Volunteer Hub
"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20
"The harvest is plenty and the workers are few."
It takes THE Village of Ambassadors...
We consider out Ambassador Program to be a driving force for our entire program.
You are ready to physically mobilize and support us behind the scenes. You are also our primary prayer partners. All prayers are needed. The situation on the streets for our unhoused neighbors is bleak and not getting better.
We are confident God wants to use each of us in His plan to spread the Gospel through our city and to glorify Him.
"I started volunteering with Be Encouraged Inc. in February of 2022. I don’t know whose lives were changed more, the unhoused or my own. Learning to value every person, without passing judgement for their circumstances or outward appearance, has changed my life and given me purpose. I am humbled and motivated by the opportunity created by Be Encouraged Inc. to treat people with compassion and be a positive interaction in their day, through this I believe lives are being changed. " Kellie James, Volunteer
"Be Encouraged has done well in showing me that we are all made in the image of God and deserving of goodness and kindness from one another. My favorite part of serving is experiencing the gratitude from the people we serve as we pray for their needs...I am moved by their appreciation! I pray Be Encouraged Inc continues to allow me to serve God with them by serving our community." Charleen (Volunteer)
"I really like how we go to where people are. Going out to people instead of them having to go somewhere and wait in a long line give them more dignity and respect. It also shows that we see them and we care. I have been very blessed already by serving. I feel connected to others and to God when we serve. I have more gratitude for everything I have and I also am able to see how easy my life is. When it rained overnight recently it hit me that it didn't really affect me at all but it would be another difficulty for someone that is unhoused. The only ask I can think of is more food and blankets so we can serve more people when we go out." Leah (Volunteer)
"I am still trying to figure out the right adjective to describe how I've been feeling about Saturday. Humbled of course but it's so much more than that. Blessed to have been a small part and honored to know women and men who lead their lives with the heart of Jesus. I will return." Elaine (Saturday showers)
"It was truly a pleasure to participate in this loving and thoughtful community ministry. I have only visited Midtown 3 times and am loving it so far! Tuesday’s opportunity to serve was an extension of what I have been doing as a solo effort for months. Such welcoming people- Lovely!" Camille (Tuesday packing party)
Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual Gifts are tools to help you to understand where you are spiritually and how God has gifted you.
As an Ambassador you can empower yourself and guide you to the work best suited to glorify God and impact the community we serve.
Click the image below for a spiritual gifts survey to guide your journey with Be Encouraged Inc.
What the Bible Says about Spiritual Gifts
Here are a few verses to get you thinking about what you need to reinforce (Paul's basic description of a spiritual gift can be found in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11):
Each believer is given at least one gift. (1 Corinthians 12:7)
The Holy Spirit determines gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:11)
Each gift is equally valuable. (1 Corinthians 12:21-26)
List of Spiritual Gifts provided by Lifeway Christian Resources.
Ken Hemphill defines a spiritual gift as “an individual manifestation of grace from the Father that enables you to serve Him and thus play a vital role in His plan for the redemption of the world.”
Peter Wagner defines a spiritual gift as “a special attribute given by the Holy Spirit to every member of the Body of Christ according to God’s grace for use within the context of the Body.”
We use this definition: A spiritual gift is an expression of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers which empowers them to serve the body of Christ, the church.
Leadership - Leadership aids the body by leading and directing members to accomplish the goals and purposes of the church. Leadership motivates people to work together in unity toward common goals (Rom. 12:8).
Administration - Persons with the gift of administration lead the body by steering others to remain on task. Administration enables the body to organize according to God-given purposes and long-term goals (1 Cor. 12:28).
Teaching - Teaching is instructing members in the truths and doctrines of God’s Word for the purposes of building up, unifying, and maturing the body (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11).
Knowledge - The gift of knowledge manifests itself in teaching and training in discipleship. It is the God-given ability to learn, know, and explain the precious truths of God’s Word. A word of knowledge is a Spirit-revealed truth (1 Cor. 12:28).
Wisdom - Wisdom is the gift that discerns the work of the Holy Spirit in the body and applies His teachings and actions to the needs of the body (1 Cor. 12:28).
Prophecy - The gift of prophecy is proclaiming the Word of God boldly. This builds up the body and leads to conviction of sin. Prophecy manifests itself in preaching and teaching (1 Cor. 12:10; Rom. 12:6).
Discernment - Discernment aids the body by recognizing the true intentions of those within or related to the body. Discernment tests the message and actions of others for the protection and well-being of the body (1 Cor. 12:10).
Exhortation - Possessors of this gift encourage members to be involved in and enthusiastic about the work of the Lord. Members with this gift are good counselors and motivate others to service. Exhortation exhibits itself in preaching, teaching, and ministry (Rom. 12:8).
Shepherding - The gift of shepherding is manifested in persons who look out for the spiritual welfare of others. Although pastors, like shepherds, do care for members of the church, this gift is not limited to a pastor or staff member (Eph. 4:11).
Faith - Faith trusts God to work beyond the human capabilities of the people. Believers with this gift encourage others to trust in God in the face of apparently insurmountable odds (1 Cor. 12:9).
Evangelism - God gifts his church with evangelists to lead others to Christ effectively and enthusiastically. This gift builds up the body by adding new members to its fellowship (Eph. 4:11).
Apostleship - The church sends apostles from the body to plant churches or be missionaries. Apostles motivate the body to look beyond its walls in order to carry out the Great Commission (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11).
Service/Helps - Those with the gift of service/helps recognize practical needs in the body and joyfully give assistance to meeting those needs. Christians with this gift do not mind working behind the scenes (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7).
Mercy - Cheerful acts of compassion characterize those with the gift of mercy. Persons with this gift aid the body by empathizing with hurting members. They keep the body healthy and unified by keeping others aware of the needs within the church (Rom. 12:8).
Giving - Members with the gift of giving give freely and joyfully to the work and mission of the body. Cheerfulness and liberality are characteristics of individuals with this gift (Rom. 12:8).
Hospitality - Those with this gift have the ability to make visitors, guests, and strangers feel at ease. They often use their home to entertain guests. Persons with this gift integrate new members into the body (1 Pet. 4:9).
God has gifted you with an expression of His Holy Spirit to support His vision and mission of the church. It is a worldwide vision to reach all people with the gospel of Christ. As a servant leader, God desires that you know how He has gifted you. This will lead you to where He would have you serve as part of His vision and mission for the church.