Spiritual Gifts

Instructions:

The Bible does not present a single, comprehensive list. The lists of specific gifts mentioned can be found in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:9-11. Below is a brief summary of the lists of gifts. The first part of the paragraph offers a general description of how the gift was used and applied in the Bible while the last column is a concise definition based on what the Bible says.

 To Do:

Circle 1 to 3 of the following Spiritual Gifts that best describe you.

As you read through this list, prayerfully consider if the biblical definition for each of the gifts describes you. Remember, you can have more than one gift, but everyone has at least one.

 SHAPE area Spiritual Gift Specific Biblical Definition General Use & Application

Administration/Leadership

The ability to provide vision and direction, as well as organization and administration for the affairs of the church (1 Tim. 5:17; Romans 12:8; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Cor. 12:28; Acts 6:1-6; Luke 14:28-30).

Demonstrating diligence in developing strategies or plans to reach identified goals; organizing people, tasks, and events; helping organizations or groups become more efficient; creating order out of organizational chaos. It might also include taking responsibility for directing groups; motivating and guiding others to reach important goals; managing people and resources well; influencing others to perform to the best of their abilities.

 Apostleship/Missionary

In its enduring sense, it is the ability to pioneer and establish new works through the ministry of God's Word. (1 Cor. 9:19-23; Acts 8:4;13:2-3; 22:21; Rom. 15:20; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-14; 3;1-9; Acts 15:1; Gal. 2:7-10). (The position of Apostle has ceased. That position was held by someone who physically saw Jesus Christ and, by God’s choosing, assumed a leadership position in the development of the church. The gift, as defined above, continues to play a role in the development of the church today.) Pioneering new undertakings (such as a new church or ministry); serving in another country or community; adapting to different cultures and surroundings; being aware and sensitive to what is happening in the situation.

 Discernment

The ability to distinguish between truth and error (1 Cor. 12:10; Acts 5:1-11; 1 John 4:1-6). Distinguishing between right and wrong, good and evil; accurately judging character; seeing through false perception or deceit; helping others to see truth and error in life situations.

 Evangelism

The ability to announce the good news of salvation effectively so that people respond in faith and become members of God’s family (Eph.4:11-14; 2 Tim 4:5;Acts 8:26- 40;14:21; 21:8). Looking for opportunities to talk with nonbelievers about the gospel; communicating openly and effectively about faith in God; talking about spiritual matters with nonbelievers.

 Exhortation/Encouragement

The ability to challenge people to action, as well as comfort and encourage those who are hurting, through the application of God's Word (Romans 12:8; 1 Tim. 4:13; Hebrews 10:25; Acts14:22). Strengthening and reassuring troubled people; encouraging or challenging people; motivating others to grow; supporting people who need to take action.

 Faith

The ability to trust God for the unusual and to encourage the faith of others (1 Cor. 12:9; Acts 11:22- 24; Hebrews 11; Romans 4:18-21). Trusting God to answer prayer and encouraging others to do the same; having confidence in God’s continuing presence and ability to help, even in difficult times; moving forward in joy regardless of opposition.

 Giving

The ability to earn and distribute money liberally to further the cause of Christ (Romans 12:8; 2 Cor. 8:1-7; 9:2-8; Mark 12:41-44). Giving liberally and joyfully to the work of the Kingdom; ably and eagerly giving to people in financial need or projects requiring support; managing money well in order to free more of it for giving.

 Helps/Serving

The supernatural ability to recognize unmet needs and take the initiative to provide practical assistance that supports the work of God’s church without needing recognition (1 Cor. 12:28; Acts 9:36; 2 Tim. 1:16 18; Romans 12:7; Acts 6:1-7; Titus 3:14; Gal. 6:10). Working behind the scenes to support the work and ministry of others; finding small things that need to be done and doing them without being asked; helping wherever needed.

 Hospitality

The supernatural ability to make others, especially strangers, feel warmly welcomed, accepted, and comfortable in the church family. This ability enables them to coordinate factors that promote a warm atmosphere for true fellowship to take place (1 Peter 4:9-10; Romans 12:13; 16:23; Acts 16:14-16; Hebrews 13:1,2). Meeting new people and helping them feel welcome; entertaining guests; opening his or her home to others who need a safe, supportive environment; setting people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.

 Knowledge (Word of)

The ability to understand the truth which God has revealed (1 Cor. 12:8;Col. 1:9; 2:2-3; 2 Cor. 11:6; 2 Peter 3:1-2; Dan.1:17). Carefully studying and researching subjects he or she wants to understand better; sharing his or her knowledge and insights with others when asked; sometimes gaining information that is not attained by natural observation or means.

 Mercy

The supernatural ability to detect hurt and to empathize with those who are suffering in the church family. They feel with people in their distress and provide compassionate and cheerful support to those experiencing distress, crisis, or pain (Romans 12:8; Mark 9:41; Acts 16:33-34; Matt. 25:34-40). Empathizing with hurting people; patiently and compassionately supporting people through painful experiences; helping those generally regarded as undeserving or beyond help.

 Pastor/Teacher

The supernatural ability to care for spiritual needs of the flock of God by leading them, guarding them, and feeding them the Word of God (Eph. 4:11-14; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Acts 20:28). Faithfully providing long-term support for a group of people; providing guidance for the whole person; patiently but firmly nurturing others in their development.

 Prophecy/Proclamation

The supernatural ability to proclaim and apply the Word of the Lord (1Cor. 12:10, 28; Eph. 4:11-14; Romans 12:6; Acts 15:32; 21:9-11). Speaking with conviction in order to bring change in the lives of others; exposing cultural trends, teaching, or events that are morally wrong or harmful; boldly speaking truth even in places where it may be unpopular.

 Teaching

The ability to explain and apply the truths of Scripture (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-14; Romans 12:7; Acts18:24-28; 20:20-21). It includes studying, understanding, and communicating biblical truth; developing appropriate teaching material and presenting it effectively; communicating in ways that motivate others to grow to be like Christ.

 Wisdom (Word of)

The ability to make sound judgments by applying the knowledge of Scripture to everyday living (1 Cor. 2:1; 6-16; 12:8; Acts 6:3, 10; James 1:5-6; 2 Peter 3:15). Seeing simple, practical solutions in the midst of conflict or confusion; giving helpful advice to others facing complicated life situations; helping people take practical action to solve real problems.

http://www.efcc.org/ministries/LifeDesign/Ministry/301-preclass.pdf