This August, we walked through a three-part series titled Gifted and Called: SHAPED to Serve, exploring how every believer is saved for something – called, equipped, and sent for God’s purposes. Together, we saw that God’s calling isn’t reserved for pastors, missionaries, or a select few. It’s for every follower of Jesus. Here’s a brief recap so that you can refer back to these principles in the time to come.

Part 1: “One Body, Many Gifts” (August 10 – 1 Corinthians 12; Rom.12)

We began with Paul’s image of the church as a body, where every member matters. God gives each believer spiritual gifts, and every gift has a place in His plan. There are no unnecessary parts, no “spectators” in God’s kingdom.

Part 2: “You Are God’s Workmanship” (August 17 – Ephesians 2:8–10)

Paul reminds us we are God’s poiēma – (the Greek word from which we get “poem.”) We are God’s handcrafted masterpiece! We aren’t just rescued from sin; we are redeemed for a purpose. Every experience, ability, and passion in your life is part of God’s design to shape you for service.

Part 3: “Here I Am, Send Me” (August 31 – Isaiah 6:1–8)

We closed the series with Isaiah’s bold prayer of availability. In a time of grief and uncertainty, Isaiah encountered God’s holiness and said, “Here I am, send me.” His prophetic calling wasn’t easy, but he stepped forward in faith. We, too, are called to say yes. Our calling might not put us in a pulpit, but it will always place us where God’s deep love meets the world’s deep need. As Frederick Buechner said in Wishful Thinking, “The place God calls us to is where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.”

We’ve been using SHAPE as a tool to help every believer discover how God has uniquely designed them for ministry:

• S – Spiritual Gifts
• H – Heart (Passion)
• A – Abilities
• P – Personality
• E – Experiences

Take time to reflect on these areas of your life and ask:

What spiritual gift, passion, or ability has God entrusted to me?

Where is God calling me to step forward and serve?

Finally, may we Reflect. Pray. Act.

• Reflect on the gifts and opportunities God has given you.

• Pray with Isaiah’s simple yet powerful prayer: “Here I am. Send me.”

• Act by taking one tangible step this week to serve in your home, your church, or your community.

When every believer says yes to God’s call, our church becomes more than a gathering place – it becomes a movement of Spirit-empowered disciples, saved by grace, shaped for service, and sent into the world.

Grace and peace,