Life Group Resources: Unwrapping Your Teaching Gifts

Opening Prayer
Begin your time together by inviting God's presence and asking for wisdom to recognize and use the spiritual gifts He has placed within each person.

Icebreaker (10 minutes)
Share about a meaningful gift you received that you didn't use right away. What happened when you finally opened or used it? How did that make you feel?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon
God has given each of us spiritual gifts meant to be used NOW, not later

Like Emily's phone charger, our gifts are meant for specific moments and people
Waiting to use our gifts means we may miss the very moment we're supposed to use them
Teaching and mentoring aren't just for "professionals"

Everyone has something to offer
These gifts show up in everyday interactions, not just formal settings
Your life experience and faith journey are powerful teaching tools
The best present we can give is to be PRESENT

Sometimes showing up is the most important thing
Small acts (like passing out crayons) can have profound impacts
We teach and mentor through our example

Speech, conduct, love, faith, and integrity
People remember your authenticity, courage, and perseverance
Your lived experiences matter more than theological expertise
Fear and doubt often keep our gifts wrapped

We think we don't know enough
We feel inadequate or unqualified
Paul's advice: Just keep at it!
Discussion Questions

Understanding the Scripture (15 minutes)
Read 1 Timothy 4:6-16 together. What stands out to you from this passage?

Paul tells Timothy to "keep that dusted off and in use" regarding his spiritual gift. What do you think happens to gifts that sit unused, like something gathering dust in a drawer?

Why do you think Paul had to encourage Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because he was young? What insecurities might Timothy have faced?

Personal Reflection (20 minutes)
Card Question 1: Share the gift, talent, or skill you wrote down. How did it feel to name something you're good at? Was it difficult or easy?

Card Question 2: Who is someone in your life who has been a teacher, mentor, or guide for you? How did they impact your life? (Share stories from your cards)

Card Question 3: What fears, doubts, or hesitations are stopping you from using your spiritual gifts? Be honest with the group.

Not knowing enough?
Fear of failure?
Feeling too young/old?
Thinking someone else could do it better?
Application and Action (20 minutes)

The sermon mentioned that teaching and mentoring often happen informally—over coffee, in hallways, one-on-one conversations. Where do you have natural opportunities to teach or mentor in your everyday life?

Think about the story of Beth Ann and Ethan. She just showed up and passed out crayons, but it changed a child's relationship with church. What "small" thing might God be calling you to do that could have a big impact?

Card Question 4: Who is someone God may be calling you to teach, mentor, or share your faith with? Share your answer and why that person came to mind.

Card Question 5: What is one practical step you can take THIS WEEK to use your gifts for teaching or mentoring? Share your commitment with the group for accountability.

Deeper Dive (Optional - 10 minutes)
The pastor said, "When you unwrap your spiritual gift, you're not just opening something for yourself, you're opening the door for God to work through you." What does this mean to you?

Discuss the "ripple effects" of teaching and mentoring. Can anyone share a story of how one person's investment in them created ripples in other areas of their life or in other people's lives?

Practical Applications
Individual Commitments
This Week: Complete the online spiritual gifts inventory when it arrives in the midweek memo
This Week: Take the one practical step you identified on your card
Next Week: Attend the ministry fair at church to explore where you might serve
This Month: Reach out to the person you identified as someone to mentor or share faith with

Group Challenge
Consider adopting a ministry area together where your group can collectively use your teaching and mentoring gifts:

Children's ministry team
New member mentoring
Youth group support
Community service project where you teach/share skills
Reflection Exercise (10 minutes)

Silent Reflection: Take 3-5 minutes of silence for each person to pray and listen for God's guidance about:

What gift is God asking you to unwrap?
Who is God placing on your heart to teach or mentor?
What is one fear you need to release to God?
Share (Optional): Invite anyone who feels led to share what God spoke to them during this time.

Accountability Partner Activity
Pair up with someone in the group and exchange:

The practical step you're committing to this week
Contact information to check in mid-week
A prayer request related to using your spiritual gifts
Commit to texting or calling each other by Thursday to encourage follow-through.


Group Prayer
Go around the circle and have each person pray briefly for the person on their right, specifically praying:

That they would recognize their spiritual gifts
That they would have courage to use them
That God would open doors for them to teach and mentor