Designed for Impact: S.H.A.P.E. for Service

Title: Discovering Our S.H.A.P.E. for Service

Purpose: To help participants understand how God has uniquely designed each of us with gifts and abilities to serve Him and others, and to encourage them to identify and use their S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences) in the body of Christ.

Opening Prayer

Begin with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and to reveal His purposes for each participant.

Introduction (5 minutes)

Icebreaker Question:

Think about a time when you felt most fulfilled or joyful while helping someone. What were you doing, and why did it feel meaningful?

Allow participants to share briefly. This question sets the stage for exploring how serving others aligns with our God-given design.

Reading the Scripture (5 minutes)

Read Aloud:

Romans 12:3-8
1 Peter 4:10-11

Consider having different participants read portions of the passages to engage everyone.

Observation (15 minutes)

Encourage participants to observe the text carefully. Ask open-ended questions to help them notice key details.

Questions:

Romans 12:3-8
- What repeated words or themes do you notice in this passage?
- How does Paul describe the attitude we should have about ourselves in verse 3?
- List the different gifts mentioned in verses 6-8.
- What instructions are given about how to use these gifts?
1 Peter 4:10-11
- According to verse 10, what should each person do with their gift?
- How does Peter describe the variety of God’s grace?
- In verse 11, what are the two categories of gifts mentioned, and how should they be exercised?
- What is the ultimate purpose of using our gifts, according to verse 11?

Encourage participants to write down or underline key phrases in their Bibles.

Interpretation (20 minutes)

Delve deeper into the meaning of the passages. Guide the group to understand the biblical principles presented.

Questions:

Understanding Our Identity and Attitude
- Why does Paul emphasize thinking of ourselves with “sober judgment” in Romans 12:3?
  - Discussion Point: The importance of humility and accurate self-assessment in recognizing our gifts.
- How does recognizing that our gifts come from God’s grace influence our attitude toward them?
The Body Metaphor
- What does the analogy of the body teach us about the church and our roles within it (Romans 12:4-5)?
  - Discussion Point: Unity and diversity within the church; each member has a unique and essential function.
Spiritual Gifts and Their Purpose
- What is the significance of having different gifts according to the grace given to us (Romans 12:6)?
- How are we to use our gifts, based on the instructions in Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Peter 4:10-11?
  - Discussion Point: Faithfully, diligently, cheerfully, and in service to others.
Stewardship and God’s Glory
- What does it mean to be “faithful stewards of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10)?
- How does serving with God’s strength result in God being praised through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:11)?
  - Discussion Point: Our service should depend on God’s empowerment and aim to glorify Him.
Understanding S.H.A.P.E.
- How might the concepts in these passages relate to the idea of S.H.A.P.E.?
  - Discussion Point: Explore how Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences are part of God’s unique design for each person to serve.

Application (20 minutes)

Help participants apply the truths they’ve discovered to their own lives.

Questions and Activities:

Personal Reflection
- In light of these passages, how would you describe your attitude toward your own gifts and abilities?
- Are there ways in which you have thought too highly or too lowly of yourself? How can adopting “sober judgment” change that?
Identifying Your S.H.A.P.E.
- Spend a few minutes reflecting on each aspect of S.H.A.P.E.:
  - Spiritual Gifts: What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you?
  - Heart (Passion): What activities or causes are you passionate about?
  - Abilities: What natural talents or skills do you have?
  - Personality: How does your personality influence the way you serve?
  - Experiences: What life experiences (positive or negative) have shaped you?
- Encourage participants to jot down their thoughts.
Sharing and Encouragement
- Would anyone like to share one aspect of their S.H.A.P.E. and how they feel God might be calling them to use it?
- As others share, offer words of encouragement or affirm gifts you have observed in them.
Serving Others
- What is one practical way you can use your S.H.A.P.E. to serve others this week?
- How can relying on God’s strength (1 Peter 4:11) make a difference in how you serve?
Glorifying God
- How does using your gifts contribute to glorifying God?
- What might change in your approach to service if your primary goal is that “in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ”?

Challenge and Commitment (5 minutes)

Group Challenge:

As a group, commit to praying for one another as you seek to discover and use your S.H.A.P.E. for God’s service.
Consider pairing up for accountability and support throughout the week.

Personal Commitment:

Encourage each participant to set a specific goal for how they will begin or continue to use their S.H.A.P.E. in service to others.

Closing Prayer

Invite someone to close the study in prayer, thanking God for His grace, the unique way He has shaped each person, and asking for His guidance and strength to serve faithfully.

Additional Resources

S.H.A.P.E. Assessment: Provide a simple assessment tool or direct participants to resources where they can explore their S.H.A.P.E. further.
- FreeShapeTest.com offers a free online S.H.A.P.E. test that you can take. This assessment is based on Saddleback Church’s S.H.A.P.E. Assessment and includes sections on spiritual gifts, personality, and other aspects of the S.H.A.P.E. framework.
- St James by the Park church provides a free downloadable version of the S.H.A.P.E. test that you can print out and complete. They note that this version is best for those who prefer answering tick-box questions.
Ministry Opportunities: Here are the ministry areas in Redemption Point church where members can serve using their gifts.

Follow-Up

Next Meeting: Plan to revisit this topic in a future session to share experiences and encourage continued growth.
Stay Connected: Encourage participants to share prayer requests and updates throughout the week.

Facilitator’s Notes

Be Sensitive: Some participants may be unsure about their gifts or hesitant to share. Create a safe and encouraging environment.
Encourage Participation: Aim for balanced participation, gently inviting quieter members to share.
Stay on Track: Keep the discussion focused on the passages and their application to our lives.
Adapt as Needed: Feel free to adjust questions or activities based on the group’s dynamics and time constraints.