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God has given each Christian two vitally important gifts. The first is the gift of faith in Jesus Christ, his work of redemption, and thus forgiveness of sin. The second is the gift of one or more special abilities, which are to be used for the purpose of unifying the body of Christ and for the growth of God’s Kingdom. These abilities are called spiritual gits and they are received through our baptism.
Like other presents, it is impossible to fully appreciate and make use of our spiritual gifts until they have been opened. This tool will help you begin to open your spiritual gifts by guiding you through the following three activities:
Highlighting scripture references that both support the existence of spiritual gifts and identify those which are commonly found in service today.
Self Assessment: a list of 60 questions which will help you identify which gifts you have received in greatest measure.
Exploration of Use: suggestions for the various types of ministry you might be most effective in because of your spiritual gifts. These three activities will begin to help you discover and employ your spiritual gifts. May the special abilities God has given you be deployed in areas of ministry where they will be most effective for the good of the entire church body. These gifts should also be affirmed by the body and utilized by the one who is gifted.
The Apostle Paul addresses the presence of spiritual gifts in three main sections of scripture: Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. Peter also verifies their existence in I Peter 4:10. Through these sections of scripture, we learn that all Christians have been given at least one spiritual gift. The purpose of spiritual gifts is twofold: (1) to unify Christians in their faith and (2) to produce growth within the church, both numerical and spiritual. These gifts are to be used out of love for one another, and in service to one another.
We do not choose which gifts we will receive. God bestows them upon us through the work of the Holy Spirit. Not all of the gifts identified in scripture are used in this inventory.
All Christians are to work together, supporting one another. However, the variety of spiritual gifts make each one better prepared, equipped and effective to perform ministry in some areas over others. Review the following spiritual gift descriptions and study the related biblical references to learn more about your gifts. Administration is the ability to formulate, direct, and carry out plans necessary to fulfill a purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 14:23. Helpful in Congregation Council, Finance Staff, Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, Business Manager Artistry is the ability to create artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration. Exodus 31:1-11; Psalm 149:3a. Helpful in Banner Making, Drama Club/Clown Ministry/Puppetry, Film/Photography Work, Crafts/Handicrafts, Decorating Team, Set/Props Design Team Discernment is the motivation to seek God’s will and purpose and apply that understanding to individual and congregational situations. John 16:6-15; Romans 9:1; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16. Helpful in Congregation Council, Long Range Planning Team, Social Ministry Team, Peer Counseling, Support Group Facilitator. Evangelism is the ability to reach nonbelievers in such a way that they may seek baptism and become active members of the Christian community. Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 2:36-40. Helpful in Prospective Member Visitation, Evangelism Team, Advertising and Marketing, New Member Sponsor, Community Visitation. Exhortation moves one to reach out with Christian love and presence to people in personal conflict or facing a spiritual void. John 14:1; 2 Timothy 1:16-18; 3 John 5-8. Helpful in Mutual Ministry Team, Hospital/Home/Institution Visitation, Telecare Ministry, Peer Counseling Small Group Leader. Faith gives one the eyes to see the Spirit at work and the ability to trust the Spirit’s leading regardless of where it might lead. Genesis 12:1-4a; Mark 5:25-34; 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10. Congregational President, Stewardship Team, Long Range Planning Team, Teacher/Bible study leader. Giving is the ability to recognize God’s blessings and to respond by generously and sacrificially giving of one’s resources (time, talent and treasure). 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 21:1-4. Helpful with Capital Campaign Steering Team, Stewardship Team, Long Range Planning Team, Teacher/Bible study leader. Hospitality is the commitment to joyfully welcome and receive guests and those in need of food and lodging. Romans 12:13; 16:23a; Luke 10:38. Helpful in Greeter/Usher, New Member Sponsor, In-Home Bible Study Host, Visitor Welcome/Information Center, Banquet Server, Fellowship Hour Host/Server Intercession motivates a believer to appeal to God through prayer for guidance and help in situations of need. Matthew 6:6-15; Luke 11:1-10; Ephesians 6:18. Helpful with Prayer Chain, Prayer Partner, Prayer Families/Prayer Circles Knowledge is the gift that drives one to learn, analyze and uncover new insights with regard to the Bible and faith. 1 Corinthians 12:8; 14:6; Romans 12:2. Helpful with Parish Resource-Library Coordinator, Nominating Team, Long Range Planning Team, Congregation Council. Leadership is the gift of confidence to step forward, give direction and provide motivation to fulfill a dream or complete a task. Romans 12:8; John 21:15-17; 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Helpful with Sunday School Superintendent, Committee Chairperson (all types), Fellowship Activity Coordinator, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, Congregational President, Speaker-Special Events Mercy motivates one to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual or emotional need and then act to meet that need. Luke 7:12-15; 10:30-37; Matthew 25:34-36. Helpful with Home/Hospital/Institution Visitation, Transportation to Worship/Bible Study, Social Ministry Team, Support Group Leader, Telecare Minister Music – Instrumental inspires one to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument. Psalm 33:1-5; 150; 1 Samuel 16:14-23. Helpful with Band Leader/Member, Choir Pianist, Special Event Music, Substitute Organist, Vacation Bible School – Music Program Music – Vocal is the gift of the ability and opportunity to present personal witness and inspiration to others through singing. Psalm 96:1-9; 100:1-2; 149:1-2. Helpful with Church Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Sunday School Song Leader, Vacation Bible School Song Leader Service (Helps) enables one to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God’s work is accomplished. Luke 23:50-54; Romans 16:1-16; Philippians 2:19-23. Helpful with Computer Programmer/Data Entry, Newsletter Collation, P.A./Sound System Technician, Tape Recording Worship Services, Child Care, Building/Grounds Upkeep, Kitchen Cleaning Team, Providing Transportation Shepherding is the confidence, ability and compassion to provide spiritual leadership and direction for individuals or groups of believers. 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-2. Helpful in Adult In-Home Bible Study Leader, New Member Sponsor, Young-Adult Counselor, Small Group Leader, Telecare Minister. Skilled Craft enables one to create, build, maintain or repair items used by the church. Exodus 30:1-6; 31:3-5; Ezekiel 27:4-11. Helpful with Building Maintenance/Upkeep, Electrical/Masonry/Plumbing/Roofing, Mechanical Repair/Maintenance, Audio/Visual Operator and Repair, Computer Maintenance, Web-Page Develop Teaching is the ability to communicate a personal understanding of the Bible and faith in such a way that it becomes clearly understood by others. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Matthew 5:1-12; Acts 18:24-48. Helpful with Adult Bible Class Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Teen Bible Class Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Conference/Seminar Leader. Wisdom allows one to sort through opinions, facts and thoughts in order to determine what solution would be best for the individual or the community of believers. 1 Corinthians 2:6-13; James 3:13-18; 2 Chronicles 1:7-11. Long Range Planning Team, Congregation Council, Peer Counselor, Support Group Leader, Mutual Ministry Team Writing is the ability to express truth in a written form which can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of believers. 1 John 2:1-6, 12-14; 1 Timothy 3:14-15; Jude 3. Helpful with Newsletter Article Writer, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations/Publicity Committee, Letter Writing For Further Thought: Your Spiritual Gifts do not appear and disappear as you pass through the doors of your church! The special gifts God has given you are with you always. They are meant to also be used in your daily life to bring glory to God and serve the needs of others. In the spaces below, identify some of the ways your gifts may be used for these purposes. Specific contexts have been provided as thought starters.
Context Gift Ideas for Use . . . At Home, with family. • ______________________________________________________________
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At Work, with colleagues. • ______________________________________________________________
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• ______________________________________________________________ Within your community. • ______________________________________________________________
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