Lifeshapes - Pentagon

Ephesians 4:7,11-13. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it... 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 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.

I've noticed so much emphasis on Spiritual Gifts in the church recently. I see Youth Groups speaking on how teens should find their Spiritual Gift, so they can serve God whole-heartedly, and Churches running courses in how to define your gifts. But before we define out gifts, we need to see what Ministry Role God is calling us too.

In the above passage God doesn't give us our gifts, but gives us to a certain Ministry Role. There are 5 Roles within Christ's family.

• Apostle
  An apostle is one who is 'sent out'. They are visionaries and always pushing into new territories and ministries. In fact the Apostle 'touches' the other 4 roles in some way. Paul from the Bible is a good example of an apostle.
• Prophet
  Prophets hear from God. Sometimes it's just from standing back from a situation and get a clear picture of what is happening. Having this clear vision of what God intends allows for creative solutions, things that other people wouldn't see.
• Evangelist
  The bringer of good news, and the ability to speak it with clarity and understanding. Evangelists love spending time with un-believers.
• Pastor
  The pastor seeks needs, provides comfort and encourages others. They spend the majority of their time with Christians, helping them grow and encouraging them. They feel the burdens of other's problems and have a knack for speaking the truth in love.
• Teacher
  Teachers are able to explain things in a way others can understand. They understand they hold the truth, and are excited to share it. They enjoy reading and studying the bible and sharing it with others.

So find your Ministry Role, decide what your here on earth to do, then define the gifts God has given you to do it. Don't try and cover all 5 roles, you'll just burn yourself out.