Explanation Of Spiritual Gifts Series

The Gift of Administration (Exodus 18:20-22)

The Holy Spirit enables some of us to motivate, direct and inspire God's people in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to do the Church's work effectively. To exercise the gift of administration is to assume oversight for the proper execution of an organization or program - in other words "being in charge of people or things." This gift involves being able to put things together, tie up all the "loose ends" and get things done, setting a pattern for others to follow -- by direction, instruction, guidance, encouragement of example. Giftedness at financing, planning, organizing, delegating responsibilities and problem-solving can be indications of the gift of administration.

Ministries: Committee chairperson, Sunday school superintendent, outreach coordinator, treasurer, youth leader, church secretary, or pastor.

The Gift of Apostleship (Acts 14:21-23)

The Holy Spirit enables some people to lead, inspire and develop the church of God by proclamation and the teaching of truth. Apostleship involves the continual planting of new churches and guiding these churches in their spiritual growth by oversight of the leaders and pastors of these churches. To exercise the gift of apostleship is to perceive and accept God's call to lead others in their spirituality, to be instrumental in acknowledging God's grace and authority in the life of the church. This gift involves being able to lead others wisely and compassionately, and training others in spiritual matters. Apostleship includes a combination of wisdom, discernment, leadership and teaching.

Ministries: Church planting, leading and multiplying home Bible studies, and missionary.

The Gift of Discernment (Acts 5:1-4)

The Holy Spirit enables some of us to discover the will of God. To exercise the gift of discernment is to distinguish between truth and error, to identify whether something is of God, especially as it pertains to oral testimony. This gift involves wisdom and prayerfulness.

Ministries: Counselor, deacon, personnel committee member, and pastor.

The Gift of Evangelism (Acts 8:4-5)

The Holy Spirit enables some of us to share the Gospel with others in such a way that they come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. To exercise the gift of evangelism is to share one's faith within and beyond the church walls. This gift involves being unashamed of the Gospel of Christ.

Ministries: Teacher, greeter or usher, prison ministry, campus ministry, missionary, and outreach ministries.

The Gift of Exhortation (Acts 11:23-24)

The Holy Spirit empowers some of us to stand beside other people who are in need and bring comfort, counsel and encouragement so they feel helped. To exercise the gift of exhortation is to call forth the best from others. This gift involves helping others to be more dedicated in living out their faith, bolstering them up when they are discouraged or downhearted, challenging them to see the goals to which God calls them.

Ministries: Committee chairperson, pastoral caregiver, working with young people, ministering to clergy, preaching, work with older people or the handicapped, writing letters to those who need encouragement, and prison ministry.

The Gift of Faith (Hebrews 11)

The Holy Spirit provides some of us with extraordinary confidence in God's promises, power, and presence so that they can take heroic stands for the future of God's work in the church. This gift involves a healthy prayer life, sensitivity to the will of God, and a firm trust that God will come through, even when there is no concrete evidence.

Ministries: Tithing, stewardship committee, project supporter, social ministries committee, and prayer chain.

The Gift of Giving (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)

The Holy Spirit enables some of us to offer their energies, abilities and material resources for the work of the church with exceptional willingness, cheerfulness and generosity. To exercise the gift of giving one operates out of a spirit of selflessness, requiring no recognition or reward for their giving. This gift involves offering one's time, energy, talent, skills, material possessions and money.

Ministries: Tithing, stewardship committee, project supporter, flowers for the service, Christmas gifts for needy children, and other benevolence ministries.

The Gift of Healing (Luke 9:1-2; James 5:14-15)

The Holy Spirit leads some of us to share in restoring the sick. To exercise the gift of healing is to pray not necessarily for a cure but for God's help for the sufferer, that something of good may come out of the distress. This gift involves a healthy prayer life, confidence in God's power to provide courage in suffering, and wellness of spirit regardless of the condition of the body or mind.

Ministries: Pastoral caregiver, prayer chain member, participating in the healing ministry of the church, visiting the sick, visiting in hospitals, and intercessory prayer with or for the sick.

The Gift of Helps/Caregiver (Matthew 25:35-36; Acts 6:2-4)

The Holy Spirit empowers some of us to willingly bear the burdens of others and help them in such a way that they can do their tasks more effectively. To exercise the gift of caregiving or helping is to give assistance or relief from distress where it is needed. This gift involves a willingness to help others even when the jobs may be messy or involve getting into close proximity with people who are sick or distressed.