So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]. Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them . . . (Romans 12:5-6, Amplified Version)
Staff people are hired for the giftings, abilities and talents they have within them. They are expected to use those abilities and talents in serving the leaders that hired them. Bryan Clay said, “I was blessed with certain gifts and talents and God gave them to me to be the best person I can be and to have a positive impact on other people.”
However, just because a staff person has gifts, talents, and abilities deposited within them to do the work that the leader has hired them to do doesn’t mean that they will automatically do a good job. While the leadership will help develop staff people to a degree, it is mostly up to staff people to identify and develop their gifts, abilities, and talents in such a way that they will be of value at the place that they have been hired.
Staff people will most certainly fail in Christian ministry if they do not use those gifts, abilities, and talents that God has deposited on the inside of them. Some staff people get in trouble because they never learn how to appropriately use their gifts, talents, and abilities appropriately in the place that they have been hired.
Staff people must learn to operate the gifts, talents, and abilities in an appropriate way within the boundaries of what they have been hired to do. To properly use the gifts, talents, and abilities within them, a staff person must consider these boundaries:
Their calling – Since a person’s calling and giftings are connected, a person’s calling will determine whether their giftings and talents will benefit a church, or be a valuable team member.
Their commander – Every leader has a distinct personality, a certain style in which they lead, and certain preferences. A staff person must consider that as they attempt to use their gifts and talents in an acceptable way to flow with their leader.
Their church – The people that make up the congregation must be considered because the leader and the staff people’s mission is to serve them, develop them, and lead them into what God has for them. So a person’s giftings must be used in such a way to accomplish these things.
Their culture – Every staff person works in a distinct church culture as well as a community culture. A wise staff person will use their giftings and talents within the cultural framework so they connect well, fulfill their assignments, and become a valuable asset in the church.
