Find Your Spiritual Gifts
Every blade of grass has its angel who bends over it and whispers, "Grow, grow."
—The TalmudASCENSION & SAINT AGNES has a spiritual gifts ministry to help us identify and use our various spiritual talents to the greater glory of God. As Christians, we believe the more we grow in Christ, the more we desire to use our talents and abilities that he has given us. In this way, God enriches and changes our lives.
What are Spiritual Gifts?
What are your talents, abilities and interests? What moves your heart and mind? What stirs passion in you? What experiences deepen your relationship with God? Answering questions like these is the beginning of discerning your spiritual gifts.
In her early years, the Church understood that God made each of us in a unique way and for a unique purpose. S. Paul likens the Church to Christ's body, and the individual members of the Church are the various members of His body. We all have gifts, but we have different gifts that we enjoy putting to use. Paul calls us to use the variety of gifts the Holy Spirit has given us for the common good, for the building up of the Church, and for the benefit of humanity. (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12) S. Peter makes the same point: "As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10)
Our conversion and our faith are not fully complete on this side of the grave. Devout Christians continue to grow spiritually and personally throughout their lives. This requires us to discern our gifts, give thanks for them, and use them for God and humanity.
Discerning Our Gifts
The parish uses a spiritual gifts assessment to help us in the discernment process. While this survey is not a perfect instrument, and may seem a bit corny, it does help to make us more aware of our talents and enthusiasms.
Although worship is the center and sustenance of the parish's life, and although vibrant and beautiful worship is our greatest ministry, we have so many other opportunities for service. We use the survey results to help match people to ministries that would likely interest them. Only you, the Rector, and the Spiritual Gifts Committee will see the result of your survey.
The survey results will help you to understand the variety of opportunities to serve and will help to support and build upon our traditions. After you submit the survey, a member of the Spiritual Gifts Committee will contact you to discuss your results and opportunities. We hope you will try the survey. Just click here.