|
2003-10-14 - 2:45 a.m. Gift Definitions and Scripture References
The following three pages contain suggested definitions of the spiritual gifts. While not meant to be dogmatic or final, these definitions and supporting Scriptures do correspond to characteristics of the gifts as expressed in the Wagner-Modified Houts Questionnaire. A. Prophecy. The gift of prophecy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance. Luke 7:26 - Acts 15:32 - Acts 21:9-11 - Romans 12:6 - I Corinthians 12:10,28 - Ephesians 4:11-14 B. Pastor. The gift of pastor is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to assume a long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers. John 10:1-18 - Ephesians 4:11-14 - I Timothy 3:1-7 - I Peter 5:1-3 C. Teaching. The gift of teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the Body and its members in such a way that others will learn. Acts 18:24-28 - Acts 20:20,21 - Romans 12:71 - Corinthians 12:28 - Ephesians 4:11-14 D. Wisdom. The gift of wisdom is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the Body of Christ. Acts 6:3,10 - I Corinthians 2:1-13 - I Corinthians 12:8 - James 1:5,6 - 2 Peter 3:15,16 E. Knowledge. The gift of knowledge is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to discover, accumulate, analyse and clarify information and ideas which are pertinent to the well-being of the Body. Acts 5:1-11 - I Corinthians 2:14 - 1 Corinthians 12:8 - 2 Corinthians 11:6 - Colossians 2:2,3 F. Exhortation. The gift of exhortation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement and counsel to other members of the Body in such a way that they feel helped and healed. Acts 14:22 - Romans 12:8 - 1 Timothy 4:13 - Hebrews 10:25 G. Discerning of Spirits. The gift of discerning of spirits is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to know with assurance whether certain behaviour purported to be of God is in reality divine, human or Satanic. Matthew 16:21-23 - Acts 5:1-11 - Acts 16:16-18 - I Corinthians 12:10 - I John 4:1-6 H. Giving. The gift of giving is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness. Mark 12:41-44 - Romans 12:8 - 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 - 2 Corinthians 9:2-8 I. Helps. The gift of helps is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to invest the talents they have in the life and ministry of other members of the Body, thus enabling those others to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts. Mark 15:40,41 - Luke 8:2,3 - Acts 9:36 - Romans 16:1,2 - I Corinthians 12:28 J. Mercy. The gift of mercy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals (both Christian and non-Christian) who suffer distressing physical, mental or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds which reflect Christ's love and alleviate the suffering. Matthew 20:29-34 - Matthew 25:34-40 - Mark 9:41 - Luke 10:33-35 - Acts 11:28-30 - Acts 16:33,34 - Romans 12:8 K. Missionary. The gift of missionary is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture. Acts 8:4 - Acts 13:2,3 - Acts 22:21 - Romans 10:15 - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 L. Evangelist. The gift of evangelist is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to share the gospel with unbelievers in such a way that men and women become Jesus' disciples and responsible members of the Body of Christ. Acts 8:5,6 - Acts 8:26-40 - Acts 14:21 - Acts 21:8 - Ephesians 4:11-14 - 2 Timothy 4:5 M. Hospitality. The gift of hospitality is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to provide an open house and a warm welcome to those in need of food and lodging. Acts 16:14,15 - Romans 12:9-13 - Romans 16:23 - Hebrews 13:1,2 - I Peter 4:9 N. Faith. The gift of faith is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purposes of God for his work. Acts 11:22-24 - Acts 27:21-25 - Romans 4:18-21 - I Corinthians 12:9 - Hebrews 11 0. Leadership. The gift of leadership is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to set goals in accordance with God's purpose for the future and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish those goals for the glory of God. Luke 9:51 - Acts 7:10 - Acts 15:7-11 - Romans 12:8 - I Timothy S:17 - Hebrews 13:17 P. Administration. The gift of administration is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the Body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals. Luke 14:28-30 - Acts 6:1-7 - Acts 27:11 - 1 Corinthians 12:28 - Titus 1:5 Q. Miracles. The gift of miracles is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to perform powerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature. Acts 9:36-42 - Acts 19:11-20 - Acts 20:7-12 - Romans 15:18,19 - 1 Corinthians 12:10,28 - 2 Corinthians 12:12 R. Healing. The gift of healing is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to cure illness and restore health apart from the use of natural means. Acts 3:1-10 - Acts 5:12-16 - Acts 9:32-35 - Acts 28:7-10 - I Corinthians 12:9,28 S. Tongues. The gift of tongues is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ (a) to speak to God in a language they have never learned and/or (b) to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to his people through a divinely anointed utterance in a language they never learned. Mark 16:17 - Acts 2:1-13 - Acts 10:44-46 - Acts 19:1-7 - I Corinthians 12:10,28 - 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 T. Interpretation. The gift of interpretation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to make known in the vernacular the message of one who speaks in tongues. I Corinthians 12:10,30 - I Corinthians 14:13 - 1 Corinthians 14:26-28 U. Voluntary Poverty. The gift of voluntary poverty is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to renounce material comfort and luxury and adopt a personal lifestyle equivalent to those living at the poverty level in a given society in order to serve God more effectively. Acts 2:44,45 - Acts 4:34-37 - I Corinthians 13:1-3 - 2 Corinthians 6:10 - 2 Corinthians 8:9 V. Celibacy. The gift of celibacy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to remain single and enjoy it; to be unmarried and not suffer undue sexual temptations. Matthew 19:10-12 - I Corinthians 7:7,8 W. Intercession. The gift of intercession is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers, to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian. Luke 22:41-44 - Acts 12:12 - Colossians 1:9-12 - Colossians 4:12,13 - I Timothy 2:1,2 - James 5:14-16 X. Exorcism. The gift of exorcism is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to cast out demons and evil spirits. Matthew 12:22-32 - Luke 10:12-20 - Acts 8:5-8 - Acts 16:16-18 Y. Service. The gift of service is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God's work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired results. Acts 6:1-7 - Romans 12:7 - Galatians 6:2,10 - 2 Timothy 1:16-18 - Titus 3:14 A Summary of Gifts Just as the fruit of the Spirit (listed in the fifth chapter of Galatians) should be found in every Christian's life, so we are all counselled to practice the gifts of the Sprit. "Through love serve one another" (Service -- Gal. 5:13). "Teach and help one another" (Teaching -- Col. 3:16). "But exhort one another daily" (Encouragement -- Heb 3:13). "Give and it will be given to you" (Giving -- Luke 6:38). "Be merciful in action, kindly in heart, humble in mind!" (Mercy--Col' 3:12). Discernment I'm able to assist others in determining' spiritual problems If I see a problem, I tend to render 'u rather than helping others to change I could effectively choose or nominate church members for positions where they would serve well I can correctly distinguish a spirit of truth from a spirit of error before that difference is apparent to others Encouragement It is easy for me to genuinely comfort someone who is hurting I can make effective appeals by publicly urging certain courses of action I am quick to encourage others I help strengthen positive behaviour rather than criticising negative behaviour Evangelism I'm at ease asking people to make a decision for Christ People often ask me how to become a Christian Through the Holy Spirit I lead people to a commitment to Jesus I am more interested in the end results of soul winning than in how people are led to decision Faith I rely upon God for all my needs I am often impatient with methodical, cautious thinking I am convinced that seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished I typically see hope in apparently hopeless situations Giving My gifts to others are often answers to specific prayers I have the ability to make wise investments with the ultimate aim of sharing my gains. I am sensitive to the material needs of others and desire to meet those needs without publicity I am able to give without expecting something in return and without insisting on determining how the gift is used Hospitality It is more natural for me to meet people's immediate needs than to aid them in planning to meet long-term needs I enjoy meeting strangers and having them in my home People look forward to being part of large gatherings in my home If someone were in need of lodging, I would offer my home to meet the need. Knowledge I'm able to mentally grasp how separate pieces of biblical information fit into the great themes of the scripture I have a tendency to measure spiritual maturity on the basis of biblical knowledge I can probe to deep levels in Bible topics I enjoy answering and discussing Bible questions Leadership People look to me when opinions are being sought I tend to assume responsibility if no structured leadership exists I can lead out in discussions, harmonise various points of view, draw conclusions, and delegate authority When I am in charge, there is a good spirit of unity and enthusiasm Mercy People share their inward struggles with me because they see me as sympathetic and understanding I often lack firmness and decisiveness because I am sensitive about offending others I am moved with compassion toward society's outcasts (such as drunks, unwed mothers, mentally retarded) I condemn others only if they are insensitive to personal needs Teaching I care a great deal about the accuracy of information I'm able to communicate well on the level of my listeners Bible teachings come quickly to mind whenever I deal with a problem I'm able to foster much participation and interest in presenting a spiritual subject Wisdom I know when to take an uncompromising stand and when to change a position I can predict with excellent accuracy the long term results of decisions I can apply what I learn to practical life situations I view all of life from a scriptural perspective. Now Find Your Niche Here are some ideas about where you can help out in your local church program. There are many other possibilities, of course, but these might help you to visualise how your gift can be used in a specific church office or function. Keep in mind that one position may require more than one gift. For example, an effective administrator requires the gifts of leadership and organisation, a pastor should possess the gifts of shepherding and preaching. The possible gifts combinations are nearly beyond computing. Discernment Elder Nominating Committee Pastors' lay advisory committee School board Membership Committee Encouragement Hospital Visitation Church nurture Visitation Prison ministry Telephone counselling Investment leader Specific area counselling (marriage, teens, etc.) Ingathering leader Youth Ministries Evangelism Personal Ministries Leader Give Bible studies Lead out in Bible-oriented seminars Church planting in new areas Prison ministry Branch Sabbath School (adult) Visitor visiting Follow up media interests Faith Building committee Project development Nominating Committee School board Evangelism Committee Giving Finance committee Student aid committee Investment leader Community services board Ingathering leader Poor fund committee Student missionary committee Hospitality Hospitality dinner co-ordinator/team leader Social committee Deacon/deaconess Singles’ ministry Knowledge Give Bible studies Help with seminars Write on Bible topics Leadership General Sabbath School superintendent Chairman of various boards and committees Lay pastor Elder Head deacon/deaconess Treasurer Youth ministries leader Mercy Emergency preparedness committee Community services (Dorcas) Poor fund committee Student aid committee Counselling Meals On Wheels Missionary Student missionary committee Visitation committee Refugee aid Inner-city work Cross-culture evangelism Organisation Church clerk Treasurer Nominating committee Social committee Telephone committee Church secretary Sabbath School superintendent Publications/public relations Prayer Hospital visitation Church nurture visitation New project development Elder Prayer band leader Follow up media interests Preaching Lay preacher/evangelist Elder Prison ministry Lead out in seminars Service Deacon/deaconess Music committee or participant Telephone committee Church librarian or tape librarian Audio visual committee Custodian/janitor Publications/public relations Meals On Wheels Community service Ingatherer Pastoring/Shepherding Church nurture visitation Singles ministry Study-group leader Hospital visitation Counselling Social committee Teaching Sabbath School leader/teacher (in any division/level) Youth activities leader Vacation Bible School leader/teacher Branch Sabbath School leader Bible study leader Wisdom Church board chairman Membership committee Elder Counselling School board member
|