Thank Heavens for the Kevins
- Greg Lappin
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Kevin Sharpe is the only lead pastor Westbrook Community Church has ever known.
Thank you, Kevin, for fourteen years of faithful service.
Kevin possesses two attributes that really stand out.
1.   His love and enjoyment for people. Kevin truly cares for his congregation.
2.   His relational skills. Kevin’s interpersonal communications skills put everyone at ease.
His relational skills really add to the impact of his sermons.
We would classify these as spiritual gifts and abilities that God gave Kevin.
We also see those same gifts in our new pastor, Kevin Klingbiel.
We thank Heaven that God placed both Kevin’s at Westbrook.
God also placed you at Westbrook.
Have you thought about that? Have you thought about why?
Is it to heal a hurt?
Is it to have Westbrook as your church family where you can connect with people?
Is it to serve in some capacity?
The Bible is very clear. Every act a Christian does is equally important in God’s eyes. Serving in the nursery, brewing coffee on Sunday morning, cooking and delivering a meal to a person in need, or supporting one of the Christian organizations we assist through our Outreach program all advance the kingdom of God.
The Bible is also very clear. Everyone has been given spiritual gifts and talents.
Do you know what your spiritual gifts and abilities are?
Rick Warren's "SHAPE" refers to an acronym that stands for Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. The SHAPE model is a framework designed to help individuals discover God's unique plan and purpose for their lives by understanding how these five areas of their life make them uniquely who they are. By examining each component, individuals can gain insight into their passions, talents, and experiences, which then guides them in serving God and others. Â
Here is a breakdown of each component:
Spiritual Gifts: These are God-empowered abilities given to believers to serve Him. Examples include serving, teaching, or showing mercy.Â
Heart: This refers to your deep-seated desires, passions, and what you love to do. It includes your core motivations and interests.Â
Abilities:Â These are the natural talents and skills you were born with, such as leadership, communication, or craftsmanship.Â
Personality:Â This encompasses your unique temperament and preferences, which influence how you express your gifts and abilities.Â
Experiences:Â These are the lessons learned from your life, whether positive or challenging, including personal, spiritual, educational, and professional experiences.Â
The SHAPE model helps you to:
Discover your purpose:Â By understanding your unique SHAPE, you can uncover how God intends to use you.Â
Find fulfillment:Â Serving in alignment with your God-given SHAPE leads to genuine personal fulfillment.Â
Serve effectively:Â The model provides direction for ministry and opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.Â
Understand your uniqueness:Â Recognizing that God made each person unique, the model encourages you to embrace your individuality rather than trying to be someone else
Do you understand where you fit in on the list above? Do you understand how God wants to use you?
God does. We thank Him for placing you at Westbrook alongside the Kevin’s.