Spiritual Gifts

There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Cor. 12:4-5) Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Pet. 4:10) Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:4-6a)

Scripture References

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Romans 12:6-8

administration

apostlediscernmentfaithhealinghelps

knowledgemiraclesprophecyteachingtonguestongues interpretation

wisdom

1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 28-30

apostleevangelismpastorprophecyteaching

Ephesians 4:11

HealingInterpretation of TonguesMiraclesTongues

Controversial Spiritual Gifts

Kubernesis (Gk) – shipmaster or captain Literal meaning – to steer or to rule or govern

Purpose: to organize, direct and implement plans to lead others in the various ministries of the church

Closely related to gift of leadership Goal and task oriented; more concerned with details and organization

Administration

Sometimes confused with the office of apostle

Purpose: to plant new ministries and churches, go where the Gospel is not preached, reach across cultures to establish churches in challenging environments, raise up and develop new leaders, call out and lead pastors

Leaders of leaders and ministers of ministers Typically entrepreneurial; able to take risks and perform difficult tasks

Apostleship

Also known as the gift of “discernment of spirits” or “distinguishing between spirits”

Diakrisis (Gk) – able to distinguish, discern, judge or appraise a person, statement, situation or environment

Purpose: to enable to clearly recognize and distinguish between the influence of God, Satan, the world and the flesh in a given situation.

Discernment

All Christians are called to evangelize (Matt. 28:18-20)

Euaggelistes (Gk) – one who brings good news

Burdened for the lost Purpose: to clearly and effectively communicate the Gospel; an ability to clearly communicate with all types of people, continually seek out relationships with others; love sharing the good news.

Evangelism

Gift of encouragement Parakaleo (Gk) – to beseech, exhort, call upon, to encourage and strengthen

Purpose: to remind the hearer of the power of God; to strengthen and encourage those wavering in their faith

Able to uplift and motivate as well as to challenge and rebuke to foster spiritual growth

Exhortation

Pistis (Gk) – confidence, certainty, trust and assurance in the object of faith

Not the same as saving faith (all Christians have been given saving faith).

Purpose: to encourage and build up the church in its confidence in God

People with this gift take God at His Word and put their full lives in His hands.

Faith

Metadidomi (Gk) – to impart or to give; and Haplotes (GK) – sincerely, generously and without pretense or hypocrisy

Purpose: to meet the various needs of the church and its ministries, missionaries or people who are unable to provide for themselves; to encourage and provide, giving all credit to God

Excellent stewards, typically very hospitable.

Giving

Also known as “word of knowledge” or “utterance of knowledge”

Gnosis (Gk) – knowledge and understanding

Related to the gift of wisdom Understanding of the things in the

world and lives that is founded in the Gospel and rooted in the Scriptures

Purpose: to bring about understanding; to relate the Scriptures to everyday life and circumstances

Knowledge

Closely related to the gifts of administration and pastor/shepherd

The gift is related to people; not task-oriented

Purpose: to care for God’s people and to lead them into deeper relationship with Christ and each other.

Lead relationally and with a deep concern for the well-being of others; visionary; less concerned with the mundane details; well equipped to lead through crisis; entrepreneurial and risk-takers for kingdom advancement

Leadership

All Christians are called to be mercifulEleeo (Gk) – to be patient and compassionate to the afflicted and those suffering

Hands and feet of God to the afflicted; able to discern when someone is not doing well; good listeners

Purpose: to love and assist those who are suffering and to walk with them until the Lord allows the burden to be lifted.

Mercy

Carries many responsibilities Responsibilities are synonymous with those who care for sheep; they are first and foremost servants; humble; ability to teach the Scriptures

Purpose: to reveal the glory of God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit by teaching His Word to the church; to humbly teach, guide, protect and lead in the mission of the Great Commission

Pastor/Shepherd

Propheteia (Gk) – to receive and deliver to others a divinely inspired message (exhortation, correction, disclosure of secret sins, prediction of future event, comfort, inspiration or other revelation given to equip and edify the church).

Purpose: to make God’s heart known and to edify the church; words must be tested against the Scriptures (1 Thes. 5:20-21).

Prophecy

Diakonia (Gk) – to wait tables and Antilepsis (Gk)– helping

Purpose: to fill the many gaps in ministry and meet the needs of the church as it fulfills the Great Commission; to energize the church and free up others to use their gifts to the fullest

People with this gift seek to serve in the background, they love to help out

Serving/Ministering

Carries a heavy responsibility in the church (James 3:1)

Isdidaskalos (Gk)– didactic – to teach, instruct, instill doctrine, explain and expound

Purpose: to help the church fulfill its ministry as “a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15); to uphold God’s Word and the growth and maturity of His Bride until the day of His return.

Teaching

Also referred to as the “word of wisdom” or “utterance of wisdom.”

Sophia (Gk) – intimate understanding of God’s Word and His commandments which results in holy and upright living

Purpose: to impart truth and understanding to believers and to invoke a response of holiness and worship lived out in the world amongst God’s people.

Wisdom

Ministry Tools Resource Center. http://mintools.com/gifts-list.htm#evangelism

Spiritual Gifts Test. http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/

Resources