So many Christians are looking for a place to use their special skills and talents for the Church, but they simply don't know where to start. S.H.A.P.E. by Erik Rees is a great place! The fourth purpose in Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life introduces the concept of S.H.A.P.E. As pastor of ministry and S.H.A.P.E. discovery at Saddleback Church, Erik Rees is uniquely qualified to expand on Rick Warren's message. This book is a step-by-step guide for finding your own S.H.A.P.E., preparing yourself to put it to use, and determining how to use it.

• Masterpiece
• Spiritual Gifts
• Heart
• Abilities
• Personality
• Experiences

• Letting Go
• Other-Centered
• Better Together

• Kingdom Purpose
• Pass It On
• Full Potential

In my research on volunteer ministries I have read a few other books and online assessments aimed at ministry fit but so far S.H.A.P.E. tops them all. From the very beginning I was whisked back into that motivation I felt when I first read the chapter on service in The Purpose Driven Life. Erik Rees wastes no time getting to the good stuff. The first chapter asserts that everyone has a Kingdom purpose. It ends, as every chapter does, with an application section called Grabbing Hold. The next five chapters are devoted to activities for finding one's S.H.A.P.E. I felt like things slowed down just a little for a couple chapters as he explained barriers to complete surrender and the importance of having the attitude of a servant. Then it picks right up again as he encourages the reader to surround himself/herself with individuals who will be on his/her S.H.A.P.E. Training Team. The last unit helps the individual take action, effect change in others, and reach his/her full potential through maintaining a healthy spiritual life.

Because this book is thoroughly interactive (right down to the online assessment available to readers using a special code), it is recommended that each person have his/her own copy. A note of interest: This book acknowledges some gifts (like apostleship, tongues, and miracles) many may not agree with. Knowledge is mentioned but not defined as a sign gift ("word of knowledge"). There is no discussion outside of the gift description list specifically on sign gifts, so if you don't agree these are for today, you can simply skip over those gifts when evaluating your possible gifts. Please don't let a few definitions keep you from seeking God's purpose through this one-of-a-kind resource.

S.H.A.P.E. is for every Christian with at least some life experience (perhaps as early as mid to late teens) who wants to be using the way God made them. It is motivating, empowering, and sure to change the way you see your future.

It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God – a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature. (Ephesians 4:11-13 NET)

What's the purpose of the administration of the church? In many churches it seems to be the job of the pastors and staff to visit, call, counsel, evangelize, pray, lead ministries, teach, . . . You get the picture.

But Paul (and therefore God) had a different picture. He says the administration of the church is there for equipping. Equipping whom? The saints. Who are the saints? Those who have been saved through faith in Christ Jesus.

For what are the saints being equipped? The work of the ministry! That's right. They ought to be equipped for visiting, calling, counseling, . . . everything God is calling the church to be and to do. Essentially, for doing whatever builds up the body of Christ till we all become like Christ.

But church staff can't take all the blame for the problem. Something known as the 80-20 rule has a lot to do with it too. That's technical jargon for the idea that 20% of the people are doing 80% of the work. For whatever reasons (some entirely legitimate), 80% of the saints aren't involved in ministry.

Wouldn't it be great if every church fully grasped the concept of equipping for ministry? Can you even begin to imagine the impact the Church, the body of Christ, could have if its members were being equipped and were answering the call to be everything God intended?

What's keeping you from answering that call? There is something out there God wants you to do. Are you ready to find it? Great! Once you have it pursue it faithfully!

You may find help in the God's Will and Your Life section at CBD. I also highly recommend the book S.H.A.P.E.: Finding & Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life by Erik Rees.