Part I Chap. One of "Claiming the High C's" Drs. Bill J. and Karen Joy Luce

"CLAIMING THE HIGH C'S" PART I THE SHIP In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord... A dwelling place in which God lives by His Spirit. (Ephesians 2:21-22, NIV.) CHAPTERS I - III COMMITMENT - CARING - COMMUNICATION
Each Chapter in Part I describes a major aspect of the ship. Chapter I, Commitment, is the hull; built on the foundation of Christ the keel, this portion of the vessel assures that it will float. Chapter II, Caring, is the engine; here energy is generated for propulsion. Chapter III, Communication, is the deck; the place where people gather and share. Approximating the human body, the ship has many members and these members do not all have the same function. Yet each part is vital to the well being of the whole. So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others (Romans 12:4-5, NIV). Come and tour your cruise ship before the voyage begins. See the under workings and begin to appreciate the intricacies of what the Captain has prepared. Yes, this is what the Lord has built (Psalm 127:1). "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"¹ Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above. We share our mutual woes, Our mutual burdens bear; And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear. By John Fawcett
CHAPTER 1 COMMITMENT To spring a-leak: When a leak first commences, a ship is said to SPRING A-LEAK.²
Commitment forms the hull of our ship. Webster defines the hull as the frame or main body of a ship.³ Similar to the bones we see when a fish is cut open; the hull is formed along the keel or spine, using a skeleton of spinal boards or steel (like ribs) that actually connect onto the keel. There is no luxurious finery and adornment here... What's important is the strength and integrity of the frame and subsequent tight fitting together of every piece to form a sure seaworthy vessel. Having commitment to a relationship (whether to Christ, a spouse, a friend, or a family member) is like the curved spine boards that are bent into shape to form the hull. These boards most often get their shape through the application of heat and pressure. The total hull of the ship is meant to assume the shape that Christ intends. Every board is committed for one purpose: to be conformed to the keel's shape, which is the Master Commander's design. A vision of commitment with You and with a family here on earth. Help me see, Lord. Help me see. And even if I cannot see, I thank You for this family... For each and every unique person... Who is made according to Your plan. I give You all the glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus' Holy Name. Amen. Bill's personal vision statement… Bill's Personal Vision Statement has four aspects: Use God's gifts of Leadership, Teaching, and Relationship Building to… build a global network of mega-churches to accomplish community transformation. build a global system of Christian schools, universities, and research organizations to bring Christ-based Truth to the world and send out mega-church harvesters. build a global unity of churches and Christian organizations to establish God's Kingdom as a global mainstream of the Information Society. live my life to leave a legacy of a changed world for Christ. Corporations have vision statements. Churches have vision statements. Individuals have vision statements. Families need vision statements, too. The family vision… How will my family be committed to the Lord? What can such a small "group" of three or four do to glorify God? Can you sing together? Can you read the Word in the morning before everyone goes off on his or her separate way? What is it you enjoy doing? What do your children like to do? Glorifying God doesn't have to hurt. God has designed you in a very special way, so that you can worship or glorify Him with just that special, personal "you" touch. How can my family be committed to each other? Parents are definitely called by God to love and nourish their children. But each member in a family can learn to care for the others: respect, honesty, simple acts of kindness, love, and mercy, and praying for each other... actually blessing one another. Have your family brainstorm and write down all the ideas. Then pray and write out a vision statement. You can even go so far as to have everyone sign the document. This makes it legally binding. And the power of these actions will cause firmer commitment and better results then you probably expected.
When you write something down and share it... It's more likely to happen... Because you've made a commitment!
WOW! This is tremendously exciting! God has designed you to glorify Him, in your own unique way. And this is true for each person in any family. Each person is special. Each has a unique way to worship and glorify God. This makes God glad. This is awesome. When it comes to serving God, are there only a few special things that can be done? Ask yourself this question: "Do I have freedom to be creative, even contemporary, in my worship and glorifying of God? What about ministry in everyday life? Can I be different from my parents or grandparents? Can I be different from my own children?" Now the Vision Statement that Bill wrote is based upon the mission or calling he feels and thinks God has for him. Bill's Mission Statement: Establish the Church and God's Kingdom as the mainstream of the global Information Society, so that all people may know the Truth, have a personal relationship with Jesus, and live in a spiritually vibrant, abundantly blessed Christian world.
WHAT'S YOUR VISION?<
In order to really "see" what you want to do… it is vitally important that you pick up a pen or pencil and begin to write. Put your ideas down on paper. This is where thoughts become organized and actions begin. Once you have written your vision statement, then share it with someone you trust. Share your vision with someone who will bless and encourage you. Bill was able to think clearly about his vision, only as he wrote it down. Karen was able to understand and "see" what Bill meant only when she took his written vision and typed it out on the computer. "WOW! So this is what you see God wanting you to do?" And that led into a time of prayer and blessing for Bill. You can do this, too, with any family member or friend. You can bless and be a vital part of anyone's vision through prayer. Remember the triangle? As two or more people get closer to God, they get closer to each other. Practice this… get out your pen and write down your vision. Then share it with a friend and pray. CAUTION: Your vision may not look like anyone else'. Your vision will be reflective of the Grace and giftedness of God. No two visions are exactly alike. Why are visions so unique? If you wrote out a vision statement, would it be just like Bill's? Why would your vision be different? And what does this have to do with commitment? (Further explanation will come throughout this Chapter.) The trust and confidence inherent to commitment are integral aspects of marriage and family. But sometimes it can become hard to trust or have confidence in people who don't think or act like you. Due to egocentric feelings, most of the time we tend to think everyone should look the same and think the same and act the same. And this "sameness" should relate to ME. Maybe you think everyone in your family or church should have the same vision? Why are people so different? What actually causes someone in a family to be unusual from everyone else?
ACKNOWLEDGE PASSION
Everyone is So Different... What lights your fire? What excites you? What would you love to do even if no one paid you? What is your calling? Karen has at least nine passions. She tired to write down only one or two, but… there are many things in her life that really get her going! writing teaching counseling and coaching and praying with people in-depth Bible studies stained glass reading mysteries gardening walking time with family and friends Oh, yes… And then there's number ten: kayaking...and number eleven, singing spontaneous praise songs. But what is Karen's special calling? Is it possible that God can use all of these passions? Can callings change throughout a person's life? Can passions lead into special callings? Karen asked a question about stained glass. "How can my love of making large stained glass windows be applied to discipleship? I don't know how it will apply, but I trust God will use it." And of course He did! Karen made videos for a discipleship program and stained glass often became a major focus. This art beautifully depicted the step-by-step process of change. It clearly showed how God takes the broken little pieces of our lives and makes a beautiful picture. Then He shines His light through those pieces and entire rooms are brightened with a visual resonance of heaven. Our God is such a great craftsman and artist! Glass art has special significance to Karen. Because of illness she had to completely stop her stained glass work. But after several years, and with the help of a Godly friend, she began again, only to create one of her largest windows ever. How inspiring to see works of art arise from limited resources like physical ability and strength. And God has made this commitment: Being confident of this, that He who has begun a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6, NIV.) Most often it is the willingness to begin... to step out in faith... that leads to success. One small piece at a time… Add courage and then let God actually use a passion that might seem to have no relevance at all. Trust... confidence... the will to keep working... the pledge or promise from God that He will complete whatever He begins in each of us. For in Him you have been enriched in every way... Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift... (I Corinthians 1: 5,7, NIV.)
A Partial List of Spiritual Gifts
By walking into any Christian bookstore, you will find several books to help you discover your spiritual gifts. Some authors recognize five primary gifts like those mentioned in Ephesians 4: apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers. Let me share with you a larger list that has greatly encouraged hundreds of people.²⁰ These 29 gifts are listed alphabetically and they come from the Old and New Testaments. A. ADMINISTRATION... the God given ability to understand clearly both portion immediate and long-range goals of the Body of Christ, or a particular portion of the whole body, and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of these goals. Proverbs 24:3-4, shares the additional insight that the spiritual gifts of wisdom and knowledge are many times seen with this gift. Luke 14:28-30; Acts 6:1-7; Acts 27:11, the Greek word for "pilot of the ship" is administrator. I Corinthians 12: 5; and Titus 1:5. B. APOSTLESHIP... The God given ability churches to start new churches and/or exercise general leadership over a number of churches with exceptional authority in spiritual matters, which is immediately recognized and appreciated by the Church. Acts 14:14; Acts 15:1-6; Acts 27:11 (Junias is a female); I Corinthians 12:28; II Corinthians 12:12; Galatians 2:7-10; Ephesians 3:1-9; Ephesians 4:11-14; and Hebrews 3:1. C. CELIBACY... This gift of the Holy Spirit is the God given ability to remain single and enjoy it and to not suffer extreme sexual temptations for the sake of Jesus Christ so that time and energy can be used for ministry. Matthew 19:10-12; I Corinthians 6:13-20; I Corinthians 7:7-9, and 32-35; and I Timothy 4:1-5. D. CRAFTSMANSHIP (artistic)... This gift of God is the ability to creatively and artistically bring the beauty of His creation into the activities of the church for worship, edification, instruction and comfort. Exodus Chapters 25-28 and 30; Exodus 35:10- through 39:31; Exodus 40:34-38; I Kings 6:14-38; I Kings 7:13-51; II Chronicles 34:9-13; Acts 9:39; Acts 16:14; and Acts 18:3. E. CRAFTSMANSHIP (manual)... This gift of the Holy Spirit is the God given ability to work with physical materials in a creative manner so that the physical structures of the body are built and maintained. Exodus Chapters 25-28 and 30; Exodus 31:3-11; Exodus 35:10-39:31; Exodus 40:34-38; I Kings 5:18-6:38; I Kings 7:13-51; II Chronicles 34:9-13; Acts 9:39; Acts 16:14; and Acts 18:3. F. DISCERNMENT... This gift of God is the ability to know with assurance whether certain behaviors, or teachings are really from divine, human, or satanic origin. Matthew 16:21-23; Acts 5:1-11; Acts 5:1-10; Acts 8:18-24; Acts 13:10-12; Acts 16:16-18; I Corinthians 6:1-6; I Corinthians 12:10; I Corinthians 14:9; I Thessalonians 5:19-20; Hebrews 5:12-14; and I John 4:1-6. G. EVANGELISM... This gift from God is the given ability to share the gospel with non-Christians in such a way that these people accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior with greater ease and frequency than seen with other Christians. Acts 5:42; Acts 8:4-6, 25-40; Acts 10:36; Acts 11:20; Acts 13:32; Acts 14:15-21; Acts 15:35; Acts 16:10; Acts 21:8; Romans 10:15; Galatians 1:8, 16, and 23; Ephesians 2:17; Eph. 3:8-9; Ephesians 4:11-14; and II Timothy 4:5. H. EXHORTATION... This gift of God is ability to bring help and healing to others through words of comfort, consolation, counsel and encouragement. Acts 6:3-10; Acts 14:21-22; Acts 16:40; Acts 20:1; Romans 12:8; I Corinthians 2:1-13; I Corinthians 12:8; II Corinthians 1:3-7; II Corinthians 9:2; I Timothy 4:13; II Timothy 4:1-4; I Thessalonians 2:11-12; I Thessalonians 5:14; II Thessalonians 3:12; Hebrews 10:25; I Peter 5:1-2; and II Peter 1: 15. I. FAITH... This gift from God is the ability to know with extraordinary confidence what the will and purposes of God are for His work. Matthew 17:14-20; Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:22-24; Acts 6:5-15; Acts 7:54-60; Acts 11:22-24; Acts 27:21-25; Romans 4:18-21; I Corinthians 12:9, 11; I Corinthians 13:2; and Hebrews 11. J. GIVING... This gift of God is the ability to contribute to the Lord's work with your material resources, time, talents, and energy with great generosity and cheerfulness. Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:3; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 3:11; Luke 6:38; Luke 12:48b; Luke 18:12; Luke 21:1-4; John 12:3-8; Acts 4:36-37; Romans 12:8; I Corinthians 13:3; I Corinthians 16:1-2; II Corinthians 8:1-7; II Corinthians 9:1-8; Ephesians 4:28; and Philippians 4:16-19. K. HEALING... This gift of the Holy Spirit is the God given ability to serve as human intermediary to cure illnesses and restore health to other individuals apart from the use of natural means. Mt. 4:24; Mt. 8:1-17; Mt. 9:1-8; Mark 16:17-18; John 9:1-3; John 14:12-14; Acts 3:1-10; Acts 4:4; Acts 5:12-16; Acts 8:9-11; Acts 9:32-35; Acts 13:8-10; Acts 14:8-13; Acts 28:7-10; I Corinthians 12:9, 28 and 30; Philippians 2:25-27; I Timothy 5:23; II Timothy 4:20; and James 5:14-16. L. HELPS... This gift of God is the ability to invest your gifts and talents into the life and ministry of other members of the Body to enable them to increase the effective use of their own spiritual gifts. Exodus 18:21-22; Numbers 11:16-17; Matthew 25:37-40; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 8:2-3; Acts 9:36; Acts 20:34-35; Romans 16:1-2; I Corinthians 12:28; I Thessalonians 5:14; and I Timothy 6:2. M. HOSPITALITY... This gift of God is the ability to open your home up to others and to give generously of your time, food, and/or lodging to others and the ability to make others "feel at home" to a greater degree than normally found in the body. Genesis 18:1-8; Judges 13:8-23; Matthew 10:11-14; Matthew 25:35; Luke 10:38; Acts 16:14-15; Acts 21:16-17; Romans 12:9-13; Romans 16:23; I Timothy 3:2; I Timothy 5: 10; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:1-2; I Peter 4:9; and III John 5-8 and 10. N. INTERCESSION (PRAYER)... This gift from God is the ability to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis with greater than average visible answers to your specific prayer requests. Numbers 14:17-19; I Samuel 1:9-18; Nehemiah 1:4; Daniel 2:16-19; Daniel 9:3-4, 20-23; Luke 11:1-13; Luke 22:41-44; John 17; Acts 7:60; Acts 12:1-17; Acts 16: 19-34; Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 1:9-12; Colossians 4:12-13; I Timothy 2:1-2; Hebrews 7:25; and James 5:14-18. O. INTERPRETATION... This gift of God is the ability to know what someone is saying who is speaking in a tongue that is unknown to the speaker and hearers. Acts 2:4-8; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:6; I Corinthians 12:10,28; and I Corinthians 14:5,13, 26-28. P. KNOWLEDGE... This gift of God is the ability to discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify ideas and information, which are important to the growth and well being of the Body of Christ. Matthew 16:13-17; John 13:12-17; John 21:17; Acts 5:1-11; Romans 15:14; I Corinthians 2:11-16; I Corinthians 8:1-2; I Corinthians 12:8; I Corinthians 13:2, 8-10; II Corinthians 11:6; II Corinthians 12:1-7; Ephesians 3:14-19; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 2:2-3; I John 2:5-6; I John 4:2.6; and I John 5:2, 20. Q. LEADERSHIP... This gift from God is the ability to set goals which are compatible with God's purposes for the future and to communicate these goals to others in a way which motivates them to voluntarily and agreeably work together to accomplish those goals so that God receives the glory. Exodus 19:13-26; Luke 9:51; Acts 6:2-4; Acts 7:10; Acts 15:7-12; Romans 12:8; I Thessalonians 5:12; I Timothy 5:17; Titus 2:4-5, 12, 14; and Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24. R. MERCY... This gift from God is the ability to feel genuine compassion and empathy for people as they suffer physical, mental, or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds which alleviate the suffering and reflect Christ's love. Matthew 15:21-28; Matthew 20:29-40; Matthew 25:34-40; Mark 9:41; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 10:33-35; Luke 17:11-14; Acts 9:36-42; Acts 11:28-30; Acts 16:33-34; Romans 12:8; Galatians 6: 10; I Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 13:15-16; James 1:27; and James 2:14-17. S. MIRACLES... This gift from God is the ability to act as human intermediary for God to perform powerful acts that are perceived by other people as to have altered the ordinary workings of nature. Matthew 14:28-32; Mark 4:39-41; Luke 10:17-20; John 2:18; John 4:48; John 6:30; John 20:30; Acts 2:22; Acts 6:8; Acts 9:36-42; Acts 13:9-12; Acts 14:8-10; Acts 15:12; Acts 19:11-20; Acts 20:7-12; Romans 15:18-19; I Corinthians 12:10, 28; II Corinthians 12:12; and Hebrews 2:1-4. T. MISSIONARY... This gift from God is the ability to use your other spiritual gifts in another culture. Acts 8:4; Acts 9:15; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:21-28; Acts 22:21; Romans 10:15; I Corinthians 9:19-23; Galatians 2:7-14; and Ephesians 3:1-9. U. MUSICIANSHIP... This gift of God is the ability to use one's voice or musical talent to the praise, joy, and benefit of God and others. Deuteronomy 31:22; I Samuel 16:16; I Chronicles 16:41-42; II Chronicles 5:12-13; II Chronicles 34:12; and Psalm 150. V. PASTORING (SHEPHERDING)... This gift of God is the ability to take on long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers. This involves the guiding, feeding and protecting of the group. John 10:1-18; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28-31; Ephesians 4:11-14; I Thessalonians 5:12; I Timothy 3:1-7; I Timothy 4:11-16; Titus 1:5-7; Hebrews 13:7, 17, 20; and I Peter 5:1-3. W. PROPHECY... This gift of God is the ability to receive an immediate message of God to His people though divinely anointed utterances and/or the Word of God and to communicate the revelation of God for correction and edification of the Body according to the will of God. Exodus 7:1-2; Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-22; Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 24:11, 24; Luke 7:26; Acts 2:37-40; Acts 3:20-23; Acts 7:54; Acts 13:1; Acts 15:32; Acts 17:32-34; Acts 21:9-11; Acts 26:24-29; Romans 12:6; I Corinthians 12:10, 28-29; I Corinthians 14:1, 3, 24-25, 29-33, 39; Ephesians 3:5; Ephesians 4:11-14; I Thessalonians 1:5; II Peter 1:19-21; II Peter 2:1-3; I John 4:1-3; and Revelation 13:11-17. X. SERVICE... This gift from God is the ability to identify unmet needs involved in tasks related to God's work, and the making use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired results. Mark 1:13; Luke 10:40; Luke 22:22-27; John 2:59; Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:6-7; II Corinthians 8:19-20; Galatians 6:2, 10; Philippians 2:19-22; II Timothy 1:16-18; Titus 3:14; and Hebrews 1:14. Y. TEACHING... This gift from God is the ability to learn and communicate Biblical truth relevant to the health and ministry of the Body and its members in such a manner that others are motivated to apply what they hear to their lives. Luke 2:46; John 6:45; Acts 18:24-28; Acts 20:20-21; Romans 12:6-7; Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 4:17; I Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:11-14; Timothy 1:3-4; I Timothy 3:2; I Timothy 4:16; I Timothy 5:17; II Timothy 2:24-26; II Timothy 3:15-17; II Timothy 4:2-3; Titus 1:9-16; and Hebrews 5:12-14. Z. TONGUES/LANGUAGES... This gift of God is the ability to speak a divinely anointed message in a language in which they have never trained or learned. Mark 16:17; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 10:24-28, and 44-46; Acts 19:1-7; Romans 8:26-27; I Corinthians 12:10, 28, 30; I Corinthians 14:3-5, 13-19, 22, 39; and Ephesians 6:18. AA. VOLUNTARY POVERTY... This gift of God is the ability to go without material comfort and luxury and take on a personal life-style equal to those living at a much lower economic level in order to serve God. This spiritual gift is frequently found associated with the gift of giving. Matthew 8:20; Mark 10:17-23; Luke 12:33-34; Luke 14:33; Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-37; I Corinthians 4:11; I Corinthians 13:1-3; II Corinthians 6:10; II Corinthians 8:1-4, 9; II Corinthians 11:27; Philippians 4:11-12; and Revelation 2:9. BB. WISDOM... This gift of God is the ability to know the mind of the Holy Spirit so that he/she receives insight into how given knowledge may be best applied to specific needs that arise in the Body of Christ. Genesis 41:16, 37-39; Exodus 36:1-2; Deuteronomy 34:9; I Kings 3:55-28; Proverbs 2:6-7; the entire Book of Proverbs; Luke 2:40-52; Acts 5:1-11; I Corinthians 1:24, 30; I Corinthians 2:1-13: I Corinthians 12:7-8; II Timothy 3:15; James 1:5-8; James 3:13-18; and II Peter 3:15-16. CC. WRITING... This gift from God is the ability to state clearly thoughts and ideas in meaningful written forms so that readers can find courage, edification, guidance, and/or knowledge through the words shared with them. Psalm 45:1; Acts 15:19-20; Philippians 3:1; I Timothy 3:14-15; and Jude 3. Pray and ask God to help you discern your giftedness. Most usually it is in areas you already love and find delight. Who am I? I'M SPECIAL!

Praise God for me! And I praise God for YOU!!!
I'M SPECIAL!
I'm special. In all the world there's nobody like me. Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person like me. Nobody has my smile. Nobody has my eyes, my nose, my hair, my hands, my voice. I'm special. No one can be found who has my handwriting. Nobody anywhere has my tastes... for food or music or art. No one sees things just as I do. In all the time there's been, no one laughs like me and no one cries like me. And what makes me laugh and cry will never provoke identical laughter and tears from anybody else, ever! No one reacts to any situation just as I would react. I'm special. I'm the only one in all of creation who has my set of abilities. Oh, there will always be someone who is better at one of the things I'm good at, but no one in the universe can reach the quality of my combination of talents, ideas, abilities, and feelings. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may feel alone, but none can match the symphony sound when all are played together. I'm a symphony. I'm special. Through all of eternity no one will ever look, talk, walk, think or do things like me. I'm special. I'm rare. I will accept- yes celebrate- my differences. I'm special. And I'm beginning to see that God made me special for a very special purpose. He must have a job for me that no one else can do as well. Out of all the billions of applicants, only one is qualified... only one has the right combination of what it takes. That one is me. Because... I'm special. Author Unknown We are each "real" people with likes and dislikes and peculiar ways of doing things and relating to other people. You can look through the entire Bible and you will NOT find any two people exactly alike. All people are unique. Even the great Bible heroes or people of faith are all different. Finding your areas of giftedness will help you appreciate and love the unique being that God created. Recognize that this is an area where we can grow and mature. Often we want to be "just like" someone else. But this is NOT why God created us. He created each of us to be unique and special people. He didn't need to make two exact copies of anyone.
God made you. You are special. You have a purpose.
If these words are difficult for you to accept, then we pray that you would take just a few moments right now and ask God to help you step out in faith to believe. Even if you have a few doubts, speak these words out loud. Say them to yourself and possibly say them to a friend. These are words of Truth. Speak them with your pronoun or incorporate your name.
God made me. I am special. I have a purpose.
Compare your giftedness with your personality type. The four major personalities are presented on the following pages.
TRUTH
Here is Truth...
God created you in a very special and unique way. This means you have a special and unique purpose. No one else is you. No one else can fulfill your purpose. No one can do exactly what you're supposed to do. God created and purposed you; don't you think God is committed to helping you? As you read the following pages and discover more about this person God has created, remember commitment is defined as a binding promise or pledge. To entrust or consign to custody or safety, implying trust and confidence. Often it's an official or legal pledge to do something. God has given you the tools... will you commit to using them? It is God Himself who has made us, and the promise is that He has made us for a purpose! Male and female, He has created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), according to His plan (Jeremiah 29:11). For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10.) God Himself, the Creator of all, has chosen human beings, mankind, to fulfill His plan and purpose. And He gives us the tools necessary to "do the job"! All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17, NIV.) "Take my life and let it be, Consecrated, Lord, to thee; Take my hands and let them move, At the impulse of Thy love, At the impulse of Thy love."⁴ Bible college student Steve Fader shares his fears about using God's gifts. "What would happen if after thoughtful consideration...? What if I boldly move out, throw caution to the wind, and act confident that God is my strength and provider?" Yes, what would happen if we boldly stepped out without any fear? What would you be doing if you weren't afraid? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ What would you be doing for God if you weren't afraid? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Failure can be the very beginning of success! But if you are afraid of failure... then what happens? NOTHING! If we could give encouragement here, it would be this: Acknowledge who you are and recognize that God has made you very special. People have studied "personalities" for centuries. This is a topic in which everyone seems to have an interest. Hippocrates in the first century, developed the "traditional" typing of temperaments or personality. Choleric, phlegmatic, sanguine, and melancholy are the four words he used for personalities and temperaments.
WHICH WAY ARE YOU BENT? The "DISC" Approach⁵ D = Dominant. This person is represented by the LION.⁶ Ready to take charge and not afraid. A choleric personality.⁷ I = Influencer. This person is represented by the OTTER. Able to energize any organization. A sanguine personality. S = Steady. This person is represented by the GOLDEN RETRIEVER. Smooth, moderate and dependable in disposition. A phlegmatic personality. C = Compliant. This person is represented by the BEAVER. Hard working for top quality. A Melancholy personality. D = Dominant.
This person is represented by the LION. The dominant personality is ready to take charge and not afraid. Typically called the choleric personality. Solomon and Paul were two biblical examples of the dominant personality profile. What motivates this personality type? The "DOMINANT" personality is motivated by GOALS! "Give me something BIG to do!" This person is "set-a-flame" by ideas and visions. Accomplishing something bigger than hoped motivates the dominant personality to succeed when others would probably fail. What scares this personality type? The "DOMINANT" personality is fearful of NOT HAVING A CHALLENGE! The world and personal life lose all purpose if there is not a dream to achieve. So boredom might be the biggest fear for such a person. What is the leadership style for this personality? The "DOMINANT" personality is AUTOCRATIC IN LEADERSHIP STYLE! This person likes to take charge and accomplish something. Watch out! Get out of the way! Or get busy and help me now. "There is something I have to do, so stand aside or come over here and do this." What type of church draws this personality? The "DOMINANT" personality is drawn to a church with a TASK AND VISION. The dominant personality loves the challenge of working on a job that might seem impossible to others. What is this personality looking for? The "DOMINANT" personality is looking for A BIG JOB! Overcoming obstacles and shaping something BIG brings major satisfaction to this person. What is the sensitivity level for this personality? The "DOMINANT" personality EXHIBITS LOW SENSITIVITY to other people. The dreams and visions that motivate and shape this person are what are important. With a high orientation to goals, other peoples' feelings are sometimes of little importance.
I = Influencer.
This person is represented by the OTTER. The influencer personality is able to energize any organization. Typically called the sanguine personality. Peter is a biblical example of the influencer personality. What motivates this personality type? The "INFLUENCER" personality is motivated by PEOPLE! People and their relationships are of utmost importance to this personality type. Alliances and involvement with many people is valued. "PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE" could be the influencer's motto. What scares this personality type? The "INFLUENCER" personality is FEARFUL OF PEER PRESSURE! What other people think, and how they therefore respond, are vitally important. Non-acceptance by others can cause the influencer to flounder and then lose momentum, possibly leading into disorganization and loss of the energy or enthusiasm to continue. What is the leadership style for this personality? The "INFLUENCER" personality is DEMOCRATIC! What does the group or church want to do? The influencer will listen and then lead. "We can do it! YES!" What type of church draws this personality? The "INFLUENCER" personality is drawn to CELEBRATION. They look for churches that worship with enthusiasm and offer vibrant praises to God. What is this personality looking for? The "INFLUENCER" personality is looking for A BIG CROWD. Somewhere they can help to shape and then see results. Excitement and invigorating circumstances keep this personality going. What is the sensitivity level for this personality? The "INFLUENCER" personality exhibits HIGH SENSITIVITY to others. People are very important, but sometimes there is talk and not action.
S = Steady.
This person is represented by the GOLDEN RETRIEVER. The steady personality is smooth, moderate and dependable in disposition. Typically called the phlegmatic personality. Abraham is a biblical example of the steady personality. What motivates this personality type? The "STEADY" personality is motivated by TASKS! By cooperating with others, the steady person is able to go the long distance and will usually be successful. The job will be completed with diligent persistence. What scares this personality type? The "STEADY" personality is fearful of CHANGE. When things become different, it brings unknown aspects into reality. Instability is uncomfortable and may cause the person to slow "way down" for processing time. Co-dependent traits are often present: an inability to say "NO". What is the leadership style for this personality? The "STEADY" personality is PARTICIPATORY. Such people like to be involved and because they seek harmony in relationship, they will generally be adaptive and try to please others. What type of church draws this personality? The "STEADY" personality is drawn to an INTIMATE church. A place where they can feel "at home" and know everyone, but also where they can be known and seen as valuable to the community of Believers. What is this personality looking for? The "STEADY" personality is looking for a LITTLE CROWD. Somewhere they can be accepted and valued without too much stress. Cooperating with others brings much pleasure and satisfaction. What is the sensitivity level for this personality? The "STEADY" personality exhibits HIGH SENSITIVITY. People are very important even though they can stay focused on a specific task.
C = Compliant.
This person is represented by the BEAVER. Hard working for top quality. Typically called the melancholy personality. Moses is a biblical example of the compliant personality. What motivates this personality type? The "COMPLIANT" personality is motivated by QUALITY! Doing a job is not enough: it must be well done. What scares this personality type? The "COMPLIANT" personality is fearful of criticism and may personalize everything to feel "totally" inadequate. It is nearly impossible to just be a person, a "human being". The "doing" cannot easily be separated. A person is valued for their work. What is the leadership style for this personality? The "COMPLIANT" personality is BUREAUCRATIC. Everything must be done "by the book" and following all the rules. What type of church draws this personality? The "COMPLIANT" personality is drawn to a church with ORGANIZED STRUCTURE. Because of the importance of doing something "right", it will be important to this person that their church follows the rules and proceeds with God's interests in a "proper" manner. What is this personality looking for? The "COMPLIANT" personality is looking for LITTLE JOBS! Promoting quality programs regardless of circumstances may be better than how many people are reached. What is the sensitivity level for this personality? The "COMPLIANT" personality exhibits LOW SENSITIVITY to other people. This person really values quality and often this can be seen in perfectionism.
CHAPTER ONE NOTES ¹ Fawcett, John. Bless be the Tie that Binds. Verses 1 and 2. ² Glossary of Nautical Terms. 2004. (Circa 1814). www.psych.edu.au/vbb/woronora/maritime/Glossary.html ³ Guralnik, David, Editor. 1974. Webster's New World Dictionary, Second College Edition. New York: William Collins World Publishing Company, Inc. pg 683. ⁴ Havergal, Frances R. Lyricist. "Take My Life and Let It Be". Verse 1. ⁵ Marston, William. The DISC Theory of Personality. www.disc.com ⁶ Smalley, Gary (1996). Making Love Last Forever. Dallas: Word Publishing. This author takes the four temperaments and makes them easy to understand by likening them to animals. ⁷ Hippocrates. Developed in the first century, this is the "traditional" typing of temperaments. Choleric, phlegmatic, sanguine, and melancholy are the four other words used for personalities and temperaments.

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