SHAPE: Gifted to Serve
Discover how your God-given design connects to meaningful service!
God created you on purpose, and for a purpose. But how do you begin to uncover what that looks like in your day-to-day life and ministry? This six week series is designed to help you reflect on how God has uniquely shaped you to make a meaningful impact through service. Using the S.H.A.P.E. framework from Erik Rees—Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences—you’ll walk through a practical and personal process of discovery.
Let your ministry be a reflection of your God-given shape. Whether you’re exploring ministry for the first time or seeking renewed direction, this series will help you clarify your strengths, passions and place in God’s mission. Each week includes a short video from Erik Rees followed by discussion in a relaxed group setting. Reading the book is encouraged, but you’ll gain value simply by participating in the weekly gatherings. If you miss a session, you’re encouraged to read that week’s chapter and reach out to Pastor Rob with any questions.
Details:
- Start Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
- Time: 6:30-8:00
- Location: Connections Church
- Led by: Pastor Rob Byker
- Who’s it for: High school students through adults
- What You’ll Need: the book SHAPE: Finding and Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life by Erik Rees will be provided and available at the welcome desk
Schedule:
Session One: Only You Can Be You – September 3
Discover how God created you as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This session lays the foundation for understanding your SHAPE—how your uniqueness is part of God’s intentional design for serving others.
Session Two: Unwrapping My Spiritual Gifts – September 10
Explore the spiritual gifts God has given you to build up the church and impact the world. Learn how to identify your gifts and begin thinking about how to use them in ways that feel natural and life-giving.
Session Three: Hearing My Heartbeat – September 17
What stirs your heart? What causes or people are you most drawn to? This session helps you uncover your God-given passions and how they point toward the kind of ministry that will energize you most.
(Break Week – September 24)
Session Four: Discovering My Natural Abilities – October 1
God uses more than just your spiritual gifts—He also works through your everyday talents and learned skills. This session guides you in recognizing your natural abilities and how they can serve a greater purpose.
Session Five: Recognizing My Personality – October 8
Your personality affects how you lead, relate, and serve. In this session, you’ll consider how God wired you to interact with others and how to serve in ways that fit your temperament.
Session Six: Understanding My Experiences – October 15
From life’s highs to its hardest moments, God uses your experiences to shape your ministry. This session helps you reflect on your personal story and see how God may want to use it to encourage others.