In another post I mentioned that serving in a local church provides solid benefits that will change our lives. We learned that as we help God’s people, we reap his help. This leaves us with the question, “In what ways can we serve?” In other words, what has God called each of us to do?

First, let’s clear up a misconception that many of us have; that only a few people (pastors, teachers, etc.) are called. Paul, the apostle, made it clear that everyone has a call on their life. Here’s 1 Corinthians 12:7.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Note that Paul wrote “each one” is given a “manifestation of the Spirit”. He then went on to list some of these manifestations.

To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:8-10

Though each of these gifts are important, this list is not complete. Here are some others Paul mentions to the Romans.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

Again, Paul, in discussing service gifts, uses the phrase “each of us”. This is confirmation that God has a job for every believer. 

So, where do we begin our journey of service? I believe the best way is to ask the pastor where you can help. Now, very likely, at first, you and the pastor won’t know what your calling is. That’s not unusual. Give yourself time. It takes experience and wisdom to grow into a ministry. Most likely you’ll start at some ‘entry level’ position. There’re several reasons why this is a good way to begin. For one, it exposes you to the needs of the church and the talents you have that match those needs. It’s also a good opportunity to improve your people skills. Plus, this gives you and the pastor time to get to know each other.

In the verse from Romans mentioned above Paul wrote “according to the grace given each of us”. God places within each of us talents that we can use to serve others. These talents come with desires. We can use these desires and skills to identify our calling.

 Many churches have a program (such as Growth Track) that help members identify their calling. These programs use a person’s talents and desires as a way to recognize their calling.