Today my attention was captured by something I'd forgotten. The search for partners with whom to share ministry is often complicated by many things, but the most common obstacle is the future partner's lack of awareness of their capabilities and desirability for service. A friend reminded me of an old conversation wherein we discussed the competencies of the members of the body of Christ. People are developing at various levels at different times, often regulated by simple need and opportunity. Craig Groeschel describes four levels of (in)competency:
- Unknown incompetence: a team member doesn’t know what she doesn’t know.
- Known incompetence: a team member is starting to learn what he doesn’t know.
- Unknown competence: the person is starting to understand how to do her ministry role but isn’t really aware how good she is.
- Known competence: the person is becoming aware that God has gifted them for this specific role.
Serendipity may help folks "figure it out," but most folks would benefit from a more disciplined approach. I think it's necessary for us to encourage each other to take chances, embrace opportunities, and consciously push ourselves to grow. The Kingdom of God grows by the work of the Holy Spirit directing the willing hands of believers/disciples of Christ. Our hands increase their effectiveness as our competency grows in our service.
I hope you will welcome opportunities to serve, in various ways, in order to become the most competent disciple you can be. I pray we will all study, plan and prepare in order to become more competent at everything we are called to do. I pray God uses us well, and smiles upon the work of our hands. I pray our King and His Kingdom are blessed by our disciplined competence.
