Description:  Ability and passion to minister to all people through the provision of physical needs or services   Communicates Christ through practical acts of love.  Sees meeting physical needs as part of the Good News of Christ.

Meaning: to take the place of someone. 

Key Traits:  generous, caring, compassionate, active, loving, practical

Characteristics:   This is a person who can…

·        see the vital nature of meeting people’s needs today

·        make the Good News be really good in a practical way

·        Be often active outside of the specific church in order to work directly with those in need.

·        Be an advocate for various social causes and seeks to address these

·        Minister to the whole person, not just a spiritual side.

                                                                 …and enjoys doing it.

Cautions/liabilities:

·        May become overextended physically and/or emotionally

·        May find it difficult to say “no”.

·        May not properly address root spiritual or psychological problems.

·        May feel isolated in pursuing their causes.

·        Must be continually refocused on the theological foundations of the faith.

Scripture:  Isaiah 1:7; James 1:27; Acts 6:1-7

Examples:  the ‘Seven’ of Acts 6