Loading...God has given each one of us ministry gifts in order to better serve the Body of Christ and those who are lost in this world. The gifts of the Spirit are God’s hands extended His eyes seeking, His voice speaking and His heart feeling. It is a wonderful and awesome thing to discover that the God of the Universe wants to use us in His divine plan of salvation. So whether it’s bringing a cup of cold water in His name or preaching to thousands, we all play a vital role.
You may come to discover that you have the attributes of one or more of the five-fold ministries in Ephesians 4:11. This would be a wonderful discovery! “Discovering your God Given Gifts” is not designed so we can assign titles, but rather to identify where each of us can serve most effectively. Joy comes as we serve where we are most suited.
Another important thing to remember is that we don’t define ourselves by our gifts. Gifts can grow and change and God can add new ones. Don’t limit yourself in Ministry because you lack a certain gift but have faith and grow in the grace and gifts of God.
Lastly the most important thing to remember is not what gift or titles we possess but who possesses us! We need God’s character to truly function in God’s gifts. Remember the words of 1 Corinthians 13:3….
“So no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.”
Below are suggested definitions of gifting areas; All the following gift areas are special abilities given by God’s Holy Spirit as He chooses. We have a spiritual giftings survey as part of our Network 201 course that will help you determine where your giftings lie.
Administration; To manage or supervise the execution of immediate or long range goals for a vision group or project. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 6:1-7
Apostle: One who lays the initial foundation in different Christian projects or people with the ability to recognize, encourage and empower the Leadership needed to continue that vision. Ephesians 4:11; Luke 6:12-16
Discerning of Spirits: The ability to determine whether certain behaviours or teachings find their origins in God, Satan or the human spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1-6
Encouragement: The ability to come along side and console, comfort or inspire with hope, another person in such a way that they feel helped. Romans 12:8; Acts 14:22
Evangelist: One who shares the gospel in words and deeds in such a way that leads unbelievers to salvation and a path of Discipleship. Ephesians 4:11; Acts 8:5,6, 26 & 40
Faith: An ability to discern God’s will in a situation and the assurance and confidence that it will come to pass. 1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 11
Giving: The abundant contribution of material resources to projects or people with liberality and joyfulness. Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Healing (Serving): The ability to see needs in various tasks and seek to minister those needs. Often works behinds the scenes and delights in doing the labors that free others to fulfill their ministries. Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28
Hospitality: The capacity to spontaneously open ones home and heart to people in need of food, lodging or fellowship making them feel warmed and welcome. Romans 12:9-13; Hebrews 13:1,2
Intercession: The capacity and response to pray for extended periods of time for the needs of other people or projects or issues on a consistent basis. 1 Timothy 2:1,2; Luke 22:40-44
Interpretation of Tongues: The ability to make known in the common language of the congregation a message given in tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 14: 13, 27, 28
Knowledge: The ability to receive information specific to a situation or persons that brings clarity and revelation without having had prior knowledge of that issue. 1 Corinthians 12:8; John 1:47-51
Leadership: The ability to picture a preferred future in a given project or opportunity and to influence others toward reaching that goal. Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 5:17
Mercy: The capacity to have deep compassion and empathy for the needs of others who are suffering with physical, emotional, mental or spiritual problems and to facilitate relief. Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 5:17
Miracles: The ability to perform extraordinary acts that after the course of nature brings glory to God. 1 Corinthians 12:10,28; Mark 8:1-9
Missionary: One who uses their gifts and abilities to bring the gospel to another culture and desire to see them established in the Christian faith. Romans 10:15; John 3:16,17
Pastor/Shepherd: One who assumes the long term spiritual care of a group of believers. Ephesians 4:11-14; John 10:11-14
Prophet: One who communicates through messages from God to people through spoken or visual expression. These messages provide corrections and direction to their subjects. Ephesians 4:11; Acts 21:10,11
Prophecy: The ability to communicate God’s word which promotes edification, exhortation and comfort to His people. 1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 21:9
Teacher: One who can uncover and clarify the truths of scripture and communicate them to a body of believer’s they also guard believers in their doctrinal integrity. Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:2
Teaching: The ability to communicate truth in a clear and relevant manner that helps others learn. Romans 12:7; Titus 2:3,4
Tongues: The ability to speak in another language they have never learned and to communicate a message to God’s people in that language. 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 14:27,28
Wisdom: The ability to apply knowledge in a specific situation to meet a given need in the area of direction, focus or understanding. 1 Corinthians 12:8; Acts 6:3
