Liberation Lunes: September 16, 2024
This past Saturday, I had the humbling opportunity to moderate Calm Within for the third time at Grace Church, a panel designed by our Mental Wellness Ministry to uplift and guide our community. But this event wasn’t just another task on my calendar—it was a heart-stirring reminder of why stepping out in faith and embracing the spiritual gifts God gives us is so crucial, even when fear or uncertainty creeps in. For months, I felt this ministry pressing on my heart, but I kept pushing it aside. After joining Grace Church, I wasn’t ready to engage fully. After 18 years at a previous church rife with spiritually illiterate leadership, spiritual abuse, and deep church hurt, I was done with church life and the hypocrisy I witnessed. But here’s the hard truth: I was one of them. We all are. We’re all imperfect humans in need of grace. That’s why we need Jesus—not as a crutch for perfection, but as a lifeline for our brokenness.
Eventually, I couldn’t ignore God’s call any longer. I reached out to the pastors, who encouraged me to move forward with the ministry. Fast forward to this past Saturday, and we’ve hosted three events so far, with plans to expand. You see, the church isn’t supposed to be a place where the perfect gather—it’s a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints!
Many of us hesitate to serve after being hurt by the church and some leave the church altogether -- I understand that all too well. There was a time when I stood on the sidelines, disillusioned by the hypocrisy I witnessed. Even now, I sometimes find myself frustrated when Christians fall short of Christ’s teachings. But throughout my journey, God has reminded me that the spiritual gifts He gives us aren’t meant to sit idle. When frustration begins to creep in, I’ve learned to lean into prayer and let go of judgment. These gifts—yours and mine—are meant to bless others, build up God’s kingdom, and deepen our walk with Christ.
In this picture, you see a group of licensed Christian mental health counselors gathered at this past Saturday’s Calm Within Mental Wellness Ministry event at Grace Church. Pastor Samuel Herrera of the Spanish Ministry prayed over us as we stood together in unity, coming from different denominations and cultures, but all driven by the same mission. Many of us volunteer at events like this because we understand the transformative power of using our spiritual gifts to serve the community. Through these acts of service, we not only strengthen our faith, but also enhance our own mental health by living out our purpose: to Love God and Love Others.
And remember—you don’t have to be a licensed anything to serve the church, just be willing!
Why Use Your Spiritual Gifts?
As a therapist who has seen both sides of church involvement—being a disengaged observer and an active participant—I’ve come to realize the incredible impact of using your spiritual gifts. You see, we’re not called to sit on the sidelines. Romans 12:6-8 reminds us:
“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; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 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.”
This verse encourages us to embrace our unique gifts and use them to serve others, not for personal recognition, but to glorify God. But how do you know what your gifts are?
Finding Your Spiritual Gifts with SHAPE
One tool I often recommend is the SHAPE test, which stands for Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. This holistic framework helps you uncover how God has uniquely created you to serve. Understanding these five areas can guide you in finding the right place to use your gifts within the church.
• Spiritual gifts: Talents given by God to build His church.
• Heart: Your passions and what drives you.
• Abilities: Your natural talents and skills.
• Personality: How you interact with others and the world around you.
• Experiences: Your life journey, and how it has shaped your ability to serve.
If you haven’t taken the SHAPE test yet, you can access it here. Taking this test is a great starting point in discovering where God might be calling you to serve, and it’s a resource I often use with my clients.
Practical Tips for Serving the Church
Once you have a better understanding of your gifts, it’s time to put them into practice. Here are some practical steps:
1. Start Small: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of serving, start small. You don’t have to lead a ministry to make an impact. Volunteering at an event, joining a prayer team, or offering to mentor someone in your church are all meaningful ways to get involved.
2. Check Your Motives: It’s easy to fall into the trap of serving for personal recognition or to feed your own ego. Remember, the gifts God gives us are not for us, but for His glory. Stay grounded by regularly praying and seeking God’s guidance.
3. Avoid Overcommitting: Sometimes, people get so involved in church activities that they burn out. It’s important to discern what God is asking you to do, rather than saying yes to everything. This is especially true if you’ve experienced church hurt or witnessed narcissism within church leadership. Focus on serving from a place of humility and love, not obligation.
Spiritual First Aid: A Framework for Helping Others
One of the most transformative tools for both personal and community healing is Spiritual First Aid. This biblically grounded, trauma-informed approach teaches believers how to care for others in times of emotional and spiritual crisis. Their BLESS CPR framework is designed to guide you in addressing the most pressing needs of those around you:
• Belonging: Helping others feel connected and valued.
• Livelihood: Addressing practical needs like finances or health.
• Emotional support: Offering a listening ear or comforting presence.
• Safety: Recognizing when someone is in immediate danger or distress.
• Spiritual needs: Helping others find purpose and meaning, especially in times of struggle.
If you want to learn more about becoming a “spiritual first responder,” you can explore their online courses here .
CBT for Anxiety in Christian Service
If stepping into service feels daunting, remember that it’s okay to have reservations. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques can help you manage the anxiety that often comes with stepping into a new role. Here are a few strategies:
• Identify and Challenge Negative Thoughts: What thoughts are holding you back? Are you telling yourself you’re not good enough or that you might fail? Replace those thoughts with God’s promises. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Trust that God will equip you for the work He calls you to.
• Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps: If serving in a big capacity feels overwhelming, start by serving once a month or taking on smaller responsibilities. Every step counts.
• Focus on Facts, Not Feelings: Feelings of inadequacy are normal, but they aren’t facts. God has uniquely gifted you for a reason. Trust that your gifts are valuable and needed in the body of Christ.
Volunteering and Mental Health
Serving others has not only spiritual benefits but also mental health ones. Research shows that volunteering can improve mental well-being by increasing life satisfaction, reducing depression, and boosting overall happiness. According to the Journal of Happiness Studies, those who volunteer regularly experience greater purpose in life and are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Serving shifts your focus from your own struggles to the needs of others, which can foster a deep sense of fulfillment.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts, thankful for the gifts You’ve given us. Help us to recognize these gifts and use them to serve others with humility and love. Lord, give us the courage to step out in faith, knowing that You will equip us for every good work. Guide us to serve not for our own glory, but to bring honor to Your name. Strengthen us in our moments of doubt and remind us that through You, we can do all things.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
In Service, Faith, Hope, and Love,
Diana
P.S. Remember, you’re never alone. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply trying to find your purpose, spiritual counseling is available. Let’s work together to discover the gifts God has placed in you.
#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #MentalWellness #WellnessJourney #HolisticHealing #EmotionalHealth #CBT #TherapyWorks #AnxietyRelief #DepressionSupport #SelfCare #SelfHelp #Resilience #TherapistLife #MindBodySoul #HealingJourney #CommunityHealing #SpiritualGifts #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #ChristianMentalHealth #ChurchCommunity #BiblicalTruth #FaithOverFear #FaithInAction #ServeTheChurch #ChristianWellness #JesusHeals #SpiritualGrowth #ServeOthers #ChristCentered #JesusLovesYou #WalkWithChrist #ScriptureOfTheDay #FindingPurpose #SpiritualFirstAid #SpiritualHealing #SHAPETest #PurposeDrivenLife #DiscoverYourCalling #GiftsOfTheSpirit #MentalHealthAndFaith #ChristianTherapist #ServingTheKingdom #BoostMentalHealth #KingdomWork #ServeWithPurpose #EmotionalSupportInChurch #HealingThroughService #SouthFloridaTherapist #DeerfieldBeachTherapist #FloridaMentalHealth #BocaRatonTherapy #PompanoBeachTherapy #NewBlogPost #ReadTheBlog #BlogForMentalHealth #MentalHealthBlog #ChristianBloggers #FaithBasedBlog
And now for the disclaimer to make sure you understand that YOU are responsible for YOU:
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Liberation Lunes is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The views expressed on this blog are my personal opinions and do not represent the views of any professional organizations with which I am affiliated. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) immediately. Liberation Lunes does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the blog. Reliance on any information provided by Liberation Lunes, others appearing on the blog at the invitation of Liberation Lunes, or other visitors to the blog is solely at your own risk.
Confidentiality Notice:
If you choose to engage with Liberation Lunes by commenting or posting and you are a client, please be aware that you may be revealing information that could compromise your confidentiality. Remember that disclosing your identity or personal details can be linked to your clinical material. As a therapist, I am bound by confidentiality and will not respond to any disclosures of this nature on this blog. I am committed to upholding the ethics and confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship, which extends to all forms of communication, following the laws and professional guidelines that govern mental health professionals. Your privacy is of utmost importance, and you are responsible for protecting it when interacting on this platform or any other public forum.
Comments