The most basic parts of the Body of Christ are functions, not roles! There are seven distinctly different functions. These functions, found in Romans 12:1-8, are prophecy (or perception), ministry (or serving), teaching, exhorting, giving, ruling (or administration) and showing mercy. The intent of this passage is interpreted to mean that a foundational aspect of a renewed mind is an identification of, understanding of, and acceptance of our God-given giftedness. We are to concentrate and approach every role we are called to in our motivational strengths to maximize our effectiveness, in every sphere of our life.
While God has chosen to call individuals to greatly differing roles and levels of influence, He has gifted everyone with different profiles and intensities of the same, seven foundational motivations. Our uniqueness (giftedness) is expressed through whatever role we are called to function in. The author of this manual is teacher/exhorter motivated. He approaches every role he occupies predominately out of these two motivations.
In reality, the gifts are not to be considered as something we have. They are actually who we are. We are members of Christ's Body--the Church. As members, we are parts. We do not "have a part", rather we are a part. The motivations are like the operating system God has placed in our "innermost computer." The author of this manual sees himself as one who is a teaching exhorter who is in Christ.
Help me understand what motivations are?
Hebrews 4:12 speaks of the "thoughts and intents of the heart." These terms mean the inward reasonings and inward purposes--intentions. The motivations are characterized as common inward reasoning and inward intention patterns. People with similar motivational gifts have similar thought and intent approaches to life.
What is gift-based ministry?
Gift-based ministry is a term that is currently growing in its understanding in the church world. We interpret motivational gift-based ministry to mean that God has created each individual with a unique profile of the seven fundamental motivations/gifts as found in Romans 12:1-8. These motivations do not find effective or fulfilling expression in every possible aspect of church ministry or congregation life.
An individual with a primary motivation of serving would function well in select manual tasks. This same person would not do well as an administrator, coordinating the efforts of a group of servers, if they did not also possess a significant intensity of the administrative motivation. An individual with significant motivations of administration, perception and teaching would seek interaction with adults rather than children in local church ministry situations, and so on.
Gift-based ministry matching is an attempt to accurately fit, place or match people with specific local-church ministry roles based on their God-given motivating resources. We believe that people are more effective and fulfilled when they recognize, accept and draw upon their God-given "motivational" strengths.
What is perfecting or equipping the saints?
Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." In verse 12, the word perfecting in the KJV comes from the greek verb KATARTIZÕ and is translated equipping in some newer translations.. This greek verb signifies right ordering and arrangement. It focuses on the specific interaction of character and destiny. We interpret the meaning of this passage to say that the ministries of Ephesians 4:11 are to focus on helping people find God, recognize their fit or placement in His Body and function effectively in service-ministry. Everyone has motivations/gifts that can find effective expression in ministry roles. GiftQuest seeks to help local church leaders fulfill this Scripture passage in an accurate and practical way.
