GIFTED
BY THE SPIRIT
Discover. Discern. Deploy.
Body of Christ: Unity in Diversity
September 20, 2026
Scripture
Ephesians 4:1–16
Luke 15:1–7
Philippians 2:1–5
Why Does God Give Spiritual Gifts?
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:12
“We cannot do the ministry Jesus calls us to do if we are all the same.”
Five Ministry Dispositions
Ephesians names roles that help us see different ways God equips the Body of Christ.
APOSTLES — Pioneers
Explorers, entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and new-idea people who help the church move into new places.
PROPHETS — Discerners
People especially attentive to what God is doing and where God may be leading.
EVANGELISTS — Inviters
People gifted at sharing good news, gathering others, and getting people excited about the mission.
PASTORS — Shepherds
People who notice when someone is struggling and instinctively care for and walk alongside others.
TEACHERS — Builders
People who help others understand, learn, and grow in what has been discovered.
We Need One Another
“A healthy, thriving church needs all of these types, all of these gifts.”
Some of us dream and innovate. Others help us slow down and care for people.
Some see possibilities. Others build what has already begun.
The Body becomes stronger when we understand and appreciate the gifts God has placed in one another.
An Incomplete Flock
In Luke 15, the shepherd has ninety-nine sheep.
But ninety-nine is not enough.
“The shepherd will not rest, until the flock is whole again.”
When We Are the One…
Jesus does not give up on us.
You are loved and valued beyond measure.
When We Are the Ninety-Nine…
We adopt the heart of the Shepherd and recognize:
“The 99 are incomplete without the one.”
How Does Jesus Seek the One Today?
Through people.
Through gifts of prayer and discernment.
Through compassion and empathy.
Through ordinary people who notice someone hurting and choose to reach out.
“There are too many people hurting, broken and going through life alone for us to waste our gifts.”
Pray This Week
God, what gifts have you given me?
How do you want me to use them?
Who needs your love today?
YOU ARE LOVED.
YOU ARE GIFTED.
Don't waste it.
Let's share it with the world.
DISCOVER. DISCERN. DEPLOY.