Equipping: Called, Gifted, Shaped for God’s Purpose (19/04/2026)
Called, Gifted, Shaped: Equipped for God's Purpose
Paul shared with us today about how every single one of us is called, gifted, and equipped by God — not just the preachers and pastors, but every person in the church, for the sake of the church and the world around us. It was a warm and grounding reminder that following Jesus isn't a spectator sport. We're not called to sit back and watch one person live out their calling from a distance; we're called to be part of what God is doing, right here in Redcar and in our everyday lives.
We are all called, and we are all gifted
Paul started by gently pushing back on a very British instinct — the idea that it would be a bit big-headed to imagine God has called or gifted us. Drawing on Ephesians 2:10 and 1 Peter 2:9, he reminded us that we are God's "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works," and "a chosen people… called out of darkness into his wonderful light." Humility, he said, isn't thinking less of ourselves — it's thinking of ourselves less, and stepping into who God has made us to be. Quoting Marianne Williamson, he reminded us that our deepest fear isn't that we're inadequate; it's that we are powerful beyond measure, and that shrinking back doesn't serve anyone.
SHAPE: how God equips us
At the heart of the sermon was a simple but rich acronym — SHAPE — that helps us recognise how God has wired each of us:
S – Spiritual gifts. Gifts given by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4) — prophecy, teaching, encouragement, mercy, hospitality, administration and more. Not for individual prestige, but "for the common good," to build each other up in love.
H – Heart. The things that move us, stir us, and even bring us to tears. Paul shared how Pastor David McClay's heart was broken for East Belfast, and how God began to break his own heart for Redcar before he ever moved here. God uses our passions to point us toward our calling.
A – Abilities. Our strengths, skills, and aptitudes — musical, practical, relational, administrative, creative. "God will often be calling us to areas where we can use our abilities for his glory."
P – Personality. Our temperament, style, and preferences. God uses who we genuinely are — and he also stretches us beyond our comfort zones, always promising joy and his presence as we go.
E – Experiences. The good, the bad and the ugly. "The wilderness is God's university." From Joseph to Moses, from the Israelites to Paul, God uses what we've walked through so we can comfort others with the comfort we've received (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).
Paul illustrated this beautifully with the story of Kevin — a man who first came to church through a free meal while homeless, and who ended up leading a weekly soup kitchen that grew into a thriving mission, drawing others into faith and into their own callings.
God equips the called
A recurring theme was this famous line: "God doesn't call the equipped; he equips the called." Like Jeremiah, we might feel too young. Like Moses, we might feel disqualified. But God grows our confidence as we take small, faithful steps — A to B, B to C — trusting that "whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10). And we don't do this alone. Jesus sent his disciples out in twos and threes for a reason: we grow best in community, as iron sharpens iron.
What this could mean for us in Redcar
For us as Redcar Baptist Church, this is an invitation to take a fresh look at our own SHAPE. What stirs your heart as you walk around our town? What are you good at that you haven't yet offered? Whose potential could you notice and name this week? Our gifts aren't there to perform — they're there to equip each other, and to share the love of Jesus with our neighbours, colleagues, and friends.
A question to sit with
Where might God be shaping me — through my gifts, heart, abilities, personality and experiences — and what small next step could I take this week?
Come and join us
If anything here has spoken to you, we'd love to meet you. Join us on a Sunday, or get in touch through our website — whether you're exploring faith, rediscovering it, or wondering what your own calling might look like, there's a place for you here.
