R Stage

Responsibilities in Ministry

“We grow when we use our gifts to serve God and bless people" (Journey of the Soul, Chapter 5).

Characteristics of the R Stage

The R Stage of Responsibilities in Ministry is the third CHRIST stage of faith. Its symbol is a medal because in your work or service you want to achieve for God and have people appreciate your performance (Prov. 13:21; 1 Cor. 3:8).

Key Lesson

The R Stage is about discovering your spiritual gifts or “joy gifts” (Journey of the Soul, pp. 99-100) and using them by serving as Christ’s ambassador to help other people grow in their friendship with God (2 Cor. 5:20 MSG).

Where you can get stuck

At the R Stage the main temptation is developing an unhealthy identity, especially related to overworking or not having healthy boundaries when you help other people. This potential roadblock may become a wall where you feel stuck in your growth.

God’s Grace for the R Stage: Joy Gifts For Serving God

You grow in Responsibilities in Ministry through asking for God’s help as you develop your abilities to lead others or care for their needs. Operating in the Cycle of Grace, rather than the Cycle of Works, is the source of your power and joy (Journey of the Soul, pp. 40-45). Which of these spiritual gifts could be your joy gifts to bless others? (Rom. 12:3-8, Eph. 4:11-13):

Dream-awakener
Truth-teller
Includer
Shepherd
Teacher
Servant
Encourager
Investor
Leader
Healer

Growth in the R Stage

There are ten soul care practices that are especially important for becoming more healthy and loving in the R Stage (Journey of the Soul, pp. 108-112). The top three are:

Service projects
Expressing your spiritual gifts and personality
Books and classes on serving and leading

Key Scripture

God Affirms You Through People

“And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use” (1 Tim. 4:14 MSG).

Spiritual Direction Tip

“Affirm the ‘little’ acts of care, kindness, or prayer that people offer as the greatest examples of ministry success” (Journey of the Soul Leader Guide, p. 51).

Key Quotes

“Because of [people in the R Stage] our world is a much better place" (Journey of the Soul, p. 94).

“We can find blessings in following the example of our Lord Jesus who worked as a common laborer until he was thirty years old, and then during his public ministry he washed dirty feet and cooked breakfast for his hungry friends (John 13:14-15; 21:12)" (Journey of the Soul, p. 102).

“Like Elijah, in our service for God we may overwork, try too hard to meet everybody’s needs, or neglect basic self-care. We’re especially prone to this burnout path in the R Stage" (see 1 Kings 18-19; Journey of the Soul, p. 106).