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The Key to Helping People Find Their Ministry Fit

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If you’ve been reading my Ministry Toolbox articles for a while, you’re probably familiar with the concept of SHAPE—but you may not understand it fully. For us at Saddleback, SHAPE has become a critical part of how we help mobilize people for ministry. Architecture teaches that function follows form. We believe the opposite is true for ministry—form follows function. Your ministry is determined by your makeup. When you don’t understand your SHAPE, you sometimes end up doing things God never intended or designed you to do. And when your gifts don’t match the role you play in life, it can be frustrating to you and the people you’re leading. Not only does it produce limited results, but it is also an enormous waste of your talents, time, and energy. Five important factors make up how God SHAPEs us for ministry.

Spiritual gifts

The moment you become a believer, God gives you certain spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 8; Ephesians 4). Every believer has a spiritual gift. Most churches say, “Discover your spiritual gift and then you’ll know what ministry you’re supposed to have.” But they have it backwards.. I believe the exact opposite: Start experimenting with different ministries and then you’ll discover your gifts! Until you actually get involved in serving, you’re not going to know what you’re good at doing. You can read every book out there about spiritual gifts and still be confused about what you are gifted to do.

Heart

The Bible uses the heart to represent the center of emotions, desires, interests, and inclinations. God has given every individual a unique physical heartbeat. This unique heartbeat is like a thumb print. It’s different from everyone else’s. God also gifts us with a certain emotional heartbeat. Certain things get you excited while others do not. These passions help us better understand how God wants to use us in ministry. God has gifted certain people to teach, but if he also gives them a heart for children, it will change how they use that gift. Your God-given motivational bent provides an internal guidance system for your life and will determine what will bring you the most satisfaction in your life.

Abilities

These are the natural abilities God gives you from the moment you were born. Some people are natural athletes. Others were born with innate mathematical abilities. Others are great at working with people. Just like spiritual gifts and heart, God gives us natural abilities so that we can use them to do his work in the world. There are people in your church who are gifted with all kinds of abilities. Your church shouldn’t waste them.

Personality

Your personality influences how you’ll use your gifts and abilities. Those who are extroverted will serve in ways that are different from those who are introverted. The same is true for people who like routines and people who like variety. Your personality will affect how and where you use your spiritual gifts and abilities. There is no “right” or “wrong” temperament for ministry. We need all kinds of personalities to balance the church and give it flavor. The world would be a very boring place if we were all the same.

Experiences

God never wastes an experience. Specifically, he gives us four kinds of experiences that shape the ministry he wants for us: educational, vocational, spiritual, and painful. That last one may surprise you, but it’s the most important. God never wastes a hurt. God takes us through painful experiences and comforts us so we can minister to others who are in pain. One of the best ways to help people discover their ministries is to encourage them to reflect on their past and ask, “How can God use that?” Because our SHAPE was sovereignly determined by God for his purpose, we shouldn’t resent it or reject it. Romans 9:20-21 says, “What right have you, a human being, to cross-examine God? The pot has no right to say to the potter: Why did you make me this shape? Surely a potter can do what he likes with the clay?” (JB). We are most effective and fulfilled in ministry when we use our spiritual gifts and abilities in the area of our heart’s desire—in a way that best expresses our personalities and experiences. Fruitfulness is the result of a good ministry fit. Click HERE to discover Saddleback Church's proven method for helping its members find out what God designed them for. In particular, Class 301 will help them assess their SHAPE to see where in ministry they are best fit to serve.

Recent Articles

Who Are You Following?

“You are blessed whenever you follow my example.” John 13:17 (GW)Pastor, you are following someone. Every day, someone’s model is shaping your thoughts, your leadership, and your heart. The question is—whose example are you following?If you’re not intentional, the expectations of others, the pressures of ministry, or even cultural ideals about success can start to set your course. But only one example is perfect. Only one person truly knows what it’s like to lead, to suffer, to love, to serve, and to endure. That person is Jesus.Jesus never called people to follow a method, a ministry strategy, or a movement. He called people to follow him. And that’s still his call to you.Jesus is your perfect model for ministry. He led with both courage and compassion. He loved boldly. He spoke truth tenderly. He wept over cities. He washed feet. He carried a cross. Jesus wasn’t weak—he was strong in all the ways that matter most. He showed us how to lead with grace, humility, and faithfulness under pressure.And he says to you, “You are blessed whenever you follow my example” (John 13:17 GW).No seminar or book can beat the example of Jesus. You have the greatest ministry mentor in history at your disposal. Choose to learn from him this week.

5 Ways God Uses Your Ministry Problems

“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.” Psalm 119:71–72 (NLT)Ministry is filled with problem-solving opportunities. And each problem you face as a pastor will either defeat you or develop you, depending on how you respond.When pastors encounter challenges—an unexpected resignation, a strained marriage in the congregation, a sermon that didn’t connect, or just the weight of heavy responsibilities—they often react with frustration or discouragement. That’s understandable. But when you pause to ask, “How might God be using this?” you open the door for growth, not just in yourself but in your church.Here are five ways God often uses problems in your ministry:1. God uses problems to DIRECT you.Sometimes God uses ministry disruptions to redirect your path. Maybe he’s showing you a different way to lead, preach, or shepherd. As Proverbs 20:30 says, “Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways” (GNT). Don’t waste the detour—God might be leading you to something better aligned with your calling.2. God uses problems to INSPECT you.Leadership always reveals what's inside. And ministry problems will test your motivations, your humility, and your trust in God. As James 1:2-3 says, “When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience” (NCV). What is this challenge revealing about your faith?3. God uses problems to CORRECT you.Even seasoned pastors need course corrections. Sometimes God allows difficulty to realign our hearts with his Word. That’s what the psalmist meant: “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees” (Psalm 119:71 NLT). Has God been using hardship to refocus your heart on his voice?4. God uses problems to PROTECT you.You may not see it now, but some problems are God’s way of shielding you. Maybe that job you didn’t get, the growth that didn’t happen, or the retreat that fell through was actually God’s grace. Like Joseph, you’ll eventually be able to say, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20 NIV).5. God uses problems to PERFECT you.You are being shaped for eternity. As Paul writes, “We know that [problems] help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character” (Romans 5:3-4 NLT). Every challenge is refining your soul to make you more like Christ. God is not just preparing sermons through you—he’s preparing you through the fire.You’re going to face difficulties in ministry—maybe even today. But when you do, remember you have a choice. You can let them defeat you. Or you can choose to let God direct, inspect, correct, protect, and perfect you through them.And when you do, you're not just growing as a leader—you're becoming more like Jesus.

Your Shepherd Will Sustain You

Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?”  Romans 8:32 (NLT)Pastor, as you begin this new week of ministry, it’s easy to feel the weight of unmet needs pressing in on you. Whether it’s the pressure to prepare a meaningful sermon, carry others’ burdens, or lead with clarity in uncertain times—stress has a way of creeping in.Often, stress flows from one root cause: worry. We wonder whether we’ll have what we need—wisdom, strength, time, resources—when we need it. But here’s the truth: If you’re looking to your church, your paycheck, or even your own strength to meet all your needs, you’ll be disappointed. No person or position can shoulder that. Only God can.Some pastors find security in ministry success. But what happens when attendance drops? When criticism comes? When momentum slows? Others look to their families, finances, or future plans. But those can shift in a moment.Instead, root your security in what can never be taken from you—your relationship with Christ. Romans 8:32 reminds us: “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (NLT).Yes, pastor. He will.This week, when worry takes over, stop and declare: “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need” (Psalm 23:1 NLT). You are not alone. The One who called you is also the One who will sustain you. He will give you what you need—when you need it.So take a deep breath. God’s got you. You can trust him with every part of your week.

What to Do When Someone Is Dying

Pastor, at some point this year, you’ll likely be called upon to minister to someone who is dying. Nothing prepares you for that moment like experience—and nothing tests your heart like sitting beside someone facing death.Even with all your training and Bible knowledge, walking into a room where someone is dying can shake you to your core. What do you say? How do you bring comfort? You can’t promise healing—that’s in God’s hands. But you can bring comfort.Here’s how to offer C.O.M.F.O.R.T. to someone who is dying.C: Confront Your Own FearsBefore you can help someone else, you must deal with your own fear of death. Fear of death is natural; many people avoid funerals because they’re afraid of facing death.But as a pastor, you can’t afford to hide from that fear. Instead, you need to admit it. Acknowledge it. And then trust God to help you overcome it. You’re not going to mess anything up by showing up. You’re not going to say the wrong thing. Just be present. Trust that God will use you.O: Offer Your Physical PresenceThe most powerful ministry you can provide is your presence.You don’t have to say much. You might not say anything at all. Just being there—sitting in the room, holding a hand, offering a quiet word of prayer—can be more comforting than any sermon. People should not have to face death alone.M: Minister with Practical AssistanceAsk, “How can I help?”Dying people are often in pain or discomfort. Your willingness to do simple, practical things—adjusting a pillow, turning on a fan, bringing water or ice chips—communicates love. No task is too small. These small acts of service reflect the love of Christ.F: Fortify Them with Emotional SupportPeople who are dying carry heavy emotional burdens. You can help lighten that load.One of the best ways to do this is through prayer. But don’t just say you’re praying—pray aloud with them. Reflect their emotions in your prayers. If they say they’re frustrated, pray, “Lord, Susie is feeling frustrated right now.” If they say they’re scared, pray, “God, Bob is feeling anxious and afraid.” That’s intercession—standing in the gap for someone who doesn’t have the strength to pray.O: Open Them Up with QuestionsDying people often carry a swirl of unspoken emotions—fear, regret, guilt, sadness. Open-ended questions help draw those feelings out.If they ask, “Am I going to die?” don’t pretend you know the answer. Instead, reframe the question: “What does dying mean to you?” That kind of question opens the door for meaningful conversation.And if they don’t want to talk about death? That’s okay. Follow their lead. The goal is not to force a conversation but to create space if they want to share.R: Remember the Family Has Needs TooMinistry doesn’t end with the dying—it extends to the family.Ask the hard questions that family members might feel awkward bringing up, like: “Have you made any final arrangements?” “Is there anything you’d like to say to your loved ones?” Your presence can bring clarity and peace to those standing by.Friends care for friends—and for their families too.T: Turn Them to JesusThe most important ministry you can offer is spiritual.If the person hasn’t yet trusted Christ, lovingly share the Good News. Let them know that Jesus loves them, died for them, and offers eternal life. Invite them to pray with you. This may be the most important moment of their life—and of your ministry.You don’t need all the right words. You just need to bring the presence of Christ into the room. Walk in with compassion. Offer C.O.M.F.O.R.T. And trust that God will use you to bring peace in someone’s final days.

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