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Segment 2

S.E.R.V.E.: Spiritual Gifts – Part 1

We will now begin a process whereby you will be able to prepare a profile of your unique make-up. We’ve prepared and adapted some tools to help you discover and think through the five factors that make up who you are. Remember:

1. Have fun! These are not “tests.” There are no right or wrong answers. The purpose is to show how you are a unique blend.

2. Each one is self-evaluating. No one is “rating” you on this. Focus on your feelings, not others. However it may be helpful to ask for additional input from those closest to you after you’ve filled in your own responses.

3. The value of each of these tools will vary depending on your age, how long you’ve been a Christian, your background, your honesty, and how much time and serious thinking you’re willing to invest in them.

We will begin the process by looking at what the Bible says about the “S” in SERVE: Spiritual Gifts.

A Condensed Overview

“Now about spiritual gifts, I do not want you to be ignorant.” 1 Cor. 12:1

A Spiritual Gift: A special ability, given by the Holy Spirit to every believer at their conversion according to God’s design and grace, to be used to minister to others and therefore build up the Body of Christ.

People often approach the study of spiritual gifts backwards. One of the primary ways you discover your spiritual gift is getting involved in ministry. Too often, people try to figure out their gift before they get in ministry. Get in ministry—and then discover what you’re gifted in. This can quite often be a long-term process.

Spiritual gifts are something that you begin to understand better as you mature as a Christian. It’s like a newborn baby with their senses and abilities. They have them—but they don’t fully understand how to use them because they are not developed and matured. Let’s look briefly at some basic foundational truths.

Ten Foundational Truths

1. Only believers have spiritual gifts. 1 Cor. 2:142. Every Christian has at least one gift. 1 Cor. 7:73. No one receives all the gifts (otherwise we wouldn’t need each other). 1 Cor. 12:27-304. No single gift is given to everyone. 1 Cor. 12:29-305. You can’t earn or work for a spiritual gift (otherwise, it wouldn’t be a ‘gift’). Eph. 4:76. The Holy Spirit decides what gift(s) I get. 1 Cor. 12:117. The gifts I’m given are permanent. Rom. 11:298. I am to develop the gift(s) God gives me. 1 Tim. 4:14 Spiritual gifts are given in seed form,

like a muscle that needs to be exercised.9. It’s a sin to waste the gift(s) God gave me. 1 Cor. 4:1-2; Matt. 25:14-30

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10. Using my gift(s) glorifies God and grows me. John 15:8What is the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts?

A. Not for my benefit, but for others.

“Each one of you, as a good manager of God’s different gifts, must use for the good of others, the spiritual gift he has received from God.” 1 Peter 4:10

“The Holy Spirit displays God’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church.” 1 Cor. 12:7

B. To produce maturity and stability in our church family.

“It was He who ‘gave gifts to men’...to build up the Body of Christ so we shall all come together to that oneness in faith... and become mature... Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind...” Eph. 4:11,13-14

Here are some cautions about Spiritual Gifts:

1. Don’t confuse gifts with natural talents. For example, ‘sales’ is not a gift.

2. Don’t confuse gifts with the Fruit of the Spirit in Gal. 5:22-23. “Fruit” shows my maturity – “Being” qualities. “Gifts” show my ministry – “Doing” qualities. You can have a spiritual gift and be spiritually immature. Many believers operate their gifts out of immaturity.

3. Don’t confuse gifts with Christian roles. Ministry titles indicate general roles and organizational positions, while spiritual gifts indicate specific functions and ministry contributions (e.g., Pastor). Pastoring or shepherding is a spiritual gift—however, many Pastors don’t have this gift. Also, lots of people have this gift who aren’t Pastors.

4. Be aware of the “gift projection” tendency. (Expecting others to serve the way you do and have similar results.) For example, people with the gift of mercy expect others to be merciful like them.

5. Don’t feel my gift makes me superior to others. (1 Cor. 12:21)

6. Realize that using my gifts without love is worthless!“I may be able to speak the language of men and even of angels... I may have the gift of inspired preaching... I may have all knowledge... and all the faith to move mountains, but if I have not love, I am nothing... it does no good.” 1 Cor. 13:1-3

7. Recognize that I may have both a Primary and a Secondary place of serving:

My Primary Serving place will always be performed in the way I am gifted. This place of service may be within or outside the church.

My Secondary Serving includes serving in any other area of the Body where I am needed. Titus 3:14

8. Recognize that I may not have the spiritual gift of giving—but I’m not excused from giving. I may not have the gift of teaching—but we are all called to be imparters of the truth (teachers). We are all called to be proclaimers of the Good News—though not all have the supernatural gift

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of evangelism. We may not have the gift of intercession (prayer)—but we are all to be people of prayer. Spiritual gifts do not excuse you from the obligations stated elsewhere in Scripture.

S.E.R.V.E.: Spiritual Gifts – Part 2

We will now complete a spiritual gift survey. At the end of this survey is an additional reference guide to better understand the gifts and the cautions that should be exercised in the use of these gifts.

The Bible does not lock us into tight restrictions as to the number of spiritual gifts, or even their definitions. The four major lists of gifts are found in Romans 12:3-8, 1 Cor. 12:1-11,27-31, Eph. 4:11-12 and 1 Peter 4:9-11. However, there are other passages that mention or illustrate gifts not included in these lists. The following list of gifts is meant to be exemplary (i.e., illustrative) and not exhaustive. For example, there may be other gifts such as celibacy, martyrdom, counseling, etc.

The following is a list of 25 gifts. There is no single list in Scripture that lists all of them. In fact, many books on spiritual gifts disagree on how many there are or what they are. (If you have personal opinions that differ from this list, PLEASE do not allow that to get in the way of the intent behind this survey. You may skip over any gifts in this list if you disagree with it.) It is best to assume that any lists (including this one) are casual lists rather than comprehensive lists. Having said that, let’s begin to unwrap the gift(s) God has given you:

UNWRAPPING MY GIFTS

Directions: For each gift, read the paragraph and indicate at the bottom of the paragraph your response.

Prophecy (Preaching) 1 Cor. 12:8-10,28; 13:2; 14:3; Rom. 12:6-8; Eph. 4:11; 2 Peter 1:19-21Contributes to the Body: ConvictionThe divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. The ability to persuasively declare God’s will. People with this gift: expose sin or deception in others for the purpose of reconciliation; speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance and edification; see truth that others often fail to see and challenge them to respond; warn of God’s immediate or future judgment if there is no repentance; understand God’s heart and mind through experiences He takes them through. This can be a very public gift.

___ I’m pretty sure I have this gift.___ I may have this gift.___ I don’t think I have this gift.

Evangelism Eph. 4:11; Acts 8:26-40; Luke 19:1-10Contributes to the Body: The Good NewsThe divine enablement to effectively communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ to unbelievers in a positive, non-threatening way so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship. This person is usually very sensitive to how the unchurched feel. The ability to sense opportunities to share Christ. People with this gift: communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction; seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters; challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ; adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual’s needs; seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers. It is estimated that no more than 5-10% of the people within this body has this gift. You don’t have to be extroverted; you learn how to share consistent with your personality.

___ I’m pretty sure I have this gift.

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___ I may have this gift.___ I don’t think I have this gift.

Apostle 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Rom. 1:5; 15:20; Eph. 4:11-12Contributes to the Body: New MinistriesThe divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures. People with this gift: pioneer and establish new ministries or churches; desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries; have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches; demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church.


Missions 1 Cor. 9:19-23; Acts 13:2-3Contributes to the Body: Cultural Missions WorkThe divine enablement to adapt to a different culture in order to reach unbelievers and help believers from that culture. People with this gift: pioneer and establish new ministries or churches specifically targeted to different cultures; adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware; desire to minister to unreached people in other countries or cultures; have responsibilities to oversee missions oriented work.


Teaching 1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:6-8; Eph. 4:11-13; Acts 18:24-28; 2 Tim. 2:2Contributes to the Body: ApplicationThe divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God (i.e., ‘guided doing’), thus causing Christlikeness in the lives of listeners. The ability to equip and train other believers for ministry. People with this gift: communicate spiritual truth that inspires greater obedience to the Word; challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of the Scripture; present the whole counsel of God for maximum life change; give attention to detail and accuracy; prepare through extended times of study and reflection. Many have this ability in seed form; if you think in ‘lists,’ you may have this gift.


Encouragement (Exhortation) Acts 14:22; 15:30-32; Rom. 12:6-8Contributes to the Body: AffirmationThe divine enablement to motivate God’s people to apply and urge to act on Biblical principles, especially when they are discouraged or wavering in their faith. The ability to bring out the best in others and challenge them to develop their potential. People with this gift: come to the side of those who are discouraged to strengthen and reassure them; challenge, comfort, or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God; urge others to action by applying biblical truth; motivate others to grow; emphasize God’s promises and to have confidence in His will. The difference between teachers and exhorters: teachers focus on content of a text; exhorters focus on life applications, practical and positive. They can visualize achievements. This is often used in a public forum in the role of teacher or one-on-one in the role of counselor.

___ I’m pretty sure I have this gift.___ I may have this gift.

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___ I don’t think I have this gift.

Wisdom 1 Cor. 2:1,6-16; 12:8-10; James 3:13-18; Jer. 9:23-24Contributes to the Body: GuidanceThe divine enablement to understand God’s perspective on life situations and share those insights in a simple, understandable way. The ability to explain what to do and how to do it. People with this gift: focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take; receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body; provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion; hear the Spirit provide direction for God’s best in a given situation; apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways. Can have a real insight on relationships; patient and understanding of people; can be good mediators.


Discernment 1 John 4:1-6; 1 Cor 12:8-10; Acts 5:1-4; Matt. 16:21-23Contributes to the Body: ClarityThe divine enablement to distinguish right from wrong, truth from error, differentiating good from evil, and to give an immediate evaluation based on God’s Word. The ability to discern whether the source of an experience is Satan, self, or God’s Spirit. People with this gift: able to distinguish right from wrong, pure motives from impure; identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness; determine whether a word attributed to God is authentic; recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message, or interpretation; are able to sense the presence of evil. This gift protects the church. Some have this gift but don’t understand enough about the Bible to exercise this effectively.


Knowledge 1 Cor. 12:8-10; Daniel 1:17; Mark 2:6-8; John 1:45-50Contributes to the Body: AwarenessThe divine ability to discover, collect, analyze, and organize information that is vital to individual believers or the entire church family. The ability to comprehend a large amount of information and provide it when needed for effective decision-making. People with this gift: receive truth which better enables them to serve the body; search the Scriptures for insight, understanding truth; gain knowledge which at times was not attained by natural means; have an unusual insight or understanding that serves the church; organize information for teaching and practical use. They get the facts, they don’t just depend on feelings. May love to research; can work on large databases; usually enjoy detail.


Service (Helps) Acts 6:1-7; Rom. 12:6-8; 16:1-2; 1 Cor. 12:28Contributes to the Body: SupportThe divine enablement to recognize unmet needs in the church family, and take the initiative to provide practical assistance quickly, cheerfully, and without a need for recognition. The ability to attach spiritual value to the accomplishment of practical and necessary tasks that free up, support, and meet the needs of others. People with this gift: serve behind the scenes wherever needed to support the gifts and ministries of others; see the tangible and practical things to be done and enjoy doing them; sense God’s purpose

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and pleasure in meeting everyday responsibilities; attach spiritual value to practical service; enjoy knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God has called them to do. We are all to have a servant’s heart, but these people have a special motivation. They don’t want to be up-front; in fact, they actually avoid it. They don’t feel that anything is below them.


Mercy Rom. 12:6-8; Luke 10:30-37; Matt. 5:7; Mark 10:46-52Contributes to the Body: CareThe divine enablement to detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering or are in need in the church family. The ability to provide compassionate and cheerful support to those experiencing distress, crisis, or pain. People with this gift: focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people; address the needs of the lonely and forgotten; express love, grace and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis; serve in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully; concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people. A good example of this is the Good Samaritan.


Hospitality 1 Peter 4:9-10; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:1-2Contributes to the Body: AcceptanceThe divine ability to make others, especially strangers, feel warmly welcomed, accepted, and comfortable in the church family. The ability to coordinate factors that promote fellowship. People with this gift: provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for; meet new people and help them to feel welcomed; create a safe and comfortable setting where relationships can develop; seek ways to connect people together into meaningful relationships; set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings. There is a difference between entertaining and setting people at ease. These people are usually good conversationalists.


Shepherding (Pastoring) Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Peter 5:2-4; John 10:1-18Contributes to the Body: NurtureThe divine enablement to nurture, care for, and guide people toward ongoing spiritual maturity and to assume responsibility for their welfare. People with this gift: take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God; provide guidance and oversight to a group of God’s people; model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Christ; establish trust and confidence through long-term relationships; lead and protect those within their span of control.


Giving Rom. 12:6-8; 2 Cor. 6:8; 8:1-7; Luke 21:1-4Contributes to the Body: Resources

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The divine ability to generously and liberally contribute material resources and/or money beyond the 10% tithe so that the Body may grow and be strengthened. The ability to earn and manage money so it may be given to support the ministry of others. People with this gift: do not ask “How much money do I give to God?” but, “How much of God's money do I keep?”; manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in order to give as much of their resources as possible; support the work of ministry with sacrificial gifts to advance the Kingdom; meet tangible needs that enable spiritual growth to occur; provide resources, generously and cheerfully, trusting God for His provision; may have a special ability to make money so that they may use it to further God's work. These people are often very successful in business; they make money so they can give money.


Music Psalm 150Contributes to the Body: Worshipful EnvironmentThe divine ability to celebrate God’s presence through music, either vocal or instrumental, and to lead the church family in worship. People with this gift: use their musical skills to communicate God’s truth; use their skills to cause people to consider the character of God and assist in bringing people to an attitude of worship and celebration; enjoy using their skills and leading the church in worship.


Craftsmanship (Arts & Crafts) Ex. 31:3-11; 35:31-35; Acts 9:36-39; 2 Kings 22:5-6Contributes to the Body: SkillThe divine enablement to creatively design and/or construct items to be used for ministry. People with this gift: work with wood, cloth, paints, metal, glass, and other raw materials; make things which increase the effectiveness of others' ministries; enjoy serving with their hands to meet tangible needs; design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use; work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands.


Creative Communication Psalm 150; 2 Sam. 6:14-15; Mark 4:2,33Contributes to the Body: Artistic ExpressionThe divine enablement to communicate God’s truth through a variety of art forms. People with this gift: use the arts to communicate God’s truth; develop and use artistic skills such as drama, writing, art, dance, music, etc.; use variety and creativity to captivate people and cause them to consider Christ’s message; challenge people’s perspective of God through various forms of the arts; demonstrate fresh ways to express the Lord’s ministry and message.


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Intercession (Prayer) Rom. 8:26-27; John 17:9-26; Col. 1:9-12; 4:12-13; 1 Tim. 2:1-2Contributes to the Body: ProtectionThe divine enablement to pray on behalf of and for the needs of others in the church family over extended periods of time on a regular basis, thus seeing frequent and specific results. The ability to persist in prayer and not be discouraged until the answer arrives. People with this gift: feel compelled to earnestly pray on behalf of someone or some cause; have a daily awareness of the spiritual battles being waged and pray; are convinced God moves in direct response to prayer; pray in response to the leading of the Spirit, whether they understand it or not; exercise authority and power for the protection of others and the equipping of them to serve.


Healing 1 Cor. 12:8-10,28,30; James 5:14-16; Acts 3:1-16; Mark 2:1-12Contributes to the Body: WholenessThe divine ability to pray in faith and to be God’s means for restoring people to wholeness, specifically for people who need physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, and to see God answer. The ability to sense when God is prompting you to pray this kind of prayer. People with this gift: demonstrate the power of God; bring restoration to the sick and diseased; authenticate a message from God through healing; use it as an opportunity to communicate a biblical truth and to see God glorified; pray, touch, or speak words that miraculously bring healing to one’s physical, emotional or spiritual needs.


Miracles Mark 11:23-24; 1 Cor. 12:8-10,28; John 2:1-11; Luke 5:1-11Contributes to the Body: God’s PowerThe divine enablement to authenticate the ministry and message of God through supernatural interventions that glorify Him. The ability to sense when God is prompting you to pray in faith this kind of prayer. People with this gift: speak God’s truth and have it authenticated by an accompanying miracle; express confidence in God’s faithfulness and ability to manifest His presence; bring the ministry and message of Jesus Christ with power; claim God to be the source of the miracle and glorify Him; represent Christ, and through the gift, point people to a relationship to Him.


Leadership Rom. 12:6-8; Heb. 13:7,17; Luke 22:25-26Contributes to the Body: DirectionThe divine enablement to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God. The ability to motivate others by example to work together in accomplishing a ministry goal. People with this gift: provide direction for God’s people or ministry; motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities; present the “big picture” for others to see; model the values of the ministry; take responsibility and establish goals. The difference between management and leadership is that management focuses on the short-term and control, while leadership focuses on the long-term and change.


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Administration (Organization) 1 Cor. 12:28; 14:40; Acts 6:1-7; Ex. 18:13-26Contributes to the Body: EfficiencyThe divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function; to organize and manage people, resources, and time for effective ministry. The ability to recognize the gifts of others and recruit them to a ministry. The ability to coordinate many details and execute the plans and procedures of leadership that accomplish the goals of the ministry. People with this gift: develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals; assist ministries to become more effective and efficient; create order out of organizational chaos; manage or coordinate a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task; organize people, tasks, or events; to steer or guide. This person is usually detail-oriented without losing the big picture.


Faith 1 Cor. 12:8-10; 13:2; Rom. 4:18-21; Heb. 11:1Contributes to the Body: ConfidenceThe divine enablement to act on God’s promises with confidence and unwavering belief, regardless of what the circumstances indicate. The willingness to risk failure in pursuit of a God-given vision, expecting God to handle the obstacles. People with this gift: believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same; act in complete confidence of God’s ability to overcome obstacles; demonstrate an attitude of trust in God's will and His promises; advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not; ask God for what is needed and trust Him for His provision. This person loves to take risks; not threatened to go out on a limb. Even though we are to all have faith, this person has a special ability to persevere, to focus on big dreams with big risks.


Praying With My Spirit (Tongues/Interpretation) Contributes to the Body: A Message/Understanding

1 Cor. 12:8-10,28; 14:5,13-15,26-28; Acts 2:1-11The divine enablement to speak, worship, or pray in a language unknown to the speaker or one who is given the gift of making known to the body of Christ the message of one who is speaking in tongues.

WHY WE DISCOURAGE THIS GIFT IN OUR MEETINGS

This gift caused such problems in the Corinthian church, Paul had to write an entire chapter (1 Cor. 14) of guidelines.

1. It is for personal edification, not for the entire church. This is different than all the other gifts, which are supposed to edify the body. This gift is intended for personal edification. If it is exercised, it is to be used in private.“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who preaches edifies the church.” (v. 4)

2. We are to focus on building up others, not ourselves. The focus is to build the church.“Unless you speak intelligible words...you will just be speaking into the air...try to excel in the gifts that build up the church.” (vv 9,12)

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3. It confuses unbelievers in the service. This is huge! If the church exists primarily for others and not ourselves, how dare we do something that may confuse and drive them away from God? They should be attracted to our love, not our ‘oddity.’“...if some unbelievers come in, will they not say you are out of your mind?” (v. 23)

4. Ideally, it is not meant to be used in a public setting like a Sunday School class, small goup, or Worship service. If somebody began to speak in tongues in either setting in a manner which brought attention to themselves, it is absolutely appropriate to say they are out of order in doing so, and should desist. According to this verse, saying “Jesus loves you—Praise God!” is of more value than speaking in tongues.“In the church, I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. Brothers, stop thinking like children!” (vv. 19-20)

5. If a person says they can’t help themselves when they speak in tongues, then it isn’t from God.“The gift of speaking God’s message should be under the speaker’s control, because God does not want us to be in disorder, but in harmony and peace.” (vv. 32-33)

What Next?

Take one to three of the spiritual gifts that you feel the strongest and complete the following:Spiritual gift(s) I believe I have:

1.

2.

3.

I feel I may have these gifts because:

1.

2.

3.

The following Guide is included for your reference. It would be useful for you to read the traits/cautions for the gifts that you may have.

Additional Spiritual Gift Reference Guide

Individuals with a particular spiritual gift typically evidence certain traits, some of which are listed. You may find these helpful in better understanding or confirming your spiritual gift(s). Also included are cautions surrounding these gift traits that is useful for a person with that gift to be aware of.Keep in mind that final affirmation of your spiritual gift comes from the body of Christ.

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Gift Traits Cautions

Prophecy (Preaching)Discerning Need to be aware that listeners may reject the message if not spoken with love

and compassion.Compelling Need to avoid pride which can create a demanding or discouraging spirit that

hinders the gift.Uncompromising Should remember that discernment and Scripture must support and agree with

each prophecy.OutspokenAuthoritativeConvictingConfronting

EvangelismSincere Need to remember the Holy Spirit, not guilt, is the motivator in a person’s

decision for Christ.Candid Should avoid becoming critical of others by remembering that we are all

“witnesses,” but we are not all “evangelists.”Respected Need to listen carefully, because the same approach is not appropriate for

everyone.InfluentialSpiritualConfidentCommitment-Oriented

ApostleshipAdventurous Should be aware that misusing their authority can quench the Spirit in others.Entrepreneurial Need to be affirmed and sent by the church.Persevering Can be demanding and pessimistic.AdaptableCulturally sensitiveRisk-takingCause-driven

MissionsAdventurous Need to be discerning as to that which is being culturally sensitive and that

which is culturally compromising the message of the Gospel.Entrepreneurial Should be aware that misusing their authority can quench the Spirit in others.Persevering Need to be affirmed and sent by the church.Adaptable Can be demanding and pessimistic.Culturally sensitiveRisk-takingCause-driven

TeachingDisciplined Should avoid pride that may result from their “superior” biblical knowledge

and understanding.Perceptive Could become too detailed when teaching and fail to make life application.Teachable Should remember that their spirituality is not measured by how much they

know but how they live out the truth.AuthoritativePracticalAnalyticalArticulate

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Encouragement (Exhortation)Positive Can sometimes be overly optimistic, too simplistic or flattering.Motivating Should first take time to understand where others are and what they really

need.Challenging May want to just say “positive” things to others and avoid being

confrontational when it’s needed.AffirmingReassuringSupportiveTrustworthy

WisdomSensible Could fail to share the wisdom that God has given them.Insightful Need to avoid having others develop a dependence upon them, which may

weaken their faith in God.Practical Need to be patient with others who do not have this gift.WiseFairExperiencedCommon sense

DiscernmentPerceptive May struggle with how to express their perceptions, feelings or insights.Insightful Could be harsh when confronting others, instead of speaking the truth in love.Sensitive Need to confirm their perceptions before speaking.IntuitiveDecisiveChallengingTruthful

KnowledgeInquisitive Need to be careful of this gift leading to pride (“knowledge puffs up”).Responsive Should remember that it is God’s message, not theirs, when they give a word

of knowledge to the church.Observant Need to remember with the increasing of knowledge comes the increasing of

pain.InsightfulReflectiveStudious

Service (Helps)Available Need to esteem their gift, remembering that doing practical deeds is a spiritual

contribution to the body of Christ.Willing Find it difficult to say “no.”Helpful Need to be responsive to the priorities of leadership instead of setting their

own agendas.ReliableLoyalDependableWhatever-it-takes attitude

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MercyEmpathetic Need to be aware that rescuing people from their pain may be hindering God’s

work in them.Caring Need to guard against feeling “unappreciated,” since some of the people

helped will not show or express any appreciation.Responsive Should guard against becoming defensive and angry about the sources of

others’ pain.KindCompassionateSensitiveBurden-bearing

HospitalityFriendly Should avoid viewing their gift as just “entertaining.”Gracious Need to remember to ask God whom He wants them to befriend and serve.Inviting Should be careful not to cause stress in their own family when inviting others

into their home.TrustingCaringResponsiveWarm

Shepherding (Pastoring)Influencing Should remember that God judges those who neglect or abuse their oversight

responsibilities.Nurturing Need to be aware that the desire to feed and support others can make it

difficult to say “no.”Guiding Should realize that some of those being nurtured will grow beyond the

shepherd’s own ability.DisciplingProtectiveSupportiveRelational

GivingStewardship-oriented Need to esteem their gift, remembering that giving money and resources is a

spiritual contribution to the body of Christ.Disciplined Need to remember the church’s agenda is determined by leaders, not by the

giver’s gift.Responsible Need to guard against greed.ResourcefulCharitableTrusts in God

MusicExpressive Need to remember that music is not for music’s sake, but it's to glorify God

and edify others.Imaginative Could find evaluation and constructive criticism difficult to accept.Artistic Might be uncooperative (because of ego, pride, or individualism) and need to

work at being a team player.Creative Might be overly demanding of others, that is, becoming a perfectionist, thus

taking the joy out of serving.UnconventionalComfortable in front of crowdsSensitive

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Gift Traits CautionsCraftsmanship

Creative Could fail to see that their gift is significant and one that makes a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ.

Designer Could use people to get things done instead of helping them grow in the process.

Handy Should remember that the things they produce are just a means to the end and not the end itself.

Resourceful May have a tendency to put the end product before the needs of people.PracticalBehind-the-scenesHelpful

Creative CommunicationExpressive Need to remember that art is not for art’s sake, but it's to glorify God and edify

others.Imaginative Could find evaluation and constructive criticism difficult to accept.Artistic Might be uncooperative (because of ego, pride, or individualism) and need to

work at being a team player.CreativeUnconventionalSensitiveIdea-oriented

Intercession (Prayer)Advocate Should avoid feeling that their gift is not valued, by remembering that

interceding for others is their ministry and spiritual contribution to the body of Christ.

Caring Should avoid using prayer as an escape from fulfilling responsibilities.Sincere Need to avoid a “holier than thou” attitude sometimes caused by extended

times of prayer and spiritual intimacy with God.PeacemakerTrustworthyBurden-bearerSpiritually sensitive

HealingHumble Need to remember that it is not always their faith or the faith of the sick that

determines a healing, but God who determines it.Trusts in God Need to realize that God does not promise to heal everyone who asks or is

prayed for.Prayerful Should remember that Jesus did not heal everyone who was sick or suffering

while He was on the earth.Full of faithCompassionateResponsiveObedient

MiraclesBold Need to remember that miracles are not necessarily caused by faith.Venturesome Should avoid viewing this gift as a personal responsibility, remembering that

God determines the location and timing of His deeds.Authoritative Need to guard against the temptation to call on the Lord’s presence and power

for selfish purposes.God-fearingConvincingPrayerfulResponsive

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Gift Traits CautionsLeadership

Influential Should realize their relational credibility takes time and is critical for leadership effectiveness.

Diligent Should remember that servant leadership is the biblical model, the greatest being the servant of all.

Visionary Do not need to be in a leadership “position” to use this gift.TrustworthyPersuasiveMotivatingGoal-setter

Administration (Organization)Thorough Need to be open to adjusting their plans, so that they don't stifle a leader’s

vision.Objective Could use people simply to accomplish goals without being concerned for

their growth in the process.Responsible Could fail to see God’s purposes being fulfilled in the process of meeting a

goal.OrganizedGoal-orientedEfficientConscientious

FaithPrayerful Need to act on their faith.Optimistic Should remember that those who speak with reason and desire to plan do not

necessarily lack faith.Trusting Should listen to and consider the counsel of wise and Spirit-filled believers.AssuredPositiveInspiringHopeful

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