Written by Joel Deacon - Lead Pastor of City on a Hill Wollongong

MULTIPLICATION - PART 2

Jesus calls his church to take the gospel further than ourselves. From the beginning, the mission of God has always moved outward. It started in Jerusalem, then Judea and Samaria, and then across the nations. And throughout the New Testament we see something vital. Gospel expansion is not only fuelled by faithful preaching, but by Spirit empowered people who are willing to lead, give, serve and pioneer new works for the sake of Jesus.

Every Christian is called to play a part in the Great Commission. But the Holy Spirit also empowers some believers with unique gifts that help the church multiply with clarity, courage and strength. Some of these gifts include:

• Apostleship
• Leadership
• Generosity
• Administration
• Faith

These gifts push the church forward and open new frontiers for the gospel.

• The gift of apostleship pioneers new works, strengthens foundations and carries the gospel into places it has not yet gone.
• The gift of leadership guides churches with wisdom and zeal so the mission moves forward with clarity.
• The gift of generosity resources new churches, new leaders and new gospel projects.
• The gift of administration creates the structures that sustain movement, not just moments, helping the church multiply with stability and strength.
• The gift of faith trusts God for what seems impossible and inspires the church to step out boldly.

And all of these gifts work beautifully together. Apostles plant. Leaders guide. Administrators build. Givers fuel. People of faith pray and push forward. Multiplication was never meant to rest on one person or one gift, but on a Spirit filled community moving together.

Finally, if you have one of these gifts, remember they exist for the common good of the church. These are not gifts to hide or bury. For example:

• Someone with the gift of apostleship helps, trains and models how to pioneer new works.
• Someone with the gift of leadership helps, trains and models how to lead God’s people with clarity and courage.
• Someone with the gift of generosity helps, trains and models how to give sacrificially and joyfully.
• Someone with the gift of administration helps, trains and models how to organise people and ministries so the mission stays strong.
• Someone with the gift of faith helps, trains and models how to trust God in seasons that require courage and prayer.

If you have one of these multiplication gifts, steward it well. Step out in faith even when you feel unsure. Rely on the Spirit, not yourself. Ask the Spirit for more boldness, more wisdom and more Christlike humility so your ministry helps the church multiply the work of Jesus.

QUESTIONS:

1. "Pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts". Which of these gifts do you desire?

2. Where do you see opportunities for multiplication in your church or community?

CHALLENGE:

Take one bold step today. Pray for a new church plant, encourage a leader, give generously, or ask God where he wants you to help take new ground for the gospel.