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Soldiership & Adherent Training
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Authored & Compiled by
Major Colin Hopper
©2015
Territorial Mission Department
Australian Eastern Territory
Layout & Cover Design by Colin Hopper
Permission granted for the use of the material “Unit 4”
– ‘Preparing for Battle’ (2012) Major Brian R. Slous
in ‘Our Faith, Our Call’
Generous Life (Unit 6) content prepared by Major Christine Dickson
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Outline of Training
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as
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Freedom Story Video
Video
Haylee Jaegar
mySalvos Haylee’s
Story
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as
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- developing a servant
heart like Jesus
- discovering and
developing your unique
MINISTRY SHAPE.
Video
SERVE in the church and
the community by:
Francis Chan
Jesus More than a Saviour
Developing a Servant heart
To serve means to do something good for a person, to
do an act of love. Love looks for what is good and puts
itself out to do that.
– Dallas Willard “Serving the Jesus Way: Surrendering our Kingdom
to the God who is enough”
Jesus taught His disciples the importance of Serving
through words and more powerfully through actions. As
followers of Jesus and agents of His Kingdom we are to
SERVE as Jesus did. The heart of a servant flows out of
the inexhaustible love of our Triune God.
7
Jesus has for eternity been in community with God the
Father and God the Holy Spirit. The bond within this
community is an infinite, inexhaustible, self-giving, holy
love – a community of love. God’s nature is pure love –
love that gives of itself. The Triune God wanted to share
His love beyond themselves. They created Adam and Eve
as a reflection of their image and to join the community
of infinite, inexhaustible, self-giving, holy love. When
Jesus arrived as the babe of Bethlehem He arrived to put
flesh on His Kingly reign and to invite all into this
community of infinite, inexhaustible, self-giving holy love
– the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven.
In order to live as a servant, we have to consider first
what it means to live in the Kingdom of God……The
Kingdom of God is actually just God in action. You find
the Kingdom of God when you enter into the action of
God. In theological terms, we often call it the “reign of
God.” Jesus brings us into an interactive relationship
with God, which is his Kingdom. Out of that we learn to
leave our kingdoms behind and live as servants in the
Kingdom of God.
Dallas Willard “Serving the Jesus Way: Surrendering our Kingdom to
the God who is enough”
I love that story! It makes sense out of the fact that the
only time Jesus defines eternal life (see John 17:3), he
describes it as entering into a deep, intimate, and
transforming friendship with members of the Trinity. Gary W Moon - “Apprenticeship with Jesus”
Our servant heart flows out of that deep, intimate and
transforming friendship with the members of the Trinity.
Serving becomes our nature as we are transformed by
God and we become like Him because of that bond of
love.
Mark 10:45 (NIV)
45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
1. Serving - the King and His Kingdom.
When Jesus served what did it look like?
a. Washing the disciple’s feet.
Visual Bible – Gospel of John – Jesus washes feet
Gary W Moon in his book “Apprenticeship with Jesus”
gives a glimpse of the delight in joining with God in
community, in His Kingdom:
Jesus brings the good news that the doors to the
kingdom are open wide and that the Trinity still wants
us to join the dance, to become as one with them as
they are with each other.
And he inhales death and separation into himself and
shows through the gruesome image of crucifixion what
it looks like to freely die to all that is separate from the
will of God. And then he demonstrates through his
resurrection that he knows what he’s talking about.
But that’s not all. He sends the Holy Spirit with music
and a dance chart so that we can learn how to waltz
with the Trinity, even now, as we wait for the real party
to begin.
Video
He empties himself of divine dignity, and wades into the
murk and sits down in the mire alongside his prodigal
children—becoming as much like us as possible for a
while so that we can learn to be like him forever.
Visual Bible
Jesus washes Disciples Feet.
John 13:3-9 (ESV)
3
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into
his hands, and that he had come from God and was
going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his
outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his
waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to
wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel
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that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon
Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”
7
Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not
understand now, but afterward you will understand.”
8
Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no
share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my
feet only but also my hands and my head!”
"There is no instance in either Jewish or Greco-Roman
sources of a superior washing the feet of an inferior." (D.
A. Carson, The Gospel
According to John) And this
was the Creator of the
universe on his knees
washing the dirt from the
callused feet of his
followers!
b. The Servant
King
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rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
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And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
We also see this in Verse 2 of the Song “And can it be” by
Charles Wesley
He left his Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite his grace,
Emptied himself of all but love
And bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me.
c. Servant of all
Mark 9:35 (ESV)
35
Jesus emptied himself of all
of His entitlements and
position to serve.
And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to
them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all
and servant of all.”
2. Serving in His Kingdom
Imitating Christ’s Humility
Philippians 2:1-8 (NIV)
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being
united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any
common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and
compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of
one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain
conceit. Rather, in humility value others above
yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each
of you to the interests of the others.
Albert William Thomas Orsborn (former general of The
Salvation Army) wrote the Song (522 SB) “Saviour if My
Feet have Faltered” where he speaks of the single focus
of serving Christ alone.
Verse 3
I must love thee, love must rule me,
Springing up and flowing forth
From a childlike heart within me,
Or my work is nothing worth.
Love with passion and with patience,
Love with principle and fire,
Love with heart and mind and utterance,
Serving Christ my one desire.
5
In your relationships with one another, have the same
mindset as Christ Jesus:
6
Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be
used to his own advantage;
9
Ann Voskamp, in the book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to
Live Fully Right Where You Are says it this way:
..when Christ is at the center, when dishes, laundry,
work, is my song of thanks to Him, joy rains.
Passionately serving Christ alone makes us the loving
servant to all.”
3. Serving - On My Watch
a. Serving in gratitude for God’s saving
grace
A Call to Praise the Lord - A psalm of thanks.
Psalm 100
Matthew 6:24 (NCV)
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“No one can serve two masters. The person will hate
one master and love the other, or will follow one master
and refuse to follow the other. You cannot serve both
God and worldly riches.
Shout to the LORD, all the earth.
2
Serve the LORD with joy;
come before him with singing.
3
Know that the LORD is God.
He made us, and we belong to him;
we are his people, the sheep he tends.
a. ‘Royal priest’
As followers of Jesus and agents of His Kingdom within
The Salvation Army we have a high calling to serve as a
royal priesthood.
1 Peter 2:9-10 (VOICE)
9
But you are a chosen people, set aside to be a royal
order of priests, a holy nation, God’s own; so that you
may proclaim the wondrous acts of the One who called
you out of inky darkness into shimmering light. 10 Once
you were not a people, but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy, but now you have
received it.
b.
‘created for good works in Christ’
The Bible tells us that we have been created to do the
good works of our Father in Heaven.
Ephesians 2:10 (VOICE)
b. Serve the ‘last, the lost and the least’.
We are encouraged to give a ‘cup of water in my Name’.
Matthew 10:42 (MSG)
40-42
“We are intimately linked in
this harvest work. Anyone who
accepts what you do, accepts
me, the One who sent you.
Anyone who accepts what I do
accepts my Father, who sent me.
Accepting a messenger of God is
as good as being God’s
messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as
giving someone help. This is a large work I’ve called you
into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start
small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is
thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or
receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose
out on a thing.”
10
For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry
etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to
accomplish the good works God arranged long ago.
10
Matthew 25:31-45 (NIV)
45
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not
do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
Other Resources on SERVING.
1. Article by Dallas Willard: Serving The Jesus Way
– PDF
W.W.J.D? or H.W.J.D.I?
It has been popular to ask the question W.W.J.D? – What
would Jesus do? - in order to guide the choices that we
make. Dallas Willard reframes that question with the
initials – H.W.J.D.I.? - How would Jesus do it? And the
answer to that question will always be ‘as a servant’.
As we follow Jesus as agents of His Kingdom, applying a
servant heart to God’s Mission our next step is to
discover our S.H.A.P.E. This is the purpose of the units on
“My Ministry SHAPE” which can be found in each session.
Surrendering Our Kingdom
by Dallas Willard
On My Watch…
I will live within God’s deep,
intimate and transforming
friendship and, then infused with
His love and servant heart, seek ‘the
last, the lost and the least’ and
SERVE as if Jesus were SERVING
through me.
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Mission – My Local Corps
Just as every person is unique and is a vital part of God’s church – the Body of Christ, so too each Corps is a unique and
valuable expression of the Body of Christ. God has raised up The Salvation Army to have an International, national and
local mission.
God’s Word promises that He will provide the resources that are needed to fulfil His calling wherever He has placed His
people and His church. Whilst the Army shares a lot in common across the world we also need to be unique to reach out
with His love within the community and culture that He has placed us.
Your Corps is unique and has Mission, Vision and Values statements that reflect that uniqueness.
Please include and discuss your local Corps Mission and Vision Statements.
Our Corps Mission, Vision and Value Statements.
Corps Mission
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corps Vision
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corps Value Statements.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pathway Statement
Some Corps have a Pathway Statement that is a statement that helps to identify the Discipleship Pathway. It could be the
Disciple’s Quest – LOVE, GROW, SERVE, CONNECT. See the Notes on The Disciples Quest.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Doctrine 7. We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and
regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.
Doctrine 8. We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
Doctrine 9. We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued
obedient faith in Christ.
Simplified Form
THE BATTLE PLAN
Doctrine 7
To be saved we must be truly sorry for doing
wrong and trust in Jesus; then the Holy Spirit will
make us new people.
Doctrine 8
Salvation is a free gift from God. It is received
when we believe in Jesus; and when we are saved
we know it and show it.
Doctrine 9
Objectives
The purpose of this lesson is to explore the
implications of the salvation message for the
life of the believer. Participants will:



To stay saved we must trust in Jesus to help us,
and we must go on doing as he wants us to do.
gain insight into the nature of free
salvation.
gain confidence in their assurance of
salvation.
become motivated to share their
experience of salvation with others who
have not yet been introduced to Christ in
a personal way.
Brief
BEARING ARMS - Key verse:
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is from God - not by
works, so that no one can boast.”
To reach these objectives the following
concepts will be included in this week’s basic
training:






Repentance
Faith
Regeneration
Justification
Assurance
Obedience
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THE TARGET ZONE
In the previous lesson we learned that it is only through
Christ’s suffering and death that humankind’s severed
relationship with God can be restored. We have also
learned that this restored relationship is available to all
who will receive it. Every individual who desires to
become a Salvation Army soldier must be certain that
his/her relationship with God has been established
through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
It is necessary, therefore, for us to redirect the focus of
our study from our understanding of God to the quality
of our relationship with him.
Take a few minutes to reflect upon your relationship
with God and answer the following questions:
What words would you use to describe your
relationship with God right now?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
How do you know that you are saved?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
How would you describe “salvation” to an unsaved
person?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
BASIC TRAINING
There are many terms and phrases used to describe
“salvation,” many of which come from the analogies
used in Scripture. For instance the term, “born again,”
comes from the analogy used by Christ as explained the
process to a man named Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). No
matter what term is used to describe the experience,
there are some essential elements that are necessary to
make this experience a reality in the life of the believer.
Our seventh doctrine highlights three of these;
repentance, faith, and regeneration.
Repentance
When we speak of repentance, the term is often
understood solely in its religious context. This word,
however, is not necessarily a religious term. In fact, a
definition would be, “the process of turning away from
something and heading toward another.” In the biblical
context repentance is understood as a turning away from
sin and a turning toward God. Because this is a process,
certain conditions must be met so that it can be
complete.
First of all, repentance requires conviction of sin. Every
individual who desires to be saved must come to terms
with the reality of the presence of sin in his/her life. This
goes far beyond the idea of being “sorry” for what you
have done. Many people are brought to what they think
is the point of repentance simply because they are faced
with the consequences of their actions. The fruit of such
repentance is often no more than regret. True
repentance toward God is not contingent on the
observable presence of consequence. It recognizes sin
for what it is and makes a conscious decision to turn from
it. Look at what the apostle Paul writes in his second
letter to the Christians in Corinth:
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation
and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
(2 Corinthians 7:10)
Pause for a few moments to reflect upon the
difference between the concepts of repentance toward
God and worldly sorrow. Be prepared to discuss the
following questions:
Why would the feelings of remorse, which are directly
related to the consequences of sin, not on their own
constitute true repentance?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
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Can true repentance come about as a result of being
faced with the consequences of one’s sin(s)? How?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Why is it important for us to hate sin before we can
know true repentance?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Faith
Our seventh doctrine goes on to indicate that the second
vital necessity for salvation is, “...faith in our Lord Jesus
Christ.” It is one thing to understand the doctrine of the
atonement; it is another to take ownership of it.
If we have faith in something or someone, it means that
we put our trust in that same thing, or person. Faith that
saves puts its trust in Christ and his ability to make one
right with God. Saving faith, therefore, must be a
personal faith.
Furthermore, one’s faith in Christ must go beyond the
initial salvation experience and continue in the life of the
believer. Concerning Christ, Scripture states:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9 - NIV)
The implications of this verse are clear. Not only is
Christ’s sacrifice enough to forgive us of our sins at the
point of conversion, but his power reaches into the day
to day aspects of our lives and is able to purify us from
all that is unlike God.
Determine what implications the following verses have for your faith. What impact does each verse have on you
personally? Be willing to share your answers with the other members of the group. (In the class – look up 2 of these
verses
Text
Romans 10:17
Implications
Impact
Ephesians 1:13-14
Hebrews 11:6
I John 3:21
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Regeneration
The third condition necessary for salvation is,
“...regeneration by the Holy Spirit.” Regeneration is a
term that is used to describe the giving of life, or in this
case the process of being reborn into the family of God.
Here is the point at which the believer receives the
presence of the Holy Spirit of God in his/her life. It is
through the indwelling Holy Spirit that it is possible for
the believer to remain in constant communion with God.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus explains how this
regeneration by the Holy Spirit is an essential part of the
salvation process:
Look up 3 of the following verses of Scripture and
Scripture Text:
John 5:24
“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour
appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things
we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us
through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy
Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through
Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that having been justified by
his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of
eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7 - NIV)
identify how this process of regeneration is described in each.
Description of Regeneration:
Ephesians 5:8
I Corinthians 6:19
Romans 5:5
I Peter 1:23
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People can often become confused when they attempt
to make a distinction between the presence of Christ in
their lives and the presence of the Holy Spirit. As Christ
began to prepare the first disciples for his bodily
departure from earth he spent time explaining to them
what the ministry of the Holy Spirit was all about. He
wanted them to know that it was through the ministry of
the Holy Spirit that they would remain connected to him.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide
you in all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will
speak only what he hears, and will tell you what is yet
to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what
is mine and making it known to you.” (John 16:13-14 NIV)
Justification
Our eighth doctrine
states that we are,
“justified
by
grace
through faith in our Lord
Jesus Christ.” When we
accept the gift of salvation
offered through Christ, we can
stand with confidence before
God, with the full assurance that
our sins are forgiven and that we
are in a right relationship with him.
That which we have done in the past
is not counted against us and we
stand as righteous before God. This is
the essence of justification.
The term, “justification” is a legal term
that suggests the issuing of a pardon or
to be declared, “right”. In the Old
Testament the people of God looked to
the law for their justification. In the
New Testament our justification is
found in Christ. Read Romans
4:1-8 and answer the following
questions.
What does this passage have to say about the
justification Abraham received from God?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
What is the benefit of being justified before God?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
As our key verse for this lesson indicates, this position,
which is enjoyed by every
believer, must be
understood as a
gift from God. It
is by the grace of
God, alone, that
this privilege has
been granted us to
stand blameless before
God.
It can be seen as something of a divine invitation. God
has taken the initiative, made all the arrangements, and
all we have to do is accept it by faith and enter into his
presence.
Assurance
The second part of the eighth doctrine states, “...he that
believeth hath the witness in himself.” Simply put, this
means that every saved person has the witness of the
Holy Spirit within to testify to the fact that he/she is
indeed a child of God. It should not be confused with an
idea that the believer receives a special feeling of the
presence of God at the point of conversion that stays
with him for ever. This is not the case all the time. What
we do have is the inner witness of the Spirit that God’s
Word, concerning our salvation, is trustworthy and we
can have confidence that it is true. John speaking of the
person of the Holy Spirit, writes:
“Anyone who believes in the son of God has the
testimony in his heart.” (I John 5:10a - NIV)
Reflect upon the presence of the Holy Spirit in your own
life and on the lines below identify some of the ways in
20
which you know he is there. Share your experience of
assurance with the other members of the group.
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Obedience
Our ninth doctrine serves as a reminder that salvation is
an on-going relationship and not merely an event to be
recorded in the life of the believer. As we have
discussed, true repentance is not only a turning away
from sin, but it is a turning toward God. As with all
relationships, believers have a personal responsibility to
ensure that their relationships with God are properly
maintained. As we live our lives in accordance to his will
and purposes, we are confident that our relationship
with him is intact. It is only when we turn our back on
God that we run the risk of a severed relationship once
again.
This undesirable condition is known as
“backsliding.”
Scripture is full of encouragement to persevere in the
faith, knowing that such perseverance will end in eternal
reward. As Peter wrote to the members of the early
church, he encouraged them to live a life of faith and
obedience to God.
“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make
your calling and election sure. For if you do these
things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich
welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11 - NIV)
effect in that life. The writer to the Hebrews gives a
sober warning to those who would attempt to have it
both ways:
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have
received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins
is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and
of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
(Hebrews 10:26-27 - NIV)
In this section we have seen how necessary it is for the
Christian believer to maintain an open and honest
relationship with God. Discuss the following as a
group.
What can the believer do to ensure that his/her
relationship with God remains intact?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Can God be fooled when we hold on to some area of sin
in our lives? What is the consequence of continuing this
practice?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Some will understand this as pointing to a concept of
salvation by works. What must be recognized is that the
life that has rejected sin and has been turned over to
God, will reflect his nature. Yes, people will make
mistakes. However, if a person makes a conscious
decision to turn once again toward a life of sin, then it is
evident that the repentance once made is no longer in
21
REINFORCEMENTS
The General of The Salvation Army, The Salvation Army
Handbook of Doctrine. London, United Kingdom:
Salvation Books - The Salvation Army
International Headquarters, 2010.
The Salvation Army, Chosen to be a Soldier - Orders and
Regulations for Soldiers of The Salvation Army.
London, England: The Salvation Army
International Headquarters, 1977.
Chapter 7 - “The process of salvation”
Chapter 3 - “Living with God”
Chapter 8 - “The nature of salvation”
Chapter 9 - “Maintaining salvation”
MOBILIZATION
In Matthew 13:45-46, the kingdom of heaven is compared to an expensive pearl. A merchant finds it and
sells all that he has in order that he might have it to sell for a great price. Our experience of salvation should
resemble this analogy in some way. It should be seen as a most valuable treasure to the one who finds it,
but it should always be made available to those who would want to enjoy it as well. The only difference is,
salvation is a free gift available to all. Reflect upon the following questions and discuss your answers
with the others in your group.
In what ways does the gift of salvation resemble a prize pearl or treasure?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
What makes it difficult to share this treasure with others?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Is there someone you would like to see find this treasure for themselves?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
What are you willing to do to direct them to it?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
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An online SHAPE Inventory Assessment can be completed
online at:
SHAPE online Inventory
http://www.sbpcshape.org/
Five assessments will help you discover your unique SHAPE:
Spiritual Gifts
Heart
Abilities
Personality Style
Experience
Completing all five will take approximately 90 minutes. You can take some of the assessments, and then come back and
finish the others at any time. You simply can stop at the end of any assessment, and the answers for that assessment are
saved. To begin click on SHAPE Assessment on the toolbar and choose Spiritual Gifts in the expanded menu.
SHAPE TOOL 4 - Personality
o PLUGGING-IN YOUR PERSONALITY
In the space below, write your name:
Now write your name with your opposite hand:
What happened?
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When you tried to do something that was not natural to
you...
1. You felt uncomfortable.
2. It took extra time and effort.
3. You still did a lousy job at it!
variety - just look around! There is no "right" or "wrong"
temperament. We need opposites to balance the
church.
Personality Self-assessment
The same things are true when we try to minister in areas
that are not suited to our personality. God has wired
your temperament in a unique way. This factor is very
important in matching you to the right ministry.
Although there are many fine (and extremely detailed)
personality assessments available, for the purpose of
your ministry profile, we want you to consider just four
aspects:
How do I see myself?
It's obvious that God has not used a cookie cutter to
stamp out people in a process of uniformity. He loves
Strong
Mild
Strong
Introvert
Extrovert
Self-controlled
Self-expressive
Routine
Variety
Co-operative
Competitive
Record your responses on our `Personal Ministry Profile' form.
SHAPE TOOL 5 - Experience
EXAMINING MY EXPERIENCES
"And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according
to his purpose." Rom.8:28
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has
happened to me has really served to advance the
gospel." Phil.1:12
particularly the hurts and problems I've overcome with
God's help. Since our greatest life messages come out of
our weaknesses, not our strengths, we should pay close
attention to what we've learned in the "school of hard
knocks".
God never wastes a hurt!
He wants you to be open to ministering to people who
are going through what you've already been through!
One of the most overlooked factors in determining the
ministry God has for me is my past experience,
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"(God)...wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our
hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that
when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and
encouragement, we can pass on to them the same help
and comfort God has given us!" 2 Cor.1:3-4 (LB)
On your ‘Personal Ministry Profile’ record these
experiences:
My Spiritual Journey:
How and when did you become a Christian, and what has
it meant to you since? Any significant events?
My Painful Experiences:
What kind of trials or problems could I relate to and
encourage a fellow Christian who is going through similar
experiences?
My Educational Experiences:
Where did you go to school? What were your favourite
subjects?
My Ministry Experiences:
Have you served in ministry anywhere in the past? How?
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Record a summary on your `Personal file' form: My Experiences
Your Spiritual Experiences - Meaningful decisions/times with God
Your Painful Experiences - Problems, hurts, trials - that have taught you how to relate to others who have experienced
something familiar.
Your Educational Experiences - What were your favourite subjects in school?
Your Ministry Experiences - How have you served in the past?
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Randy Alcorn has said “It is impossible to
become a fully developed follower of Jesus
without also becoming a fully developed
steward of your resources.”
Matthew 6:21 has Jesus telling us that
“wherever your treasure is, there the desires of
your heart will also be.” (NLT)
As we grow in our relationship with Jesus we
continually discover that He is all we need. Yet,
the world would continually tell us that we need
lots of ‘things’ in order to be happy and fulfilled.
We can start to forget the truth that God is the
provider of all we have and start to think that it’s
up to us to provide. When things become
difficult and resources are low, the first thing we
may find ourselves doing is panicing and
focusing on what we don’t have. Yet, is this not
the time to trust God and allow Him the
opportunity to show up in our lives? It is times
like this that we should seek God and His
guidance and wisdom and not see that it is on
our shoulders to resolve.
Where is your treasure? That is where your
heart is. What do you find yourself investing in?
Are you generous with what God has given you?
What does that generosity look like?
“Jesus Christ said more about money than
about any other single thing because, when it
comes to a man’s real nature, money is of first
importance. All thorugh Scripture, there is an
intimate correlation between the development of
a man’s character and how he handles money.”
(Richard Halverson)
Jesus wanted us to understand in Luke 12:1321 that we may be building our treasures here
on earth, but we really don’t own it anyway, it
can disappear instantly. When we stand before
God we will be judged on how we used His
resources.
As we continue to grow and develop as a
follower of Jesus, may we see more of Him and
less of us in all aspects of our lives – our time,
talents and, possibly the most difficult, our
treasure.
OnetimeBlind - The Stool – This is a clip which
challenges us to think what place God has in our
lives and how much are we willing to hand over
to him…freely.
Video
DISCIPLESHIP IS STEWARDSHIP
The Stool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3qh2dJxUy8
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