The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Discovering Your Unique Role at Church

Part 4 of 5: Your Complete Guide to Joining an Assemblies of God Church

Have you ever sat in church wondering, "Where do I fit in here?" or "What am I supposed to be doing?" If so, you're definitely not alone. Many people, especially those new to Assemblies of God churches like First Assembly Memphis, feel uncertain about their place in the body of Christ. The beautiful truth is that God has uniquely gifted every believer with special abilities designed to bless others and build His kingdom.

As Layne McDonald, our Assimilation and Retention Director at First Assembly Memphis, often shares with newcomers, "You're not here by accident. God has a specific role for you in our church family, and we're here to help you discover it." Let's explore how the gifts of the Holy Spirit can help you find your unique place in God's family.

Understanding the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

In Assemblies of God churches, we believe the Holy Spirit gives special gifts to every believer. These aren't natural talents (though God uses those too!), but supernatural abilities that help us serve God and love people more effectively. The apostle Paul describes nine primary gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10:

The Revelation Gifts (knowing something):

• Word of Wisdom: Divine insight for specific situations

• Word of Knowledge: Supernatural information about people or circumstances

• Discerning of Spirits: Ability to recognize spiritual influences

The Power Gifts (doing something):

• Faith: Supernatural confidence for God's miraculous intervention

• Gifts of Healing: Divine ability to bring physical, emotional, or spiritual restoration

• Working of Miracles: Power to perform supernatural acts

The Utterance Gifts (saying something):

• Prophecy: Speaking God's heart to encourage, comfort, and strengthen others

• Tongues: Praying or speaking in a supernatural prayer language

• Interpretation of Tongues: Understanding and explaining messages given in tongues

You're Already Equipped

Here's something that might surprise you: if you're a believer, you already have at least one spiritual gift! As Paul explains, "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" (1 Corinthians 12:7). You're not waiting to receive gifts: you're discovering and developing what God has already placed within you.

At First Assembly Memphis, we've seen introverted people discover they have the gift of prophecy, young professionals realize they carry healing gifts, and even children operate in words of knowledge. God doesn't discriminate based on age, education, or personality type. He gives His gifts according to His purposes, not our expectations.

Discovering Your Gifts

So how do you figure out your spiritual gifts? Here are some practical steps we recommend at First Assembly Memphis:

Start with Prayer and Scripture Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your gifts. Spend time reading 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 12:3-8, and Ephesians 4:11-16. As you read, pay attention to which gifts resonate with your spirit or create excitement in your heart.

Look at Your Passions What breaks your heart or stirs your spirit? If you're passionate about prayer, you might have gifts of faith or intercession. If you love encouraging people, prophecy might be your gift. If you feel drawn to help hurting people, healing gifts could be developing in your life.

Notice What Others See in You Sometimes others recognize our gifts before we do. Have people mentioned that your prayers seem especially powerful? Do they often come to you for advice? Have you noticed people feel peace when you're around? These can be clues to your spiritual gifts.

Step Out and Try The only way to truly discover your gifts is to step out and use them. Volunteer to pray for someone. Offer to share an encouraging word. Ask if you can help with ministry activities. Your gifts will become clearer as you step out in faith.

Finding Your Place at First Assembly Memphis

Once you start recognizing your gifts, the next step is finding where to use them. At First Assembly Memphis, we have numerous opportunities to serve and grow:

Connect with Layne McDonald

Dr. Layne specializes in helping newcomers find their place in our church family. Whether you're discovering gifts for the first time or transferring from another church, Layne can help connect your passions and gifts with serving opportunities. You can reach out through our website at www.famemphis.org or stop by the connection desk on Sunday mornings.

Join a Small Group Our small groups are fantastic places to discover and develop your gifts in a safe, encouraging environment. Whether it's a Bible study, prayer group, or life group, you'll find opportunities to practice spiritual gifts while building meaningful relationships.

Explore Ministry Teams From worship and prayer teams to children's ministry and community outreach, we have serving opportunities that align with different spiritual gifts. Don't worry if you're not sure: our ministry leaders are happy to help you explore where you might fit.

Attend Our Spiritual Gifts Classes We regularly offer classes specifically designed to help people discover and develop their spiritual gifts. These interactive sessions include teaching, discussion, and practical exercises to help you identify how God has uniquely equipped you.

When You Feel Alone or Uncertain

If you're reading this feeling isolated or unsure about your place in church, know that these feelings are completely normal. Many people experience seasons of uncertainty, especially when they're new to a church or denomination. Here's what we want you to remember:

You Belong Here Before you do anything for God, you simply belong to God's family. Your worth isn't based on your gifts or service: it's based on God's love for you. At First Assembly Memphis, we believe you're never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God.

Start Small You don't need to discover all your gifts immediately or jump into major leadership roles. Start with small steps: smile at someone who looks lonely, offer to pray for a need, help set up chairs. God often reveals our gifts through faithful service in small things.

Give It Time Discovering your spiritual gifts is usually a process, not a single moment. Some people recognize their gifts quickly, while others take months or even years to fully understand how God has equipped them. Be patient with yourself and trust that God will reveal His plan in His timing.

Ask for Help Don't try to figure this out alone! Our pastoral team, small group leaders, and ministry directors are here to help. We've seen God use all kinds of people in amazing ways, and we'd love to help you discover how He wants to use you.

Growing Your Gifts

Once you begin identifying your spiritual gifts, remember that they grow through use, prayer, and community. The gift of prophecy develops as you step out to encourage others with God's words. Healing gifts grow stronger as you pray for sick people. Faith increases as you see God answer prayers and perform miracles.

At First Assembly Memphis, we're committed to helping you not just discover your gifts, but develop them fully. We offer mentorship, training, and plenty of opportunities to practice in supportive environments.

Your Next Steps

As we wrap up this part of our series, here are some practical next steps:

1. Pray and ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts

2. Visit www.famemphis.org to learn about our ministries and small groups

3. Connect with Layne McDonald about finding your place in our church family

4. Attend our next Spiritual Gifts class

5. Start serving in small ways while you discover your gifts

Remember, God has placed you in our church family for a reason. You have something unique to offer that no one else can give. Whether you're naturally outgoing or prefer working behind the scenes, whether you're brand new to faith or have been a Christian for years, God has gifts for you that will bless others and fulfill you in ways you never imagined.

In our next and final part of this series, we'll explore how to build lasting relationships and truly make First Assembly Memphis your spiritual home. Until then, know that you're welcomed, valued, and loved exactly as you are.

Join us next week for Part 5: "Making First Assembly Memphis Your Spiritual Home"

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Ready to discover your spiritual gifts? Contact Layne McDonald at First Assembly Memphis to learn about our next Spiritual Gifts class or to discuss serving opportunities that align with your passions.

First Assembly Memphis 8650 Walnut Grove Road Cordova, Tennessee 38018 Phone: 901-843-8600 Email: info@famemphis.net Website: www.famemphis.org