Serving

Definition: A drive to recognize and meet practical needs, often working behind the scenes to support others.

What it means

Service is a general term for ministry. Service translates to the Greek word “diakonia”, from which we also get deacon and deaconess—those who serve. Those with the motivational gift of serving are the “hands” of the body. They are concerned with meeting needs; they are highly motivated doers. Servers enjoy working with their hands and helping others. Servers detect and meet practical needs before others notice them.

Purpose in the Body

To demonstrate the honor of serving in a godly manner

(Romans 16:1-2)

To fulfill the many practical tasks in the helps ministries of the church

(I Corinthians 16:15-16)

To be a witness to the love of God in action

Practical Example

There were two people in leadership for whom serving was a primary gift. The congregation had a project of refurbishing a two-story farmhouse to use as an office building. These two were commissioned to get the exterior of the house painted. It was recommended that they enlist others from the congregation to participate in one or more workdays to get the job done. Instead, these two labored on ladders for several days over a period of weeks painting the house. They found it easier to do the work themselves than to make a phone call to ask someone to help. It was also easier to paint than to organize others to do the job.

Profile of Motivational Gifts

"…we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…" - Romans 12:6

Speaking Gifts (I Peter 4:11) Serving Gifts (I Peter 4:11)

Living Out Your Gift

Understanding your motivational gift is only the beginning. The functions, qualities, and actions below paint a picture of how this gift naturally shows up in your life, and where grace can sharpen it further. Read through each section prayerfully and consider how these patterns reflect your own experience.

Functions of the Gift

Alertness to detect and meet practical needs
Meets needs as quickly as possible
Works better with short-range goals than long-range planning
Frustrated by time limits on jobs
Joy is released in serving the needs of others (Philippians 2:17-18)
Grieves when persons who are served squander time in useless things (Luke 10:40)
Adds a touch of hospitality to gatherings for fellowship (John 12:2; Luke 10:38)
Concern for efficient use of time and resources
Does more than expected
Fulfillment comes from completion of work projects
Serves to bless and honor those receiving the benefit

Personal Qualities

Ability to recall likes and dislikes of people
Physical stamina without regard of weariness; hard workers (Romans 16:6)
Will use personal funds to avoid delay in meeting a need
Need for sincere appreciation (Philippians 2:22)
Wants to see a job done and will do extra work to accomplish it
Involved in many activities because cannot say no
May not enjoy organizing
May disregard personal health to serve others (Philippians 2:25-30)
Strong desire to be where others are serving; not loners
Sometimes feel inadequate and unqualified for spiritual leadership (I Timothy 4:12-14)
Desire for everyone to join them in serving (Luke 10:40)

Positive Actions

Uplifting others rather than putting oneself down
In meeting needs quickly, avoid pressure on others
When doing a task, be sensitive to honoring approved procedures
In serving others, do not neglect own family needs
Honor others whose gifts differ rather than try to conform them to one's own gift
Recognize that ultimately your service is unto the Lord (Ephesians 6:7)
Be sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit when serving those in need, not to remove the godly discipline of the reproofs of life (Proverbs 6:23)
Honor and recognize the role of those who enjoy long-range goals
Fulfill the responsibilities delegated to you by your leaders

How to Use This in Your Small Group

Small Group Questions

Motivational Gift Discussion & Application Guide

Meeting #1

Action:
Have everyone has complete the assessment. Now have group members share their three highest motivations. With each motivation they should share a practical example of how they see this motivation appearing in their lives.

Prayer Point:
Pray for each other appreciating how God has made each one and for the maximizing of the gifts that are the highest for them.

Meeting #2

Action:
This meeting have group members share their three lowest motivations. Get ready to laugh. With each motivation they should share an example from their life that demonstrates a deficit in each area.

Prayer Point:
Pray for each other asking God to add people around them that are strong in the areas they exhibit weakness.

Meeting #3

Action:
The motivational gifts are often compared to parts of the human body as follows:

Prophecy – eyes
Service – hands
Teaching – mind
Giving – arms
Exhortation – mouth
Administration – head
Mercy – heart

Question One: Have the group members pick one of these comparisons and describe how it is true or maybe not a good comparison.

Question Two: Have the group members describe how a person who is motivated by one gift (the eye) could easily misunderstand a person who is motivated by another gift (the heart). They can use any two motivations.

Prayer Point:
Pray for each other asking for God’s help us to appreciate others who do not have like motivations as our own. Perhaps people could give specific names for prayer.

Meeting #4

Action:
Pick a particular scenario like for example visiting someone in the hospital and have group members each pick and describe how a person with one motivation might behave in this scenario. The group should cover all seven motivations. Other possible scenarios might be coming upon a traffic accident or helping someone prepare for an exam.

Prayer Point:
For this time just take prayer requests that might or might not be related to the motivational gifts.

Meeting #5 (allow extra time)

Action:
We want to demonstrate the strengths of each gift. Have everyone pick a motivation in which they are high and come prepared to demonstrate it in 5-7 minutes. Some suggestions follow:

Prophesy – share something that is prophetic for some individuals or the whole group.
Teacher – do a short teaching
Exhortation – share an encouragement for some individuals or the whole group.
Leadership – lead the group through a brief team building exercise.
Serving – do something to serve the group (bring food or wash feet, etc.)
Giving – bring a gift along for everyone.
Mercy – pray for each person to be lifted out of any hardship they are experiencing.

Prayer Point:
To close this study, have each individual sit in the middle of the room and all pray for blessing on them as they go forth and use the spiritual gifts they have been given. Specific scriptures can be prepared ahead of time and shared as well with each group member.

Your Next Step Starts Here

One assessment is a great start. Use the resources below to go deeper into your God-given design, discover additional gifts, and begin living with greater purpose and clarity.

Discover Your Fivefold Ministry Gifts

Take this FREE fivefold ministry assessment to discover your ministry gifts. As you become aware of your spiritual gifts you will be more fulfilled as you grow and function in the areas where God has gifted you.

Start another assessment

Motivational Gifts E-course by Duane Britton

Coming soon...

Learn more

DOVE Global Leadership & Ministry School

Discover your God-given calling through practical biblical training and Holy Spirit activation. Join hundreds of graduates who are successfully engaging God's call in church and marketplace ministry worldwide.