Table of Contents
Our Hope for You
In this second session of the First Steps series, our hope is that you understand how your uniquely designed personality, along with the spiritual gifts God has given you, helps reveal the path to God’s plan for your life. Proverbs 25:2 says it is God’s privilege to conceal things and our privilege to discover them. So today, we want to discover what god wants to do through you to make a positive difference in the world around you.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
The Goal of this Lesson
The purpose of this lesson is a two-part understanding of God’s purpose. First, my goal is to discover how my God-given design helps to reveal my destiny. Second, I want to discover the amazing potential of my life.
If you can do those two things today, you’ll walk out of here on a road to fulfillment in God’s kingdom that you never thought possible. Because your design, your destiny, and your potential set you up to do what Jesus did, to love like Jesus loved, and to make a difference as Jesus made a difference.
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)
Discovering Your Personality
The Personality Types
D – Dominant
I – Influential
S – Steady
C – Compliant
“I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalms 139:14)
Elements that Help to Develop Your Personality
There are four things that contribute to the development of your personality.
- Family History – the way you were raised
- Training – the things you’ve been taught
- Mentors – the people who taught you
- Life Experiences – the life you’ve lived
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The Personality Assessment
In this test, you’ll uncover the truth about the way God made you. Shy, outgoing, loud, quiet, it’s all part of God’s plan to use you to make a difference. And God doesn’t make mistakes. As we go through the questions that follow, answer quickly and go with your first response. There is NO right or wrong answer. Why? Because the way God created you unlocks the door to what God wants to do through you!
Test Format
- First set of questions = D
- For the second set of questions = I
- The third set of questions = S
- The fourth set of questions = C
After you circle all of your answers in each set, tally up the totals for each one and determine which two sets you scored the highest in!
For example, say you scored the highest numbers on the first and third sections of questions, then your letters would be “D/S”.
Your Personality Results
You’re done! How did you do? Let’s tally up the totals and see what letters we all are!
Opportunities for Personal Growth
If you are a “D”
You are Dominant, Direct, Task-oriented, Decisive, Organised, Outgoing, and Outspoken.
- Strive to listen to other people more attentively.
- Try to be less controlling and domineering.
- Develop a greater appreciation for the opinions, feelings, and desires of others.
- Put more energy into personal relationships.
- Show your support for the other team members.
If you are an “I”
You are Influential, Interested in people, Witty, Easygoing, Outgoing, and People Oriented.
- Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision; be less impulsive.
- Remember to help with tasks more.
- Exercise control over your actions, words, and emotions.
- Focus more on details and facts.
- Remember to slow down your pace for other people.
- Talk less; listen more.
If you are an “S”
- Consider how change is healthy. Try to change more willingly.
- Be more direct in your interactions. Focus on the overall goals of your family or group rather than specific procedures.
- Deal with confrontation constructively.
- Develop more flexibility.
- Try to show more initiative.
If you are a “C”
You are Compliant, Competent, Task-oriented, Goal oriented, and Introverted.
- Concentrate on doing the right things – not just doing things right.
- Be less critical of others’ ideas and methods.
- Respond more quickly to accomplish others’ goals.
- Strive to build relationships with other people and family members.
- Be more decisive.
- Focus less on facts and more on people.
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” (1 Corinthians 1:21)
The second assessment that follows will help you discover your spiritual gifts. And yes, you do have them!
Spiritual gifts are not natural aptitudes, they are not your strengths or abilities, they are not character traits, and they aren’t titles or positions you’ve been given. Spiritual gifts are God-given. And they were given to you by God for a purpose. They are “spiritual” gifts because they go far beyond your natural giftings!
As you go through the following test, prayerfully consider the results and what God could be speaking to you.
As in the first assessment, go with your first response. Don’t talk yourself into or out of an answer. The more honest you are, the more accurate your results will be.
Test Format
Below you will see two buttons that will help determine what your Spiritual Gift could potentially be.
Click on the TEST button to see all of the questions you need to follow along with.
Click on the CHART button to download a PDF to write your answers down with.
Spiritual Gift Results
Whew! We finally did it! Let’s look now at what Spiritual Gift you may have.
Here’s how we do this.
On the chart look at #1, #25, and #49. See how they are all on the same row? Add the numbers that are in each line, and write what the total number is on the blank space between #49 and the letter A.
Do this for #2, #26, and #50, and so on with each row. Once you have finished adding up all of the rows, check to see what are the top three rows with the highest numbers.
Once you have identified your top three numbers, scroll below on this page to see what letter corresponds with your potential gift!
Gift Definitions and Scripture References
A. Administration – The gift of administration is the divine strength or ability to organize multiple tasks and groups of people to accomplish these tasks. (Luke 14:28-30)
B. Apostleship – The gift of apostleship is the divine strength or ability to pioneer new churches and ministries through planting, overseeing and training. (Acts 15:22-35)
C. Craftsmanship – The gift of craftsmanship is the divine strength or ability to plan, build, and work with your hands in a construction environment to accomplish multiple ministry applications. (Exodus 30:22)
D. Discernment – The gift of discernment is the divine strength or ability to spiritually identify falsehood and to distinguish between right and wrong motives and situations. (Matthew 16:21-23)
E. Evangelism- The gift of evangelism is the divine strength or ability to help non-Christians take the necessary steps to become a born-again Christian. (Acts 8:5-6)
F. Exhortation – The gift of evangelism is the divine strength or ability to encourage others through the written or spoken word and biblical truth. (Acts 14:22)
G. Faith – The gift of faith is the divine strength and ability to believe in God for unseen supernatural results I every area of life. (Acts 11:22-24)
H. Giving – The gift of giving is the divine strength or ability to produce wealth and to give by tithes and offerings for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of god on earth. (Mark 12:41-44)
I. Healing – The gift of healing is the divine strength or ability to act as an intermediary in faith, prayer, and the laying-on of hands for the healing of physical and mental illnesses. (Acts 3:1-10)
J. Helps – The gift of help is the divine strength or ability to work in a supportive role for the accomplishment of tasks in Christian ministry. (Mark 15:40-41)
K. Hospitality – The gift of hospitality is the divine strength or ability to create warm, welcoming environments for others in places such as your home, office, or church. (Acts 16:14-15)
L. Intercession – The gift of intercession is the divine strength or ability to stand in the gap in prayer for someone, something, or someplace, believing for profound results. (Hebrews 7:25)
M. Knowledge – The gift of knowledge is the divine strength or ability to understand and bring clarity to situations and circumstances often accompanied by a word from God. (Acts 5:1-11)
N. Leadership – The gift of leadership is the divine strength or ability to influence people at their level while directing and focusing them on the big picture, vision, or idea. (Romans 12:8)
O. Mercy – The gift of mercy is the divine strenth or ability to feel empathy and to care for those who are hurting in any way. (Matthew 9:35-36)
P. Miracles – The gift of miracles is the divine strength or ability to alter the natural outcomes of life in a supernatural way through prayer, faith, and divine direction. (Acts 9:36-42).
Q. Missionary – The gift of missions is the divine strength or ability to reach others outside of your culture and nationality, while in most cases living in that culture or nation. (Acts 8:4)
R. Music/Worship – The gift of music and worship is the divine strength or ability to sing, dance, or play an instrument primarily for the purpose of helping others worship God. (1 Chronicles 16:41-42)
S. Pastor/Shepherd – The gift of a pastor, or shepherd, is the divine strength or ability to care for the personal needs of others by nurturing and mending life issues. (John 10:1-18)
T. Prophecy – The gift of prophecy is the divine strength or ability to boldly speak and bring clarity to scriptural and doctrinal truth, in some cases foretelling God’s plan. (Acts 2:37-40)
U. Service – The gift of serving is the divine strength or ability to do small or great tasks in working for the overall good of the body of Christ. (Acts 6:1-7)
V. Teaching – The gift of teaching is the divine strength or ability to study and learn from the Scriptures primarily to bring understanding and depth to other Christians. (Acts 18:24-28)
W. Tongues/Interpretation – The gift of tongues and interpretation is the divine strength or ability to pray in a heavenly language to encourage your spirit and to commune with God. The gift of tongues is often accompanied by interpretation and should be used appropriately. (Acts 2:1-13)
X. Wisdom – The gift of wisdom is the divine strength and ability to apply the truths of Scripture in a practical way, producing the fruitful outcome and character of Jesus Christ. (Acts 6:3,10)
Putting it All Together
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
- Think about the results. Does this make some things make sense? Does this give you a better insight into your strengths and weaknesses?
- Consider the opportunities. Does this clarify some ways and places you can make a difference?
- Find ways to grow. Join the International Pentecostal Church (IPC) Team and serve in an area where your gifting is an asset. Join a small group where you can learn more and grow in your gifting!
Ask Yourself
What is my D.I.S.C. personality type and leadership style? Am I people or task-oriented?
What are my primary spiritual gifts, or natural abilities that I have?
What two areas am I experienced in and/or most passionate about?
Based on the answers, with what type of team or small group could I connect with?
Our Ministries
- Holy Roast Cafe Team: This fun-loving team operates the coffee shop on Sundays, and for special church events, serving coffee drinks, teas, and smoothies while connecting with guests.
- Greeters: This friendly team loves people and makes them feel at home here at IPC. They welcome guests with a smile, encouragement, and personal touch so that hearts are open to the Gospel message.
- Welcome Center: This team connects guests to the Church community, providing resources and information on all of our current events, ministry opportunities, and services at IPC.
- Kids Check-In: This team welcomes families as they arrive at our IPC Kids areas and facilities the check-in process that ensures children are cared for effectively and efficiently.
- Kingdom Kidz: This team creates an environment where children are consistently exposed to the real love of Jesus. They intentionally invest in the lives of our children through worship, videos, skits, games, and more!
- Nursery/Preschool: This team leads children into a real relationship with Jesus through Bible stories, worship, prayer, hands-on activities, and personal interactions.
- Worship Arts: Through vocals, instruments, or audio engineering, this dynamic team prepares the way for our guests to encounter the presence of the living God.
- Production Team: Bring your creativity and tech savvy to this team that reaches thousands by delivering the Word and worship through audio engineering, camera, lighting, web streaming, and other visual elements.
- Drama & Theater Arts: Here at IPC, we are driven to reach out the community and one way we reach beyond ourselves is through the Drama ministry. We do three major productions per year (Easter, Halloween, and Christmas). This team consists of people interested in acting, set design, set building, lighting, pyrotechnics, script writing, and backstage help.
- Ushers: These mighty men prepare people for a positive worship experience by welcoming and assisting them to a seat, facilitating the offering, and maintaining a distraction-free environment.
- Small Group Leader: We believe that real life change takes place in the context of relationships. As a Small Group Leader, you have the greatest opportunity to connect with others, fulfill your passions, develop your gifts and live out the Great Commission.
- Rooted Youth & Hyphen Young Adult Ministries: Join the team that is building the next generation of youth (12-17) and young adults (18-30) with dynamic worship experiences and fellowship.
- Parking Team: This fun and enjoyable team is truly the first impression of IPC! If you relish the great outdoors, look good in a uniform, and enjoy telling people where to go, this is the team for you!
Don’t see a ministry that you think should exist, feel free to contact us and see about getting that burden of yours started!
Be sure to check out Step Three in our First Steps series: “Why You’ll Love It Here“