"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10

By the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, God has given every follower of Jesus one or more gifts. These gifts are notable talents or abilities that edify or build up God's people in their faith. These gifts may not be apparent to us but over time, in the context of living the Christian life in community with the local church, it becomes more and more clear how God has gifted individual believers. It is as we interact with others, discovering their needs, and aspiring to encourage them in their faith, that our gifts come to the surface. The apostle Peter says that these gifts have a specific purpose: to serve one another. In other words, gifts are not about us receiving glory but about God receiving glory through our humble service towards one another. Serving others with our gifts, Peter says, is a matter of stewardship. As we serve others, we are managing our gifts well. We don't own the gifts, God does. If we manage such gifts well, God will reward us for stewardship done well. 

Are you serving others with the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you? Our Teams at Encompass Church are groups of incredible people that have discovered their gifts and passions and are actively serving in them. From creating a comfortable environment at our Sunday Services by serving on the Greeter Team, to leading the next generation to Jesus by serving on the E-Kids Team, to inspiring our guests through music on the Worship Team, to helping our guests find a seat on the Ushers Team—we are a church that forcefully advances the kingdom of God. Have you tried one of our teams yet? Trying isn't the same as committing. Give one or more teams a try. In the process of trying out a team, you may just discover how God has gifted you to serve others and so become a good steward of His varied grace.

For Jesus,
Pastor Mark