Maturity Matters is a fellowship group for senior adults which meets once a month to support each other, usually on the third Thursday in the early afternoon. Activities include individuals sharing their work with us, outings, and more. We call ourselves the M&M's.
Four small groups of brothers gather weekly to follow Christ together. There is an emphasis
The School of Discipleship gathers for
The Grace & Peace Fellowship School of Discipleship is an opportunity for adults to learn together as we follow Christ together. It is a series of courses that collectively aim to address the what, why and how of following Jesus.
God is crazy about you, and the Women’s Ministry at Grace and Peace wants to make sure you know that. The ministry operates several small groups and Bible studies for
The special ability God gives to some to steer the body toward the accomplishment of God-given goals and directives by planning, organizing, and supervising others. The divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of the ministry. People with this gift: - develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals - assist ministries to become more effective and efficient - create order out of organizational chaos - manage or coordinate a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task - organize people, tasks, or events. (See also Leadership) 1 Corinthians 12:28-31; Luke 14:28-30
The special ability God gives to some to exercise general leadership or oversight over a number of churches with an authority in spiritual matters, which is readily recognized. In the strict sense this gift was confined to the twelve apostles. The New Testament does, however, give this title to a number of others, e.g. Romans 16:7 and Acts 14:14. It is the gift whereby the Spirit appoints certain Christians to lead, inspire, and develop the churches of God by the proclamation and the teaching of true doctrine. The divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures. People with this gift: - pioneer and establish new ministries or churches - adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware - desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries - have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches - demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Matthew 10:1-8; Acts 2:42-44
The gift that gives the believer the skill to create artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration. Skilled Craft - the gift that enables a believer to create, build, maintain, or repair items used within the church. The divine enablement to creatively design and/or construct items to be used for ministry or the divine enablement to communicate God's truth through a variety of art forms. People with this gift: - work with wood, cloth, paint, metal, glass, and other raw materials - make things which increase the effectiveness of other's ministries - design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use - work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands - use the arts to communicate God's truth - develop and use artistic skills such as drama, writing, art, music, dance, etc. - use variety and creativity to captivate people and cause them to consider Christ's message - challenge people's perspective of God through various forms of the arts - demonstrate fresh ways to express the Lord's ministry and message. Exodus 28:3-4; Exodus 31:1-11; Exodus 35:30-35
In I Corinthians 12:10 it says, “and to another distinguishing between spirits” (NIV) Discernment means to be able to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil. It is having a logical, judicial ability to think through issues. It is the ability to “discern” whether a saying, teaching, doctrine, written word, or event is good or evil; true or false; and if the source, meaning or intentions are of God, the person or Satanic deception. There is an ability to “read between the lines” and get to the truth of an issue. The “gut” tells them when something doesn’t seem to be right. There is an urgency to pray and ask for wisdom. Benefits: Spiritual battle, whether in a small group or the church, is a serious concern and discernment is a valuable asset to have. This gift can help guide the church both in more ordinary decisions or deeper spiritual issues. Pitfalls: There is a temptation to always be “right”; not admit when there has been a mistake. Pride could prevent a humble spirit in the use of the gift. It could be tempting to misuse the trust that someone places in your judgment and use the gift for personal gain or to hurt someone. Finally, it is easy to trust in personal judgment and not consult God, thus being deceived yourself. Ministry Opportunities: This gift could be used in helping; settle disputes; counseling; spiritual warfare; or assisting church leadership with decisions. This gift can be used in counseling with addictions and low self esteem where deception is sometimes used as a coping mechanism.
The special ability God gives some to help strengthen weak, faltering, and fainthearted Christians in such a way that they are motivated to be all God wants them to be. The ability to help others reach their full potential by means of encouraging, challenging, comforting, and guiding. The divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith. People with this gift: - come to the side of those who are weak in spirit to strengthen them - challenge or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God - urge others to action by applying Biblical truth - offers advice, an outline for a solution, or a program for progress - motivates others to grow. 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Hebrews 3:13 (KJV); Hebrews 13:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (KJV)
The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Gospel of salvation effectively so that people respond to the promises of Christ through conversion to Christianity. The divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship. People with this gift: - communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction - seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters - challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ - adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual's needs - seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers. Ephesians 4:11-16; Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:36-40; Acts 8:5-6; 14:21; 8:26-40; 2 Timothy 4:5
The special conviction God gives to some to be firmly persuaded of God's power and promises to accomplish His will and purpose and to display such a confidence in Him and His Word that circumstances and obstacles do not shake that conviction. The divine enablement to act on God's promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God's ability to fulfill his purposes. People with this gift: - believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same - act in complete confidence of God's ability to overcome obstacles - demonstrate an attitude of trust in God's will and his promises - advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not - ask God for what is needed and trust him for his provision. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Mark 5:25-34; Acts 27:21-25; Hebrews 11; Romans 4:18-21
The gift that enables a believer to recognize God's blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously, sacrificially, and cheerfully giving of one's resources (time, talent, and treasure) without thought of return. The divine enablement to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality. People with this gift do not ask, "How much money do I need to give to God?" but "How much money do I need to live on?" People with this gift: - manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in order to give as much of their resources as possible - support the work of ministry with sacrificial gifts to advance the Kingdom - meet tangible needs that enable spiritual growth to occur - provide resources, generously and cheerfully, trusting God for His provision - may have a special ability to make money so that they may use it to further God's work. Romans 12:6-8; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; 2 Corinthians 8:2-5; Mark 12:41-44; Matthew 6:3-4.
The gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled. The special ability God gives to some to serve the church in a supporting role or to invest their talents in the life and ministry of other members of the body enabling them to increase their effectiveness. The divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free-up, support, and meet the needs of others. People with this gift: - serve behind the scenes whenever needed to support the gifts and ministries of others (without having to be asked) - see the tangible and practical things to be done and enjoy doing them - sense God's purpose and pleasure in meeting every day responsibilities - attach spiritual value to practical service - enjoy knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God has called them to do. - would rather do a job than find someone else to do it. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31; Romans 12:6-8; 16:1-2; Acts 9:36; Mark 15:40-41; Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 4:11; Philippians 2:19-23; Luke 22:24-27; John 13:14
Hospitality (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to provide an open home and warm welcome to those in need of food, lodging, and fellowship. It involves a readiness to invite strangers to your home (or church) for the sake of the Gospel. The divine enablement to care for people by providing fellowship, food, and shelter. People with this gift: - provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for - meet new people and help them to feel welcomed - create a safe and comfortable setting where relationships can develop - seek ways to connect people together into meaningful relationships - set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings. 1 Peter 4:9-10; Romans 12:9-13; Acts 16:14-15; Luke 10:38; Hebrews 13:1-2
Intercession / Prayer (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian. The divine enablement to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent and specific results. People with this gift: - feel compelled to earnestly pray on behalf of someone or some cause - have a daily awareness of the spiritual battles being waged and pray - are convinced God moves in direct response to prayer - pray in response to the leading of the spirit, whether they understand it or not - exercise authority and power for the protection of others and the equipping of them to serve. Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Kings 13:6; Luke 11:1-10; Matthew 6:6-15; Mark 11:22-25; James 5:14-16; Colossians 4:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 3:10
The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to understand in an exceptional way the great truths of God's Word and to make them relevant to specific situations in the church. Also, the desire to seek out and learn as much about the Bible as possible through gathering much information and the analysis of that data. The divine enablement to bring truth to the body through a revelation or Biblical insight. People with this gift: - receive truth which enables them to better serve the body - search the scriptures for insight, understanding, and truth - gain knowledge which at times was not attained by natural means - have an unusual insight or understanding that serves the church - organize information for teaching and practical use. (See also Wisdom) 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12; Colossians 2:2-3; 2 Corinthians 11:6; Daniel 2:20-21; Proverbs 2:6; Proverbs 9:10; Psalms 119:66; Jeremiah 3:15
The special ability God gives to some to set goals in accordance with God's purpose and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish these goals for the glory of God. The divine enablement to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God. People with this gift: - provide direction for God's people or ministry - motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities - present the "big picture" for others to see - model the values of the ministry - take responsibility and establish goals. (See also Administration) Romans 12:6-8; Hebrews 13:7; 17
The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to feel exceptional empathy and compassion for those who are suffering (physically, mentally, or emotionally) so as to feel genuine sympathy for their misery, speaking words of compassion, but more so caring for them with acts of love that help alleviate their distress. The divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or are in need by putting compassion into action. People with this gift: - focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people - address the needs of the lonely and forgotten - express love, grace, and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis - serve in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully - concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people. Romans 12:6-8; Luke 7:12-15; 10:30-37; Matthew 5:7, 20:29-34, 25:34-40; Mark 9:41
The gift that gives a believer the capability to present personal witness and inspiration to others through instrumental music, singing, or dancing. The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to praise God through music in such a way as to enhance the worship experience of other believers. It gives the believer the desire and capability to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument, singing, or dancing. The spiritual aspect of the gift is revealed as the gift bearer gives witness to love and praise for the Lord, and thus glorifies God. Those listening or watching become inspired to feel the presence and majesty of God when music, song, or dance uplifts their soul in a manner that brings them closer to their Lord. People with this gift: - sing or play a musical instrument quite well, and enjoy it - have special joy singing praises to God, either alone or with other people - feel secure in the fact that their musical ability will be of benefit to other people with whom they come in contact - can use their musical ability to help and inspire others to worship God - see that their singing or instrument playing is a spiritual encouragement for others. 1 Samuel 16:14-23; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Psalm 33:1-3; 96:1-2; 100:1-2; 149:3; 150:1-6; Colossians 3:16; 2 Chronicles 5:12-13; 2 Samuel 6:14-15
The special ability God gives to some to assume a long-term personal responsibility for leadership and the spiritual care, protection, guidance, and feeding (teaching) of a group of believers. The divine enablement to nurture, care for, and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ. People with this gift: - take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God - provide guidance and oversight to a group of God's people - model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus - establish trust and confidence through long-term relationships - lead and protect those within their span of care. John 10:1-16; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:11-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4
The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Word of God with clarity and to apply it fearlessly with a view to the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort of believers and the convincing of unbelievers. The special gift whereby the Spirit empowers certain Christians to interpret and apply God's revelation in a given situation. The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. There may be immediate or future implications. People with this gift: - expose sin or deception in others for the purpose of reconciliation - speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance, and edification - see truth that others often fail to see and challenge them to respond - warn of God's immediate or future judgment if there is no repentance - understand God's heart and mind through experiences He takes them through. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; 12:28-31; 14:1-5; 14:24-25; 14:30-33; 14:37-40 Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-13; Deuteronomy 18:18-22