>> Verses to Scan (NIV)
- Romans 12:4-8 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 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 others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
- Ephesians 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
>> Websites to check
These recommended websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of Zondervan, nor do we vouch for their content.
- Try one of these spiritual gifts tests: http://mintools.com/spiritual-gifts-test.htm (Ministry Tools Resource Center); http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi (TEAM Ministry’s spiritual gifts test); http://www.elca.org/eteam/assessment/OpenSpiritGifts.htm (ELCA’s spiritual gift test).
- http://www.adventuremissions.org/. Consider going on a short-term mission trip. Check out the Adventures in Student Missions site.
>> Thoughts to Ponder
- Don’t think you have to whip up a desire to serve others out of thin air? Ask God to give you a heart for serving. Hebrews 13:20–21 talks about how God equips those who serve him.
- Ready to get out of your comfort zone and serve others? Ask your youth leader what ministry opportunities are available in your church. Talk seriously with him or her or with your senior pastor about concerns you might have about serving.
>> Books to Read
- Serving Others by Nav Press, a Bible study that digs into Scripture to see what servanthood should look like.
Find out how to buy this... - My Utmost for His Highest: An Updated Edition in Today’s Language by Oswald Chambers, a classic devotional book to help shift your mind into “serve” mode.
Find out how to buy this...