A Controversial Post... Maybe
Mark Dever said a lot of things that stuck in my ribs last week over lunch. One of them is how much he detests spiritual gift inventories. 
He said their whole focus is on what "I want to do" rather than serving in the true spirit of selflessness... helping where we're most needed. Now, I'm all for empowering people to thrive where they're gifted... but I'm inclined to agree with him. As a pastor, I can't describe the frustration that comes from seeing ministry posts abandoned because "it's just not the right fit for me"... leaving the church in a lurch and forcing others to work double-time. Every time I'm not preaching, I serve in our children's areas to model this conviction...
I think there's a middle ground here. One problem is the incredible lack of understanding many people have about their spititual gifts. A lot of folks can't even begin to tell you what there gifts are. So, you end up with a ton of people serving where they like, but not necesarrily where they're gifted.
I totally agree, however, that there is nothing wrong with serving where there is a need. (I'm not a gifted children's teacher, but I would fill that role of needed.)
I think the key is two fold:
1. Identifying your true God given gifts.
2. Serving selflessly.
If you follow those keys, you end up with good people serving in a powerful way. Even if they service outside of their greatest giftedness.
Posted by: Jim Henry | January 22, 2008 at 02:57 PM
That's why I'm coming to WB! Bring it on, baby!
I'm pretty new to Mark Dever, which is exactly why I'm excited about WB. Keeping bringing the "controversy" BA!
That's my new nickname for you, BA. Probably never heard that before, huh BA? I pity the foo' that don't come to WhiteBoard!!
(what is wrong with me today?!)
Posted by: Clayton Bell | January 22, 2008 at 03:53 PM
I'm going to have to agree with Jim here. If someone has lousy people skills, I don't think putting them on the welcome team is the best move. If someone can't keep a beat, then they probably shouldn't play in the band.
While I agree that it's not good to see ministry posts abandoned because "it's just not the right fit for me," you can also tend to err on the side of mismatching people's skills to the needs. Then when someone comes along who has amazing video editing skills you don't have a place for them because you already have a video guy (who isn't that good).
Obviously you can't just wait around for someone really skilled to come along for every need, but I think it's best to try to match skills to needs.
I would rather fill a handful of needs, but fill them with people who will do an AMAZING job than to fill a bunch of needs with mediocrity.
Mediocrity never invokes change in our surrounds. Greatness does.
Posted by: Patrick Sievert | January 22, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Sometimes the choice is not between mediocrity and greatness.
Sometimes the choice is between a hole and someone to fill it.
Posted by: Ben Arment | January 22, 2008 at 08:18 PM
We tell our people that the first place that they should serve is in the area of their gifting... But the second place is anywhere there is a need. I don't believe its an either/or.
Posted by: Robert Pooley | January 22, 2008 at 11:21 PM
We call it "the two bucket principle" in our church. One hand holds the bucket of our greatest giftedness; the other is a true need in the church.
Posted by: Ben Arment | January 23, 2008 at 07:54 AM