S.H.A.P.E.: Why Every Gift Matters in the Church
The Holy Spirit unites diverse believers into one body under Christ. Discover how your unique SHAPE reveals the calling God prepared just for you.
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One Body with Many Members
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves[d] or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts,[e] yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
And I will show you a still more excellent way.
Discovering Your Place in the Body of Christ
The Corinthian church struggled with pride. Some members elevated certain spiritual gifts above others, particularly speaking in tongues, creating division rather than unity. The Apostle Paul’s correction in 1 Corinthians 12 addresses this directly: spiritual gifts exist to build up the body of Christ, not to inflate individual egos.
The congregation was enamored with flashy, visible gifts while dismissing others as less spiritual. This threatened the unity the Holy Spirit had created among them. The Apostle Paul’s response in chapter 12 laid the theological foundation for understanding how spiritual gifts function and why every member matters equally.
The Holy Spirit Creates Unity
The Apostle Paul’s fundamental assertion is that “in one spirit we were all baptized into one body, Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and all were made to drink of one spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). This would have been radical in first-century Corinth. Jews and Greeks had different religious backgrounds. Slaves and free persons occupied different social strata. Yet the Holy Spirit had made them one body, erasing distinctions the world considered most important.
The Holy Spirit binds the church together. This is real, spiritual unity created by God Himself. Before Jesus ascended, He told His disciples it was better for Him to go so He could send the Holy Spirit, who would empower them for God’s mission (John 16:7). The disciples couldn’t imagine how losing Jesus’ physical presence could be better. Still, Jesus knew the Spirit’s indwelling presence in every believer would accomplish far more than His localized physical presence could.
When Jesus commissioned the church, He told them they would be His witnesses “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). But He immediately instructed them to wait. They weren’t to rush into ministry unprepared or in their own strength. They needed the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the Spirit came and filled them with power, boldness to preach, and His abiding presence (Acts 2:1-4). [READ MORE: Setting the Stage for the Holy Spirit]
This pattern continues today. As we seek God in worship and prayer, His Spirit fills us with His presence, peace, joy, and love. The unity of the church isn’t something we manufacture through programs or personalities; instead, it’s the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit binding believers together across every human barrier.
There is one church, one faith, one baptism, one Lord (Ephesians 4:4-5). Though we divide ourselves into denominations over theological differences, only one church exists with one head: Jesus Christ. Our traditions may have value, but they must never eclipse the fundamental truth that all believers belong to one another because we belong to Christ.
[READ MORE: 5 Ways the Holy Spirit Helps Us]
God Designs Diversity for Unity
The Apostle Paul’s second major emphasis is diversity within the body. We all have different gifts to encourage, support, and teach one another. These differences aren’t accidents—they’re intentional, purposeful, and by God’s design. He intends for us to use our differences cooperatively to fulfill His mission. [READ MORE: How Do We Move With God’s Agenda For Our Lives]
The Apostle Paul used the human body as an extended metaphor. He imagined body parts complaining: “If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body” (1 Corinthians 12:15). This seemingly absurd scenario captured exactly what was happening in Corinth. Some believers were essentially saying, “Because I don’t have the gift of tongues, I’m not really part of the body.” Others claimed, “Because I have these visible gifts, I don’t need those with less impressive gifts.”
Both attitudes were equally destructive. The Apostle Paul asked, “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?” (1 Corinthians 12:17). A body made entirely of one part would be grotesque and useless. Beauty and functionality come from coordinated diversity, meaning many parts, each fulfilling its unique function.
Then the Apostle Paul made a shocking statement:
“On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor.” 1 Corinthians 12:22-23
In Corinth, as in our culture, people valued the visible and spectacular. But the Apostle Paul insisted the “weaker” and “less honorable” parts are actually indispensable—impossible to do without. The very gifts the Corinthians dismissed as unimportant were essential for the body to function.
The theological foundation is this: “He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:18).
Jesus is the head, meaning He’s our authority and director. Just as the brain controls the nervous system and coordinates body parts, Jesus directs us in His mission, in how we care for one another, and in how we engage the world with the gospel.
Problems emerge when members view their gifts pridefully and see their roles as self-directed rather than Christ-directed. When we operate independently, pursuing our own agendas rather than submitting to Christ’s headship, we create dysfunction. A hand refusing to coordinate with the arm is useless. An eye that won’t work with the brain is dangerous. Believers who refuse to submit to Christ’s authority and coordinate with other members become ineffective at best, destructive at worst.
[READ MORE: Essentials for Building a Spirit-Filled Church]
Understanding How God Has Shaped You
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
God has uniquely fashioned each of us for specific purposes. The Greek word for “workmanship” is poiema—poem. We are God’s poem, His masterpiece. He has crafted each of us with intentionality and purpose.
The SHAPE framework helps believers identify their calling: Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences.
S: Spiritual Gifts
These are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit for building the body. The Apostle Paul listed several:
“God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28
Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 provide additional lists. These gifts aren’t earned or developed; instead, they’re given freely by God’s grace. The Holy Spirit distributes them “as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). We don’t choose our gifts; God chooses them based on His perfect knowledge of how He wants to use us. Comparison and envy are inappropriate.
[READ MORE: Why Spiritual Gifts Matter]
H: Heart
This refers to passions and burdens God has placed within us. Some have hearts for the poor and marginalized. Others burn for children’s ministry, worship, discipleship, or missions.
Psalm 37:4 shares, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” As we draw close to God, He places desires in our hearts that align with His purposes. The passions we feel are often God revealing our calling.
A: Abilities
These are natural talents and skills. God wastes nothing. Abilities developed throughout your life, whether in business, arts, construction, teaching, or administration, can be redeemed for kingdom purposes.
Romans 12:6 tells us, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” God gives both spiritual gifts and natural abilities, and both should be consecrated to His service.
P: Personality
This reflects how God has wired you. Some are encouragers who thrive one-on-one. Others are teachers who excel at communicating truth to groups. Some lead boldly while others serve behind the scenes. Some are mercy-driven and sensitive to pain; others are truth-driven and concerned with justice.
God uses all personality types. The body needs both prophets who speak hard truths and pastors who bind wounds. We need visionary leaders and detail-oriented administrators. We need extroverts who energize rooms and introverts who think deeply and listen well.
E: Experiences
“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
This will include both joys and pains of your life story. God redeems our experiences for specific ministry. Those who’ve walked through addiction can minister to addicts with unique credibility. Those who’ve suffered loss can comfort others with the comfort they received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Those who’ve experienced financial hardship can serve the poor with empathy. Those who’ve been reconciled after broken relationships can help others pursue reconciliation.
Your story —meaning all of it, including the painful chapters —is part of how God has prepared you. Nothing is wasted.
Where Your Gifts Meet Real Needs
God’s mission for you can be visualized as three concentric circles representing the intersection of divine calling, spiritual gifting, and human need.
Surrendering to Christ’s Authority
The innermost circle is foundational: recognizing Jesus is Lord and surrendering to His authority. Every missionary journey, every ministry calling, every act of service begins here. This is where we say with Jesus, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Without this foundation of submission, our gifts become instruments of our own glory rather than God’s. [READ MORE: Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit]
What Needs Surround Me
The second circle asks: What needs are around me? This requires opening our eyes to see what God sees—noticing the broken, hurting, lost, and marginalized. It means becoming aware of injustice, suffering, spiritual darkness, and human need. Jesus looked at the crowds and “had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). We must develop this compassionate awareness.
God-Given Talents
The third circle asks: What gifts and talents has God given me? How has He uniquely equipped me through my SHAPE?
Your Mission
Where these circles intersect—your gifts and the world’s needs—that’s your mission. That’s what God has specifically called you to. This intersection isn’t accidental. God has been preparing you your entire life for the ministry He’s calling you to now.
This represents a shift from how many churches operate. Too often, a small percentage of members stay highly active while the majority sit passively. But Scripture teaches that every believer is gifted, every believer has a calling, and every believer has a role in the body. When churches help every member identify their SHAPE and find where their gifts meet real needs, extraordinary kingdom fruitfulness results.
Step Into Your Calling
How do you move from understanding these principles to living them out? How do you identify your specific calling and step into the role God has prepared?
Step 1: Self-Assessment and Prayer
The first step is to set aside time for honest self-assessment and prayer.
Consider the ministries your church engages in. What internal congregational ministries and external ministries within your community and the world stand out to you?
Examine your SHAPE carefully. Where do your spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences align with genuine needs? That alignment is God’s invitation to you.
Set aside time to prayerfully work through each element. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how He’s gifted you. Seek counsel from mature believers who know you well. Be honest about what energizes and drains you. Pay attention to where you’ve seen fruit.
Step 2: Acknowledge God’s Calling For Your Life
Recognize that God may call you to serve in an existing ministry or to start something new. Both callings are equally valid and necessary. Established ministries need faithful workers serving consistently. New ministries need pioneers stepping out in faith to address unmet needs.
If you sense God calling you to something new, don’t dismiss it as presumptuous. The church must continually adapt to meet emerging needs. Isaiah 43:19 shares, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Your burden for a particular ministry may be God calling you to launch something that will bless many and glorify His name.
Step 3: Don’t Wait for Perfect Clarity to Take Action
Faith requires risk. If you wait until you feel completely ready, you’ll never move.
Abraham went out “not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).
Moses objected that he couldn’t speak well, but God sent him anyway (Exodus 4:10-13).
Gideon needed repeated reassurance (Judges 6-7).
When it comes to taking a new step in life, start small and experiment, such as:
Volunteer with an existing ministry.
Take a short-term missions trip.
Teach a class for one quarter.
Lead a small group for a season.
Action creates clarity that analysis cannot provide.
Step 4: Build a Team & Invite Others to Join
God rarely calls people to ministry in isolation. When the Apostle Paul was called to missionary work, Barnabas came alongside him. When Jesus sent out His disciples, He sent them in pairs (Mark 6:7). When Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls, he organized the entire community (Nehemiah 3).
Look for others who share your burden and complement your gifts. Partner with people whose strengths cover your weaknesses. The body functions best when diverse gifts work together cooperatively.
[READ MORE: Living a Spirit-Filled Life]
The More Excellent Way
The Apostle Paul concluded with rhetorical questions:
“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” 1 Corinthians 12:29-30
The expected answer to each is “no.” Not everyone has the same gifts, and that’s exactly as it should be. God has distributed gifts as He wills to create a diverse, interdependent body.
Then, verse 31, the Apostle Paul added: “But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). The “more excellent way” is love, elaborated in chapter 13. This isn’t an afterthought, but it’s essential context for everything about spiritual gifts.
Without love, even impressive spiritual gifts become “a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). You can prophesy with perfect accuracy, understand all mysteries, possess mountain-moving faith, give away everything, and even surrender your body to be burned, but without love, it profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2-3). Gifts must be exercised in love—love for God and love for one another—or they lose their value and miss their purpose entirely.
The Apostle Paul emphasized that God designed the body “that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:25-26). Gifts exist to build up the body in love, not create competition or hierarchy. When one member hurts, we all hurt. When one member celebrates, we all celebrate. This is the mutual care and interdependence that should characterize Christ’s body.
The Corinthians had turned gifts into badges of status and sources of pride. They used their gifts to create divisions and establish their own importance. The Apostle Paul insisted that this completely contradicted the purpose of spiritual gifts. Gifts are given by grace to serve others in love. The moment we use our gifts to elevate ourselves or diminish others, we pervert their purpose and grieve the Spirit who gave them.
You Are God’s Masterpiece
We are God’s masterpiece, His poiema—“created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Before you were born, God had already prepared specific good works for you. He fashioned you with particular gifts, passions, abilities, personality traits, and experiences precisely because He knew what He was calling you to do.
God takes great pride in who He created you to be. You’re not a cosmic accident or random collection of attributes. You’re His intentional creation, designed for His purposes. He wants you to embrace this design, surrender fully to Him, and engage wholeheartedly in the mission He’s given you.
This requires bold faith—faith to step into what God is calling you to be as an active member of His body. Faith to believe you have something valuable to offer. Faith to trust that God has equipped you for the work He’s calling you to do. Faith to take risks even when you feel inadequate.
Where there are differences among us, where there’s brokenness or broken relationships within the body, God calls us to pursue healing and reconciliation. He’s raising shepherds and people with gifts of healing and mercy to meet needs and bring restoration. We cannot function effectively as a body if we’re divided or wounded. Using our gifts rightly involves pursuing unity and peace with our brothers and sisters.
The church functions at its best when we’re united in our love for God and one another, with each member faithfully using their unique gifts to build up the whole body. This isn’t about personal glory or individual recognition. It’s about Jesus being preeminent, about His kingdom coming and His will being done on earth as it is in heaven.
You’re not an accident. Your gifts aren’t random. Your passions aren’t meaningless. Your personality isn’t a mistake. Your experiences, even the painful ones, haven’t been wasted. God has uniquely equipped you for kingdom work that only you can do in the way He designed you to do it.
The question isn’t whether you have a role in the body, because you absolutely do. The question isn’t whether you’re needed, because you certainly are. The question isn’t whether God has prepared good works for you, because He has.
The only real question is this: Will you step into the role God has prepared for you?
Before you answer that question, consider:
Will you take time to discern your SHAPE?
Will you prayerfully identify where your gifts intersect with real needs?
Will you have the courage to start something new if that’s what God is calling you to do?
Will you have the humility to faithfully serve in an existing ministry if that’s where you’re needed?
Will you exercise your gifts in love, building up the body rather than promoting yourself?
When we have genuine alignment between God’s will and our gifts, when we operate in our SHAPE under Christ’s headship and are motivated by love, we’ll see remarkable fruitfulness, not for our own glory, but for His. Not to build our own kingdoms, but to advance His. Not to make a name for ourselves, but to lift high the name of Jesus.
The body of Christ needs you. Your brothers and sisters need the gifts God placed in you. The world needs the ministry you’re uniquely equipped to offer. God has been preparing you for this your entire life. The harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few, and you’ve been called into the field (Matthew 9:37-38).
It’s time to discover your place in the body. It’s time to embrace how God has fashioned you. It’s time to step into your calling with bold faith and sacrificial love. The Head of the body is calling you. Will you answer?
TL;DR
The Spirit unites the church. Every believer—regardless of background or status—is joined into one body under Christ’s headship.
Diversity strengthens unity. God intentionally designed His church with many different gifts, each essential and interdependent.
You are uniquely shaped. Your spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences reveal the calling God prepared for you.
Love completes the design. When we use our gifts in love, the church flourishes and Christ is glorified through our unity and service.
