Strengths-Based Service

4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:4-8

In this passage, Paul teaches that each person in the body of Christ has been uniquely equipped with skills, gifts, and talents. We must embrace and use these gifts for the healthy functioning of the body. 

At Christian Chapel, we embrace this idea through strengths-based service. We believe that God has gifted every individual in multiple ways to participate in His kingdom. When we all commit to serving in the spaces that God has equipped us, we present a strong witness to the world of a healthy, loving, encouraging community of believers where every member is valued and needed.

Our gifts may be different, and that’s an excellent thing! The gifts God gives us are never in competition with each other; they are complimentary. As we serve in the areas that God has equipped us for, the body of Christ is strong and effective. 

We must continually grow in our appreciation for those who are gifted and called to different areas of service. We cannot become easily frustrated with other believers who have different callings, passions, or gifts. The Bible clearly teaches that every believer should do something with the gifts that God has given them, but the scriptures do not require that every believer should do everything. 

According to Romans 12, we each should serve according to our gifts and encourage each other in these areas. As the Holy Spirit helps you identify your gifts and strengths, I hope you will put them to work with joy and discipline. I also pray that you will encourage and celebrate others as they do the same.

Chris Dow

Lead Pastor

My name is Lindsey Douglas, and I joyfully volunteer as the Outreach Team Lead at Christian Chapel. My husband, Brandon, and I, along with our two young sons, have been members of Christian Chapel for almost three years. Christian Chapel has been an answer to our prayer for community for our whole family. We have been graciously welcomed into the lives of every member we encountered. It has been a natural process of getting more involved in serving inside and outside the church. 

When I was baptized twelve years ago, I prayed a specific prayer that God would give me a clear purpose for my life. God spoke to me through Matthew 4:19, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you a fisher of men.” Fireworks exploded in my heart as I felt God inviting me to wholeheartedly follow Him. I left my fishing net and have not looked back.

​Author Peter Kreeft writes, “The Church is not essentially an organization, but an organism. The Church is not Christ’s society but Christ’s Body,” reminding us how vital each organ and each body part is to the whole. Outreach is essential to the health and mission of the Church as Christ’s body moves outside its walls and into the city to accomplish God’s mission. 

Christian Chapel supports a variety of local outreaches in our local community. We partner with John 3:16 to serve the homeless, Welcomers International to aid refugee families, Good News Clubs to introduce the Gospel in after-school clubs, Crisis Pregnancy Outreach and Mend Medical Center to serve mothers and babies in unexpected or unplanned pregnancies, Adult & Teen Challenge to help men and women overcome addiction, and Jarman Elementary to support our neighborhood elementary school teachers and students. Each ministry provides a space for Christian Chapel members to use their gifts and strengths to be part of God’s presence in our community.

Sunday, November 3, is Outreach Sunday at Christian Chapel. Before and after each morning service, you can stop by the community space to learn more about these local ministries and how you can serve with them. It has been an honor to serve beside so many faithful leaders at Christian Chapel who have opened the doors for partnerships with these ministries. 

If you would like more information on the Outreach Team or any ministry listed above, you can email outreach@christianchapel.com. I hope you’ll take a few moments to visit a few of them on Sunday, November 3!

Where are you from?

Moss Beach, California

How long have you been at Christian Chapel?

3 months

Why do you serve, and what are your favorite part(s)?

I have always loved working with kids, working in childcare since I was 12 and volunteering in the children’s ministry, at my church back home in California. Over the years, God has revealed to me that he wants me to go into ministry working with children in at-risk communities, and serving with our church is a wonderful way in which God is preparing me for that work. My favorite parts of serving in children’s ministry are the connections I get to make and seeing the kids draw closer to God. It is an honor to take part in helping the little ones in preschool attend themselves to the truth of God’s Word and who He made them to be. I also love working under Pastor Amy, she has been a delightful supervisor and a wealth of knowledge and support. 

What does Jesus mean to you?

Jesus is my Savior! When I called out to him from my lost state, he heard my cry and lifted me out of my sin. Being Savior, Jesus is now the Lord of my life, my Peace, my Counselor, and my King. He is worthy of all my worship and obedience, and all I do in this life is done with the goal of bringing Him glory. Jesus is the Lamb both slain for the sins of the world and glorified, seated on the throne, and promised to return victorious. 

Where are you from?

Austin Texas

How long have you been at Christian Chapel?

A little over 2 years! I started attending and then serving during the first semester of my sophomore year!

Why do you serve and what are your favorite part(s)?
I serve because God gave me the heart to do so! I love helping people and being able to pour into teenagers is a big part of that. I want to help the generations coming after me to experience the love of Jesus! I had some great leaders who invested in me in high school, and I would love to be able to impact the teens at Christian Chapel in the same way! Youth Ministry is what I feel called to in the future, and I always have so much fun at Chapel Youth while I learn the ins and outs of Youth Ministry under Pastor Titus!

What does Jesus mean to you?
Jesus means everything to me! Without Him, I would have no purpose. He is where I find joy and peace that surpasses all understanding and I would not be who I am today without Him!