We embarked on a series of lessons to look at how we are each gifted to serve in ministry. This kind of a study often revolves around a discussion  spiritual gifts, including one of more "tests" to help the student figure out what gift or gifts they have.

This study was a bit different. It's based on the notion that there is more to our service as Christians than the special way we are gifted by God. We may well be gifted for some ministry area, but as our instructor said, "Somebody still has to clean the toilets!"

We used the S.H.A.P.E. acronym coined by Rick Warren at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. It has been adopted by many churches around the country as a Google search will quickly reveal. On SHAPE Central it says, "God has uniquely designed you with a special S.H.A.P.E. (spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences) and specific Kingdom purpose. By grasping your God-given S.H.A.P.E., you will gain the clarity and confidence to fulfill the exact ministry to which God is calling you."

These pages summarize the notes and worksheets from the study to provide a record that I can refer to later. It also serves as a place to sort out what I believe about gifts and service.