Loren was a leader who impacted me. He led a large organization, and yet remembered the names and key details of hundreds of people. He communicated vision and inspired thousands at a time, but had the ability to focus only on you when you spoke to him. He met with presidents, yet you felt at ease in his home. He had an amazing God-given capacity to lead. I wanted to be like Loren.
But, God wanted me to be “me” – not Loren. He gave me a unique capacity and I needed to learn to lead out what He invested in me.
In order to do that, I needed to understand my giftedness set – how my natural abilities, acquired skills and spiritual gifts work together – because it is only then that I can minister and lead out of all that God has created me to be.
God has given each of us natural abilities. Some people are artistic, others relational – still others love to analyze or organize. What are those things that come “easily and naturally” to you? What do others see and encourage in you? These are your natural abilities.
What have you had training in? What have you learned from coaches, mentors or teachers? What skills have you learned that work in conjunction with your natural abilities to strengthen your leadership?
God gives each of us Holy Spirit empowered gifts. Do others sense the Holy Spirit when you teach or encourage? Are people emotionally, physically or spiritually healed when you pray for them? Do you have “God-given” insights into problems or challenges? Do you have a clear vision of what God wants to see in the future? These are signs of the spiritual gifts God has given you.
These three parts of our giftedness set make you and I the unique leaders we are – enabling us to become as effective as possible for Kingdom purposes. Discover them in our life, learn how to use them effectively, and pray for God’s Holy Spirit anointing on you as you serve and lead.
by Karl Mueller
Karl Mueller is the Senior Consultant for Church and Leadership Services for Development Associates International.
Original article: www.frontiersusa.org/blog/article/finding-your-godgiven-capacity
