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Spiritual Gifts
~Using Your Spiritual Gifts~ About two-thirds of our fellowship engaged in exploring their spiritual gifts by taking an inventory one Sunday last month. Below is an explanation of spiritual gifts, followed by the inventory. Complete the assessment if you’ve not done so. Many have said it was an eye-opener, while others got affirmation of what they already knew. In both cases, there is a real sense of motivation to use those gifts God has given us. Your Lay Leadership Team is looking at the results in order to seek out the persons God desires for certain positions of leadership for 2008. All of you will receive your results back in the mail soon and…hopefully…a phone call over the coming months about your gifts and how they can be used at Fannin UMC. Every person is important in the body of Christ. We must all get in the game! Don’t wait for the phone call. If you sense God calling you in a certain way—missions…teaching…singing…leading a small group—that is your invitation to join God in His work. Call Luz Dial or Bro. Stephen and let’s get moving! Thanks! ~Your Lay Leadership Team~ Spiritual Gifts Explained The following is a description of twenty one gifts found primarily in Paul’s writings to the Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians. Administration/Leadership: enables a believer to formulate, direct, and carry out plans necessary to fulfill a purpose. (See I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 14:23.) Arts—Music, visual, dance: (Note: these are not found within Paul’s lists; however, the gift or talent of the arts is used to benefit the body of Christ) gives a believer the capability and opportunity to present personal witness and inspiration to others through visual arts, dancing, singing, playing of a musical instruments. (See: Exodus 31:1-11; Psalm 100:1-2; Psalm 150.) Discernment: ability to seek God's will and purpose and apply that understanding to individual and congregational situations. (See John 16:6-15, Romans 9:1, I Cor. 2:9-16.) Evangelism: in small groups or one-on-one, this person has the special ability to lead unconverted persons to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ through faith sharing and proclamation of the Gospel. (See Matthew 28:16-20, Ephesians 4:11- 16, Acts 2:36-40.) Exhortation: through their ministry of understanding, encouragement, and counsel, an exhorter helps people maximize their own potential and live from their own gifts and skills. An exhorter may help others move from their problem to a resolution. (See: John 14:1, II Timothy 1:16-18, III John 5-8.) Faith: gives a believer the eyes to see the Spirit at work and the ability to trust the Spirit's leading without indication of where it all might lead. They believe God’s promises will come to pass no matter what their physical eyes might see. (See: Genesis 12:1-4a, Mark 5:25-34, I Thessalonians 1:8-10.) Giving: enables a believer to recognize God's blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously and sacrificially giving of one's resources (time, talent, and treasure). (See: II Cor. 9:6-15, Luke 21:1-4.) Healing: the ability to function as an agent of God’s healing grace in the lives of others who suffer physical, emotional, or spiritual pain. Healers are moved to be present with those who suffer, giving of their time and energy to offer aid and comfort. (See 1 Cor. 12:9; 28) Knowledge: “rational revelations” bestowed by the Spirit upon a believer for the benefit of the church. This gift pertains to knowing a fact or truth about a situation or person by divine revelation. (See: I Corinthians 12:8; I Corinthians 14:6, Romans 12:2.) Leadership: the ability to see practical needs and coordinate resources and abilities of others to meet those needs. A believer has the confidence to step forward, give direction and provide motivation to fulfill a dream or complete a task. Leaders motivate others to work together to accomplish more than they ever could on their own. (See: Romans 12:8, John 21:15-17, II Timothy 4:1-5.) Mercy/helping: gift helps believers see needs of others and provide practical ministries to others, which relieve them, in turn, to perform still wider ministries. One with this gift helps to make groups, families, or congregations more effective. (See: Luke 7:12-15, Luke 10:30-37, Matthew 25:34-36.) Miracles: primarily refers to the ability to supersede natural law by facilitating healing, exorcism, or others miraculous events. But the gift of miracles can also refer to the ability to live in the miraculous reality of God’s creation and never doubt the power and presence of God in creation. (See:1 Ki. 17:21 ; 2 Ki. 4:32–33; Acts 3; 5:12-16) Pastoring (Shepherding): ability to provide spiritual leadership and direction for individuals or groups of believers. Shepherds take an active interest in the life of faith of others. They feed, guide, and nurture other Christians with sensitivity and sacrificial concern. (See: I Timothy 4:12-16; 3:1-13, II Tim. 4:1-2.) Service: enables a believer to work gladly behind-the-scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled. A person with the gift of service gladly gives of themselves as a support mechanism to others in order to free others to perform still other ministries. (See: Luke 23:50-54, Romans 16:1-16, Philippians 2:19-23.) Skilled Craft: (Note: this is not one within Paul’s lists found in the NT; however, the gift or talent of the arts is used to benefit the body of Christ): the gift that enables a believer to create, build, maintain or repair items used within the church. (See: Exodus 30:1-6, Exodus 31:3-5, Ezekiel 27:4-11.) Teaching: enables a believer to communicate in clear and understandable ways the Christian faith to others. Teaching can be in groups or one-on-one, but the result is the same: a maturing of Christian believers. (See: I Corinthians 12:28, Matthew 5:1-12, Acts 18:24-48.) Tongues: enables a believer to praise God either in another language not yet learned (Acts 2) or in ecstatic utterance which is not an earthly language (1 Cor. 14). In either case one’s prayer is addressed to God, not to other people (1 Cor. 14:2). This gift is not to be confused with the gift of prophecy, which is a word spoken to the people from God (1 Cor. 14:3). Tongues, Interpretation of: if speaking in tongues is exercised publicly, then one gifted at interpretation of tongues is needed in order to interpret to others what was uttered to God. (See: 1 Cor. 14:13) Wisdom: a gift of special illumination allowing a believer to divine insight. This gift allows the believer to understand deeper meaning and apply knowledge, beliefs, and experience to every day situations; sort through opinions, facts and thoughts in order to determine what solution would be best for the individual believer or the community of believers. (See: I Cor. 2:6-13, James 3:13-18, II Chronicles 1:7-11.) Writing: (Note: this is not one within Paul’s lists found in the NT; however, the gift or talent of the arts is used to benefit the body of Christ.) This gift allows a believer the ability to express truth in a written form; a form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of believers. (See: I John 2:1-6, 12-14, I Timothy 3:14-15, Jude 3.) Note: The above descriptions of spiritual gifts were compiled from several resources: -“Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts,” by Dr. Kenneth Kinghorn; -The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (http://www.elca.org/evangelism/assessments/spiritgifts.html) - The General Board of Ministries of The United Methodist Church,(http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1355371/k.9501/Spiritual_Gifts.htm); -“The Spiritual Gifts Handbook", by Bruce W. Black.
Discover your own spiritual gifts by taking the following inventory: Spiritual Gifts Inventory (Borrowed from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, For each of the 60 questions which follow, circle the number that corresponds with the response that most closely matches how you perceive yourself. The following is a key for what each number means: 4, consistently true; 3, frequently true; 2, occasionally true; 1, infrequently true; 0, rarely true 1. When presented a goal, I immediately think of steps that need to be taken in order to achieve the desired results. 4 3 2 1 0 2. I express myself through artistic means. 4 3 2 1 0 3. My faith requires me to seek out God's will and purpose in all circumstances that arise in my life. 4 3 2 1 0 4. I am able to convey the Gospel message to non-believers in ways that they are able to easily understand. 4 3 2 1 0 5. I am moved by those who through conflict or sorrow are wavering in faith. 4 3 2 1 0 6. I am certain of the spirit's presence in my life and the lives of others. 4 3 2 1 0 7. I am blessed by God each day and gladly respond to these blessings by giving liberally of my time and money. 4 3 2 1 0 8. I enjoy meeting new people and becoming acquainted with them. 4 3 2 1 0 9. I know that God hears and responds to my daily prayers. 4 3 2 1 0 10. I feel compelled to learn as much as I can about the Bible and faith. 4 3 2 1 0 11. I am a take charge person. When others follow my direction, the goal or task will be completed. 4 3 2 1 0 12. When I see a person in need, I am moved to assist them. 4 3 2 1 0 13. I love to sing and enjoy inspiring others through song. 4 3 2 1 0 14. I find joy and express myself by playing a musical instrument. 4 3 2 1 0 15. I am motivated to provide spiritual leadership to those who are on a faith journey. 4 3 2 1 0 16. I like working behind the scenes to ensure projects are successful. 4 3 2 1 0 17. I enjoy working with my hands in a trade or skill that required considerable experience to perfect. 4 3 2 1 0 18. My great joy is to communicate biblical truth in such a way that it becomes real and understood by others. 4 3 2 1 0 19. When a challenge is presented, I am usually able to identify an appropriate solution. 4 3 2 1 0 20. I am able to take a thought or idea and put it into a clear and inspiring written form. 4 3 2 1 0 21. I enjoy organizing thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams into a specific plan of action. 4 3 2 1 0 22. I can translate into artistic form what I first see in my imagination. 4 3 2 1 0 23. I have assisted others as they sought to discern whether or not their personal decisions were helpful and in accord with God's will for their lives. 4 3 2 1 0 24. I enjoy being with non-believers and like having the opportunity to encourage them to faith and commitment. 4 3 2 1 0 25. When I know someone is facing a crisis, I feel compelled to provide support and care. 4 3 2 1 0 26. My trust in the Spirit's presence, when I encounter times of personal crisis, is a source of strength for others. 4 3 2 1 0 27. I manage my time and money so that I am able to give much of it to the work of the church or other organizations. 4 3 2 1 0 28. I am often asked to open my home for small group gatherings or social occasions. 4 3 2 1 0 29. I often become so absorbed in my prayer life that the door bell or phone can ring and I will not hear it. 4 3 2 1 0 30. Not one day would be complete without biblical study and thought. 4 3 2 1 0 31. When I am in a group, others will often look to me for direction. 4 3 2 1 0 32. I feel an urgency to provide housing for the homeless, food for the starving, comfort for those in distress. 4 3 2 1 0 33. I have sung before groups and felt a real sense of God's presence. 4 3 2 1 0 34. By my playing a musical instrument, inspiration has been provided for both myself and others. 4 3 2 1 0 35. I have responsibility for providing spiritual guidance to an individual believer or group of believers. 4 3 2 1 0 36. People tell me that without my willingness to do the unnoticed jobs, their work would be more difficult. 4 3 2 1 0 37. I am good at building, repairing, or restoring things and find satisfaction in doing so. 4 3 2 1 0 38. I want to express my faith by assisting others to discover the truths contained in the Bible. 4 3 2 1 0 39. People come to me for help in applying Christian faith and values to personal situations. 4 3 2 1 0 40. I often feel moved to write about my thoughts and feelings so others may benefit from them. 4 3 2 1 0 41. I have been successful in organizing, directing and motivating people to achieve a goal. 4 3 2 1 0 42. My artistic work has given spiritual strength to both believer and non-believer. 4 3 2 1 0 43. In the congregation, I am often asked if a direction being discussed is in accord with God's will and purpose. 4 3 2 1 0 44. I do not find it difficult to share what Jesus means to me with non-believers. 4 3 2 1 0 45. Those who are struggling with life questions have come to me for guidance and help. 4 3 2 1 0 46. I can see great things happening in my congregation and am not derailed by the pessimism of others. 4 3 2 1 0 47. When I receive money unexpectedly, one of my first thoughts is to share this gift through the church. 4 3 2 1 0 48. I enjoy welcoming guests and helping them to feel at ease. 4 3 2 1 0 49. Believers have asked me to pray for healing in their lives, and have evidenced God's healing power. 4 3 2 1 0 50. My study of the Bible has proven helpful to others in their faith journey. 4 3 2 1 0 51. People have said they like to work with me because the task will be successfully completed. 4 3 2 1 0 52. People have been surprised by how at ease I am while working with those who are suffering in mind, body or spirit. 4 3 2 1 0 53. I am grateful and humbled that my singing has provided inspiration and hope for others on their faith journey. 4 3 2 1 0 54. Others have told me they were moved by my playing a musical instrument. 4 3 2 1 0 55. People have come to me for spiritual help and it has developed into a long-term relationship. 4 3 2 1 0 56. When I turn out the lights, take tables down, work in the kitchen or put chairs away, I feel that I have served the Lord. 4 3 2 1 0 57. My knowledge of building, maintenance or repair has been a special value to the church and others. 4 3 2 1 0 58. Students have told me that I can take the most difficult idea or concept and make it understandable. 4 3 2 1 0 59. When direction is needed at work or in the congregation, I am generally asked for my opinion. 4 3 2 1 0 60. My written work has been helpful to others in understanding life's truths. 4 3 2 1 0 For each gift there are three questions. Look at what you circled for each of the three statements indicated under each gift and write down that number under each “Response”. Now, add Response 1, 2, and 3 to get a total score for that gift. For example, in the category of Administration, if your numbers 2+4+3 then your total is nine 9. The strongest gift(s) will generally have a total score of "7" or more.
Spiritual Gift Cluster: If you have more than one gift with a total of seven or more, then all of these gifts can be referred to as your "gift cluster." Notice how each gift within the cluster has the potential to compliment and support another. The gifts within the cluster will need to be further explored to determine which ones you have truly been blessed with. Draw three circles. In each of the circles, write one of the spiritual gifts that had a total score of “7” or more. Begin with the center circle, identifying the gift that had the highest score. In the event of a tie, select the gift you feel you have used effectively in the past, or the one you think you might be most effective in. Then fill in the other circles with a five of the remaining gifts. This group of gifts is your gift cluster.
Note: This inventory is designed to begin your journey toward spiritual gifts discovery. Keep in mind that it is not a scientific instrument. Your perceptions will be validated by others and confirmed through prayer and by their use over time. As a cross reference, you may take the UMC Spiritual Gifts Inventory at www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1355371/k.9501/Spiritual_Gifts.htm
Putting Your Gifts To Use All Christians are to work together, supporting one another. However, our gifts make us better prepared and equipped to perform in some areas of ministry over others. A person who is working within a ministry area for which they are gifted will be more effective in that ministry than in one they are not. What types of ministry will you be most effective in? A brief list of ministry examples follows. These are merely examples and should not be considered an exhaustive list. Use them as a starting point in exploring the possibilities for putting your gifts to use within your congregation and in your community. Administration: Exhortation: Giving: Intercession: Skilled Crafts: Teaching: Wisdom: 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. May God give you discernment to know your gifts and grace and strength to open up your gifts and put them to good use for the kingdom. Paul tells us that a spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To borrow a common phrase: Let’s get busy ya’ll! |
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