MY SPIRITUAL GIFT(S)

Spiritual gifts are divine abilities that are given to every believer for the edification of the body and for the recruiting of unbelievers.

There is always the debate over whether a distinction can be made between talents and spiritual gifts. The truth is however, that biblically speaking, it is evident that there is a difference between the two.

They come natural to you and you enjoy doing them

They do not necessarily have to edify the church

They don’t have to necessarily fit in with the great commission

Not all are divinely given by God

They must edify the church

They have been given from inception (Jeremiah 1:5)

Distinct reference is made to them in scripture

They cannot be done off your own strength and personal ability

• Apostle apostolos (may be the Apostles, we have the NT today...)• Prophet prophetes• Evangelist (perhaps a Missionary also) euaggelistes• Pastor (Shepherd) and Teacher poimen kai didaskalos • Discernment (spiritual or doctrinal truth or error) diakrisis

• Prophecy (Preaching) propheteia

• Teaching didasko

• Exhortation (Encouraging/Motivating) parakaleo

• Word of Knowledge logos gnosis

• Word of Wisdom logos sophia

• Faith (Vision) pistis • Helps/Helping antilempsis • Showing Mercy (Compassion) lovingkindness eleeo • Management (Administration, Government) steering kubernesis • Leadership proistemi • Giving a part of, sharing metadidomi

• Miracles dunamis

• Tongues (simply Languages…) glossa

• Interpretation of Tongues (simply Translation…) hermeneia/diermeneuo

• Healings (can be spiritual, emotional, mental, physical) iama

1) Word of Wisdom -- A Word refers to "a supernaturally imparted fragment," while wisdom, which generally means prudence, decision making.

(2) Word of Knowledge -- A supernaturally inspired utterance of facts.

(3) Faith -- A supernatural impartation of assurance in God.

(4) Gifts of Healings -- Supernaturally ministering health to the sick.

(5) Working of Miracles -- A supernatural intervention of natural laws. The Greek describes it as "works of power" and implies instantaneous results

Prophecy -- A supernaturally inspired utterance from God. A genuine prophetic utterance never contradicts, neither is equal to, the written Word of God. To forthtell or foretell. To speak from the mind of God. Prophecies are to be judged (1 Cor. 14:29, 1 Thes. 5:20-21).

(7) Discerning of Spirits -- This is a supernatural ability to discern a person's spiritual character and the source of his actions and messages, such as from the Holy Spirit, demon spirits, the human spirit or from the flesh.

(8) Different Kinds of Tongues -- A supernaturally imparted utterance in an unlearned language which is interpreted as a prophecy to the body for their edification. (This is distinguished from "praying" in tongues, which is intended to edify one's own spirit -- 1 Cor. 14:14.) A message in tongues to the body is always to be interpreted (by another gift), and is limited to three within a gathering (1 Cor. 14:27).

(9) Interpretation of Tongues -- This is the supernatural interpretation of a message in tongues into the understandable language of the hearers. It is not a "translation" but an interpretation.

Prophesying: Also known as Perceiver, Provoker, and Proclaimer.Spiritually driven to proclaim the truth as they know it. Persuasive and articulate. Sees in black or white. Will make enemies with their friends. Open about own faults. Dislikes deception and poor leadership. Ministry roles: Preacher, Evangelist, Intercessor.Biblical examples: Jesus Christ, Peter, and John the Baptist.

Serving: Also known as Friendly Helper, Doer, Expediter & VolunteerPhysically driven to free up others by attending to practical tasks. Low-key and selfless.Likes to energetically pitch-in without being asked. Ministry roles: all Church volunteerpositions including greeting, teaching, office help, food and program support. Biblicalexamples: Jesus Christ, Timothy.

Teaching: Also known as Seminarian(Not always), Researcher, and Fact-Finder.Mentally driven to clarify the truth. Dislikes ignorance & false teaching. Thorough. Findsnew insights others do not see. Likes to share knowledge. Ministry roles: Teaching Pastor, truth checker, and researcher. Biblical examples: Jesus Christ, Luke and Paul

Encouraging: Also known as Exhorter, Influencer, Coach, and Optimist.Relationship driven to minister directly to people with hope and optimism. Offers positive Influence and encouragement to others. Promotes discipleship. Will make friends with enemies. Dislikes criticism, details and inflexibility. Ministry roles: Evangelist, Pastor, Counselor, and Mentor. Biblical examples: Jesus Christ, Barnabas.

Contributing: Also known as a Giver, Resource Provider, & Value-BuilderResource driven to generously give money, time, talents and testimony to worthwhileministries. Able to discover and create resources by being thrifty and wise. Low-keyapproach. Ministry roles: Fund raising, Finance committees, and task forces. Biblicalexamples: Jesus Christ, Matthew.

Leadership: Also known as Administrator, Organizer, Coordinator and Orchestrator Functionally motivated to improve the business side by increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Irritated by chaos, waste and disorder. Leaders set up systems to get results. Good creative problem solver. Ministry roles: Executive pastor, Office Manager,Director/manager. Biblical examples: Jesus Christ, James, Joseph & Nehemiah

Showing Mercy: Also known as Compassion, Care Giver, Nurturer. Emotionally motivated to minister to the hurting and less fortunate through caring and worship. Quick to accept and forgive. Non-judgmental. Self-sacrificing. Genuinely values others. Ministry roles: Chaplain, Nurse, Counselor, Missions and Comforter.