Everywhere we turn we are faced with choices. When it comes to finding our unique place of ministry, we must narrow down the wide array of choices that surround us. Finding our place of ministry may seem like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack, and it would be if we were on our own, but we’re not. Thankfully, we are surrounded by spiritual leaders, mentors, fellow believers, and most importantly, God who is most eager for us to find our own perfect place of ministry.

The age-old question “What is my purpose in life?” has been asked by the most brilliant minds as well as the simplest. We all seem to stumble over the question at some point in our lives. Many find the answer; many others simply keep asking the question. We can be confident, however, that those who are determined to find their perfect place of ministry can do so with God’s help.

Because each person is unique, from DNA to fingerprints, it’s reasonable to believe each of us has a place of ministry that is also uniquely personal. While we can fit into just about any area of ministry, we will produce the best fruit when we are operating within the sphere of our designed place of ministry.

If you are consistently frustrated instead of fulfilled, it is possible you are using the right gifts in the wrong place. My husband, who views his work as a place of ministry, recently became quite frustrated and unfulfilled with his job. Little by little the Lord began to show him that his place of ministry was about to change. He is now in the process of starting his own business in our local community. Knowing where to use your gifts is as important as knowing what they are.

Jesus knew what he was called to do because he spent much time with his Father. Jesus stayed focused on his calling and kept his full attention on the Father. He knew where he came from and where he was going (John 8:14). How many of us can say the same thing? And yet, we can be like him. It is possible to have a certainty that we are in the right place of ministry fulfilling God’s call on our lives.

Our place of ministry may or may not involve grand ideas or revolutionary missions. It may simply spring from a commitment to be faithful in even the most undervalued tasks. All are equally important and necessary.

Will we be content if our place of ministry is not what we expected it to be? Will we still serve willingly, joyfully, and with our whole hearts? When I felt the Lord leading me to homeschool our four daughters, it was the last thing I wanted to do. However, I was absolutely convinced it was what he wanted me to do—so I did. I am now in my eighth year of homeschooling, and am able to see the wisdom of God’s calling. I know I am in my perfect place of ministry for this season of my life, and it has brought me immeasurable joy and fulfillment.

Finding your perfect place of ministry will not likely happen overnight. It’s often a process that requires seeking and waiting upon the Lord. It may take time to find your niche, but once you do, you can meet the challenge head on.

When you’ve found your perfect place, you’ll know it. You’ll feel fulfilled, love what you are doing, and know that you are helping others for the glory of God. That’s not to say every day will be fun and games. On the contrary, you may be challenged beyond your wildest imagination. And yet, you wouldn’t give it up for all the comfort in the world.

Our places of ministry will not always be the same, however. Just as the seasons change, the seasons of our lives will bring new areas of ministry. I used to teach a pre-school Sunday school class; more recently I have been transitioning into a new area of ministry (in addition to homeschooling) that is more in line with my spiritual gifts.

Finding your place of ministry may mean change—sometimes big change. With a family of six to provide for, my husband is taking a big risk leaving his secure job to start up a business on his own. But he knows it is God’s doing, and he is placing his trust in him and stepping out of the boat.

Aligning our tasks with our gifts is scriptural (see Acts 6:3, 4). When we minister in our areas of gifting, we free up other areas of ministry for those who have different gifts.

If you’re not sure what your spiritual gifts are, there are a few ways to find out:

Ask. Sounds simple enough, but sometimes we simply neglect to do so. James says if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it (1:5). Since it is God’s will that we exercise our spiritual gifts, we can ask with confidence that he will respond.

Be filled with the Spirit. All spiritual gifts are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit within us (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11). Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 5:18 to “be filled with the Spirit” implies a continuous action rather than a one-time event. It literally means, “keep on being filled.”

Be connected to and active in the church. Open yourself up to needs in your church—regardless of whether you feel gifted. As you step out in faith, the Holy Spirit may begin to show you where your strengths and desires are.

Discover who you are. What are your passions, your dreams, and your visions for the future? Are you an introvert, or an extrovert? What are your current roles and how could they be used in relation to your ministry? What are your hobbies, skills, and talents? If you could do anything for the Lord, what would it be?

Talk to your spiritual leaders. In the early church, leaders commissioned individuals into ministry. Paul and Barnabas are two such examples (see Acts 13:1-3). Paul said in Romans 1:11, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong.” The prayers of our spiritual leaders are just one way of releasing the Holy Spirit’s gifts.

Take a spiritual gifts inventory. These can be found in Christian bookstores. The spiritual gifts inventory will help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses. While helpful, this method is not foolproof. It is best used in addition to the methods discussed above as well as with the feedback of others and your own hands-on experience.

While knowing what our spiritual gifts are tells us what we might be doing in ministry, it does not tell us where and how to use them. God will provide this direction in his own time. In the meantime, we can continue serving wherever we can.

While we all are made in the image of God, we are unique individuals. As such, we have a unique place of ministry for each season of our lives. As we seek God and develop our relationship with him, our perfect place of ministry will become perfectly clear. |L