Spiritual Gifts

Our

Leverage in Living and Leading

Spiritual Gifts

Our

Leverage in Living and Leading

www.lifeway.com/women • LifeWay Christian Resources

R eality of a relationship with the Father through His Son

E xpressing our unique personality in harmony with God’s Word

A cting upon the fruit of the Spirit

L iving out our giftedness in life and ministry

Releasing The Real You

1. What the Bible says about Spiritual gifts

2. Consider the gifts that have been given to us as unique individuals

3. Ways to discover or affirm ones Spiritual gifts

4. Understanding how to effectively work in harmony with others to impact the Kingdom

Purpose

Biblical Basis for GiftsA. What are Spiritual Gifts?1 Corinthians 12: 1, 4 – 11; Romans 12:1-8

Definitions:

“A special qualification, granted by the Holy Spirit, to every believer, to empower him/her to serve in ministry.” C. Gene Wilkes

“Individualized endowments of grace from the Father, equipping you to play a vital role in His plan for the redemption of the world.” Ken Hemphill

B. The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

Ephesians 4:11 – 13

To prepare God’s people for service Build up the body of Christ Create unity of faith Provide knowledge of Christ Develop maturity

C. The Command to use our Gifts

“Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administering

God’s grace in its various forms.”

1 Peter 4:10

D. Key Biblical Principles Concerning Spiritual GiftsEach Christian has at least one gift (1Cor 12:7)

Each gift is given as the Holy Spirit directs(1 Cor 12:11)

No one has all of the gifts (1 Cor 17:7, 12:29-30)

No gift is better than the other (1 Cor 12:21-26)

Each gift has the same purpose (Eph 4:12, Rom 12: 6-8)

God works through us when we exercise our gifts

Exercising our gifts helps us develop our spiritual maturity (Eph 4:11,13)

Your gifts reveal God’s grace (Rom 12:4-8)

Reality Check

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR CHURCH?

The Matter of Motive

OUR Motive

Fill a position Accomplish a task Keep people busy Bring attention to ourselves

GOD’S Motive

Reveal Himself to us Reveal Himself through us Encourage & edify other believers

The Matter of Motive

Churches must move from a position where people serve the structure of the church to a position where its structure

serves the people’s needs.

C. Gene Wilkes, Jesus on Leadership

Changing Our Motive

Scriptural Examples of Spiritual Gifts

Teaching Leadership Knowledge Wisdom Prophecy Discernment Exhortation

Shepherding Faith Evangelism Apostleship Service Mercy Giving

A. Ask the Holy Spirit for truth in your innermost being.

•wisdom to understand yourself•help to understand your spiritual gift(s)•faith to accept and use your spiritual gift(s)•ability to see the needs of your local body

The ABC’s of Gift Discovery

B. Believe God’s Word when it says that YOU are gifted.

C. Commit to move out of your comfort zone and try new avenues of service.

The ABC’s of Gift Discovery (Continued)

D.Discern through the affirmation of other Christians where God is directing you to serve.

E. Examine your motives for seeking God’s gifts.

F. Follow the Spirit’s leading when He reveals your passion, your burden.

The ABC’s of Gift Discovery (Continued)

Spiritual Gifts Survey

Spiritual Gifts List

Where do you feel God leading you to serve Him?

The Process of Gift Discovery

Spiritual Gift Assessment Tools

Strategies to assist women in finding

their place of service1. Leadership must set an example of

Biblical service through spiritual gifts

2. Examine our motives and allow God to give us His motive

3. Provide ongoing opportunities for Bible study regarding spiritual gifts

Using Gifts in Ministry

4. Provide ongoing opportunities for spiritual gifts assessment

5. Develop and implement a system to match gifts with current ministry opportunities.

6. Continually encourage women as they seek to serve God through their spiritual gifts

Strategies to assist women in finding their place of service

Resources

Women Reaching Women: Beginning and Building a Growing Women’s Enrichment Ministry, Revised and Expanded Chris Adams, LifeWay

Transformed Lives: Taking Women’s Ministry to the Next Level, compiled by Chris Adams, LifeWay

www.lifeway.com/women, click Ministry, then Women’s Ministry FAQs

Jesus on Leadership, C. Gene Wilkes, LifeWay Spiritual Gifts, David Frances, LifeWay Unique Design: Connecting with the Christian

Community, Serendipity Life Connections Series/LifeWay Uniquely You in Christ, Dr. Mels Carbonell Yours for the Giving: Spiritual Gifts,

Barbara Joiner

The BodyLife Journey, John S. Powers Network Curriculum, Willow Creek Association Following God: Using Your Spiritual Gifts, Eddie

Rasnake Gifts: Learning a Lifestyle of Service, Pursuing Spiritual

Transformation, John Ortberg What's So Spiritual About Your Gifts?, Blackaby Women Gifted for Ministry, Ruth & Elmer Towns Unique Design: Connecting with the Christian

Community, Serendipity House/LifeWay Making Love Last Forever, Gary Smalley, LifeWay

Resources