make it your ministry to faithfully read to them.
- Be a friend. Some take it upon themselves to be a friend to someone who does not seem to have one.
- Deaf or language interpreting ministry. Hearing the Word of God is essential. The deaf, or those who speak another language, may not understand it unless someone helps them hear God’s truths in the language they know.
- Hospitality ministry. Meet others’ needs by allowing visiting preachers or others to stay in a spare room.
- Flea market or fair ministry. One man goes to a flea market, rents a booth, and to witnesses to many that pass his table. He gives out tracts, Bibles, and even hands out “Bible Views.” Others have a full-time ministry doing the same thing at state fairs.
One of the great commandments that each Christian is to obey is to “… love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31. Doing something for others and making their needs important to you is showing them that you care about them. Making others a priority in our lives also helps us get our minds off ourselves. It can enable others to see the love of Christ through our efforts.
If you have the desire to make a difference in this world for the cause of Christ, ask God to give you the ministry He wants you to have. After that, look for the opportunity He gives you to do something for Him. There is something everyone can do. Everyone has a hurt, a discouragement, or a need. God often uses other Christians to meet those needs. He wants to use you if you are willing.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10