1. Who is Gifted?
The Bible makes it clear that each member of the body of Christ has been gifted spiritually. The Church is not a one-man band; led by a “jack-of-all-trades”; or a one man company. The church is referred to in Scripture as a building; a family; a body; a bride and an army.
1 Corinthians 12:14-31: The church is a body - an organism, or a group of members, who are capable of doing what God wants to do - who co-operate and compliment one another. Everyone has a part to play - an ability they can use. God has brought the various members of the body together. Every believer has at least one spiritual gift. We can develop our gifts - but they have already been given to us.
Ephesians 4:11-16: God has given gifted people to the church who will equip people to do the work of ministry - to use their spiritual gifts, their unique talents and abilities, to build up the body.
2. What is a Spiritual Gift?
Spiritual gifts are not: skills or natural talents (James 1:17); roles; offices (they are for ordinary believers - Acts 4:13); fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22); for self-gain (Romans 12:3); the same for everyone; nor are they given fully developed.
John MacArthur says it is “A special ability given by the Holy Spirit to every member of the body of Christ, according to God’s grace, to be a channel through which the Holy Spirit ministers to the body.”
3. What Guidelines are in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 12: We are not to be ignorant about spiritual gifts! (Verse 1); A valid spiritual gift always points to Jesus as Lord. It exalts him and not us! (verse 3); The trinity is involved in the giving and operation of gifts (verse 4-6); Everyone has a gift! Eph 4:7; 1 Pet 4:10 - Given at conversion (verse 7); Every gift has the same purpose: to build up the body (verse 7); There are a variety of gifts (verse 8-10); They are the gifts of a sovereign God (vs 11,18,24) so there is no inferiority (verse 15-18); no superiority (verse 21-24) and no division (verse 25a) but there is interdependence and accountability; care and concern.
4. What is the Benefit of Discovering Spiritual Gifts?
If we were to discover and use our spiritual gifts: (a) We would benefit personally - self-esteem; fulfilment; (b) Our church will benefit - new effectiveness - maturity; (c) God will be glorified - 1 Peter 4:10-11.
5. What Gifts are Available?
There is a lot of controversy about the spiritual gifts, in fact there are five views: (1) The gifts no longer exist today - they ceased with the death of the apostles. (2) Some gifts remain, but gifts such as miracles and healing ended after the church was born. (3) Only some people possess and use the gifts. (4) All Christians receive all the gifts and circumstances determine which gifts they will use. (5) All gifts are available as in the early church and each believer is given certain gifts.
The Bible presents the following gifts: Prophecy; Service; Teaching; Encouraging; Contributing or Giving; Leadership; Showing; Mercy (Romans 12:3-8); Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7); Message of Wisdom; Message of Knowledge; Faith; Healing; Miracles; Prophecy; Distinguishing of Spirits; Tongues; Interpreting Tongues; Apostleship; Teaching; Service/Helps; Administration (I Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30); Apostleship; Prophecy; Evangelism; Pastor; Teacher (Ephesians 4:11-16); Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9); Martyrdom (1 Corinthians 13:3).
6. How do you Discover your Spiritual Gifts?
* Explore the gifts - understand them and how they function in the body.
* Expose yourself to different ministries - new areas of service may reveal your gifts.
* Experiment with as many as you can - you may just learn about the gifts you don’t have!
* Examine your feelings - you will be most fulfilled when you are functioning as God wants!
* Evaluate your effectiveness - when you contribute to the growth of the body you are using them.
* Expect confirmation from the body - allow others to see the gift in you.
Another way, is to complete a spiritual gifts indicator - as a guide to your possible gifting!
7. Completing the Spirtual Gifts Indicator
The following gifts indicator is a revised Houts Questionnaire. It is based on twenty five gifts. To read a definition of each gift and related biblical references, see below the table later in this document. The gifts indicator is only a tool and is based on past experience. So, if you are a new believer, then you should consider answering the question according to what you think you would like to do. Don’t take too much time over your answers. Don’t under-rate yourself or go to the other extreme. Complete the Spiritual Gifts Indicator.
Mark to what extent each statement is true of you:
Give yourself a score for each of the following statements - if the description is Much like you then you score a 3; if it is Some like you score a 2; if it is Little like you score a 1; and if it is not like you at all, then score a 0. Fill your scores in on the table below the 125 questions.
Much = 3
Some = 2
Little = 1
Not = 0
1. I have felt a sense of authority in relating to other Christians.
2. Through God I have encouraged those who are wavering, troubled, tempted or discouraged.
3. I have led others to a decision to accept Christ as Saviour.
4. I have enjoyed the responsibility for the spiritual well-being of a Christian or for a group of Christians.
5. I am able to explain and communicate Biblical truth to others in such a way that they understand and appreciate them.
6. I have proclaimed God's Word in a way that at times upsets those satisfied with the status quo.
7. I have the ability to search out from the Scripture truths and principles without the help of others.
8. I have a knowledge of God's deep underlying plans and principles and am able to explain these to others.
9. I am happy to play a supporting role and serve faithfully behind the scenes in order to assist the work of God.
10. I am ready to provide food and/or lodging to those in need graciously.
11. I desire to manage money well in order to give liberally to the Lord's work.
12. I have the ability to give effective leadership and direction in a spiritual and edifying way.
13. I have a desire to persuade others to move towards achieving Biblical objectives.
14. I have a desire to work with those who have physical or mental problems in order to alleviate their suffering.
15. I have an unswerving confidence that God will keep His promises in spite of apparent evidence to the contrary.
16. I have clearly perceived the difference between truth and error even though there is only a fine line of distinction and/or the difference is very subtle.
17. People know I am available to be called upon to do special jobs and that I do not need recognition.
18. I have been used by God to miraculously change circumstances through which He was glorified.
19. In the name of the Lord I have been used in curing diseases.
20. I have spoken in tongues.
21. I have interpreted messages given in tongues.
22. I could adapt easily in a culture different from mine.
23. I enjoy being single.
24. I have a sense for recognising prayer needs before they are brought to my attention.
25. I feel I could face imprisonment or even death for my faith with confidence.
26. I feel I could proclaim the Gospel in a new area and see new groups of Christians formed.
27. God has used me to disturb the complacent and help the wayward to face spiritual reality.
28. I have shared joyfully and naturally how Christ has brought me to Himself in a way that is meaningful to non-believers.
29. I enjoy relating to the same group of people over a period of time in their successes and failures.
30. I desire to share with others the knowledge I have gained.
31. I have pleaded the cause of God to the people of the Church and/or the world.
32. I have had insights that effectively brought conviction to myself as well as to others.
33. I have applied Biblical truth to specific life situations wisely and successfully.
34. I gladly assist my spiritual leaders so as to relieve them for their more essential ministries.
35. I have provided a warm gracious home for guests without the feeling of family interruptions.
36. I have given freely of my possessions (not only financial) for God's work.
37. I am able to organise people, their resources and time for more efficient ministry.
38. Others recognise and follow my leadership to their spiritual profit as I have made decisions that effectively result in blessing.
39. I have felt real compassion for those who are ignored and disliked by the majority and have tried to do something about it.
40. I have received from God an unusual assurance that He will do the impossible to fulfil a special task.
41. I have been able to test the spirits and clearly know which are of God and which are of the devil.
42. I am prompted to help others quickly when they need it.
43. I have cast out demons in the name of the Lord.
44. The Lord has used me in the healing of those who are emotionally disturbed.
45. I have spoken a message from God to His people in a language I have never learned.
46. I have interpreted a message in tongues and the Body was edified.
47. I believe I could learn the language of another culture well in order to minister to the people of that culture.
48. I am single and feel indifferent toward being married.
49. I take the prayer requests of others seriously and continue to prayer for them.
50. I am not afraid to suffer physical persecution for my faith.
51. Other Christians have been willing to do what I say without asking too many questions.
52. I desire to visit the suffering, sorrowing and bereaved and I have effectively ministered comfort to them.
53. I have explained clearly the content of the Gospel to the unsaved to the extent that some have responded to the Saviour.
54. I tend to know intimately those I serve and guide and allow them to get to know me intimately.
55. I can devote a great amount of time to learning new Biblical truths to communicate with others.
56. I have spiritual insights from the scripture relating to people that make me want to speak out.
57. I can acquire and master new facts and principles of Bible truths so as to have them clearly arranged in my own mind.
58. On the basis of God''s word I have made wise decisions that brought blessing and I have offered suggestions and/or solutions that have maintained unity and healed discord.
59. I seek to serve others in a practical way (eg. shopping, transporting, doing repairs etc. ) as a means of showing the love of Christ.
60. I have the ability to make strangers feel at home.
61. I sense an unusual burden to seek God's will when presented with needs in the work of God.
62. I tend to delegate important tasks to the right people at the right time.
63. I tend to assume leadership where no structured leadership exists.
64. I enjoy visiting in hospitals and/or retirement homes and doing what I can to help and alleviate suffering or loneliness.
65. I am able to trust God implicitly in every area of my life and give Him the opportunity to work out His purposes as He chooses.
66. I can look beneath the surface and try to discern the motives behind peoples actions without wishing to be judgmental.
67. I find deep satisfaction in performing routine tasks for God's glory.
68. At times God has intervened to do impossible things through my life.
69. I have successfully ministered to those who are spiritually sick.
70. I can speak to God in a language I have never learned.
71. I have prayed that I may interpret if someone begins speaking in tongues.
72. I am able to relate well to Christians of a different race, language or culture.
73. I am grateful I have more time to serve the Lord because I am not married.
74. Prayer has been one of my most satisfying spiritual exercises.
75. I am confident that dying for my faith would not be the greatest calamity that could happen to me.
76. I have a desire to be commissioned by others to start new churches.
77. I enjoy helping those who are eager to take steps of action.
78. I have a burden for friends and acquaintances who do not know Christ
79. I am concerned to see the spiritual needs of believers met and am willing to be personally involved in a caring and discipling ministry.
80. As a result of sharing the Word of God with others I see evidences of growth in grace and knowledge. My teaching does lead to changes in attitudes, values or conduct.
81. I have spoken messages from God that have strengthened, encouraged and comforted others.
82. I am able to clearly communicate insights into what the Bible teaches.
83. I have been enabled to make decisions that time proved to be the right ones, through which God has been glorified, His people edified and His Kingdom extended.
84. I am happy when others get credit because of some assistance I have been able to render.
85. I have a genuine interest in and appreciation for guests who come to my home.
86. Believing that God will meet my personal needs I give to Him sacrificially and consistently.
87. I am able to give direction to others and make decisions for them in such a way that they respond positively.
88. I have influenced others to accomplish a particular task or Biblical purpose harmoniously.
89. I show practical compassion, love and sympathy to those in need and share their burdens before the Lord.
90. At times I have felt sure I knew God's specific Will for the future growth of His work even when others had not been sure.
91. I have accurately confirmed whether a teaching was divine, satanic or of human origins.
92. I identify what needs to be done around the church and volunteer my help.
93. God has used me in lives and events in supernatural ways.
94. Through my prayers God has brought healing to others.
95. I believe that when I speak in tongues in public someone will interpret it.
96. I have interpreted messages in tongues in a way that others were helped.
97. I believe I could enjoy living in a foreign country.
98. I have little difficulty controlling my sexual desires even though I am single.
99. God has consistently answered my prayers in very obvious ways.
100. I feel that threats of death from enemies would not shake my faith.
101. I have received a commission from Christians to exercise a God-given leadership amongst the believers.
102. I have encouraged Christians to exercise their gifts and to realise their potential to live for God and His glory.
103. I have a burden to seek out unbelievers in order to win them to Jesus.
104. God has used me to restore persons who have wandered away from their church and fellowship.
105. I have helped equip Christians to be more effective disciples of the Lord.
106. Through me God has given messages of warning, judgement or direction.
107. I have been able to distinguish key and important facts of Scripture and to share these with others.
108. Are you recognised by your peers as one who is wise in action, decision, word and counsel.
109. I would be happy to be a teacher's helper in a Sunday School class.
110. I am sensitive to those acts of kindness that make a big difference to guests or strangers.
111. I have been willing to adopt a more simple life-style in order to be able to give more to God's kingdom.
112. I have enjoyed bearing the responsibility, under God, for the success of a group or organisation.
113. I am able to decide wisely what jobs can or cannot be given to others.
114. 1 enjoy offering cheerful companionship to those cut off from the normal activities of society.
115. I accept God's promises at face value and apply them to given situations without doubt.
116. I can see through a phoney or a person who manipulates people before it is evident to most others.
117. I cheerfully, willingly and faithfully undertake assignments and responsibilities and carry them through to conclusion.
118. God has worked through me to restore a lost faculty in another's life (e.g. sight, hearing etc.)
119. I have prayed successfully for the restoration of the health of others apart from natural means.
120. When I speak in tongues I believe it is edifying to the Lord's Body.
121. I have interpreted tongues in such a way that others felt it was directly from God.
122. As far as I am aware I have a stronger desire than most people to see those of other countries won to the Lord.
123. I can identify with Paul's desires for others to be free from the responsibilities that go with married life.
124. I faithfully pray for others who serve the Lord recognising that their effectiveness depends upon it.
125. I can identify with Christians who will not deny their Lord to avoid imprisonment or death.
Transfer the score you gave yourself for each questions to the appropriate block below. The numbers in the blocks correspond to the number of the questions. Then add up the five numbers that you have recorded in each row and place the sum in the Total column.
| Row | Total | Spiritual Gift | |||||
| A | 1= | 26= | 51= | 76= | 101= | Apostle | |
| B | 2= | 27= | 51= | 77= | 102= | Encouragement | |
| C | 3= | 28= | 52= | 78= | 103= | Evangelism | |
| D | 4= | 29= | 53= | 79= | 104= | Pastor | |
| E | 5= | 30= | 54= | 80= | 105= | Teaching | |
| F | 6= | 31= | 55= | 81= | 106= | Prophecy | |
| G | 7= | 32= | 56= | 82= | 107= | Knowledge | |
| H | 8= | 33= | 57= | 83= | 108= | Wisdom | |
| I | 9= | 34= | 58= | 84= | 109= | Helps | |
| J | 10= | 35= | 59= | 85= | 110= | Hospitality | |
| K | 11= | 36= | 60= | 86= | 111= | Giving | |
| L | 12= | 37= | 61= | 87= | 112= | Administration | |
| M | 13= | 38= | 62= | 88= | 113= | Leadership | |
| N | 14= | 39= | 63= | 89= | 114= | Mercy | |
| O | 15= | 40= | 64= | 90= | 115= | Faith | |
| P | 16= | 41= | 65= | 91= | 116= | Discerning of Spirits | |
| Q | 17= | 42= | 66= | 92= | 117= | Service | |
| R | 18= | 43= | 67= | 93= | 118= | Miracles | |
| S | 19= | 44= | 68= | 94= | 119= | Gifts of Healing | |
| T | 20= | 45= | 69= | 95= | 120= | Tongues | |
| U | 21= | 46= | 70= | 96= | 121= | Interpretation of Tongues | |
| V | 22= | 47= | 71= | 97= | 122= | Missionary | |
| W | 23= | 48= | 72= | 98= | 123= | Celibacy | |
| X | 24= | 49= | 73= | 99= | 124= | Intercession | |
| Y | 25= | 50= | 74= | 100= | 125= | Martyrdom |
SERVING GIFTS
1. HELPS
The special ability God gives to some to serve the church in any supporting roll and/or to invest their talents in the life and ministry of other members of the Body enabling them to increase their effectiveness. (1 Cor 12:28; Romans 16:1-2; Acts 9:36; Mark 15:41).
2. HOSPITALITY
The special ability God gives to some to provide an open home and warm welcome to those in need of food, lodging and fellowship. It involves a readiness to invite strangers to your home for the sake of the Gospel. (1 Peter 4:9; Romans 12:9-13; Acts 16:14-15; Hebrews 13:1-2).
3. GIVING
The special ability that God gives to some that enables them to contribute of their material resources to the work of the Lord and to help people in need generously, cheerfully and sincerely. (Romans 12:8; 2 Cor 8:2-5; 2 Cor 9:2-8; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 4:36-37).
4. ADMINISTRATION
The special ability God gives to some to understand clearly the goals of an organisation and to devise and execute effective plans for their accomplishment. (Luke 14:28-30; Acts 6:1-7; Acts 27:11; 1 Cor 12:28).
5. LEADERSHIP
The special ability God gives to some 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 these goals for the glory of God. (Acts 7:10; Romans 12:8; 1 Cor 12:28; 1 Timothy 5:17).
6. MERCY
The special ability God gives to some to feel and minister to hurting people in a practical, cheerful and loving way which reflects Christ's love and alleviates their suffering. (Matthew 25:34-40; Mark 9:41; Luke 10:33-35; Acts 16:33-34; Romans 12;8).
7. FAITH
The special ability God gives to some to know what He wants done and to sustain a wavering confidence that God will do it regardless of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. (Acts 27:21-25; 1 Cor 12:9; Romans 4:18-21; Hebrews 11).
8. DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
The special ability God gives to some to know with assurance whether certain behaviour purported to be of God is in reality divine, human or satanic. (Matthews 16:21-23; Acts 5:1-11; Acts 16:16-18; 1 Cor 12:10; 1 John 4:1-6)
9. SERVICE
The special ability that God gives to some to identify 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. (Luke 22:24-27; Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:7; Philippians 2:19-22; 2 Timothy 1:16-18).
SPEAKING GIFTS
10. APOSTLE
The special ability God gives to some to exercise general leadership of oversight over a number of churches with an authority in spiritual matters, which is readily recognised by them. In the strict sense this gift was confined to the twelve apostles. The New Testament does however give this title to a number of others, e.g. Romans 16:7; Acts 14:14 ; 1 Cor 4:6 and 9. (Acts 14:14; Romans 16:7; 1 Cor 12:28; 2 Cor 12:12 ; Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 4:11-14).
11. EXHORTATION
The special ability God gives to some to help strengthen the weak and reassure wavering, faltering, troubled and fainthearted Christians in such a way that the person is consoled, helped and motivated. (Acts 14:22; Romans 12:8; 1 Thess 5:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:3-5).
12. EVANGELIST
The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Gospel of salvation effectively so that people respond to the claims of Christ in conversion and discipleship. (Acts 8:5-6 ; Acts 14:21; Ephesians 4:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:5).
13. PASTOR
The special ability God gives to some to assume a long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers. (John 10:1-18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; and 4:11-16; Peter 5:1-3).
14. TEACHING
The special ability God gives to some to explain the truths of the Word of God clearly and to apply them effectively so that those taught understand and learn. (Acts 18:24-28; Romans 12:7; Ephesians 4:11-14; Colossians 1:28).
15. PROPHECY
The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Word of God with clarity and to apply it fearlessly with a view to the strengthening, encouragement and comfort of believers and the convincing of unbelievers. (Deut 18:18-22; Luke 7:26; Acts 21:9-11; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Cor 14).
16. THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE
The special ability God gives to some to discover, analyse and clarify truth and ideas, which are relevant to the growth and well being of believers. (Acts 5:1-11; 1 Cor 2:14 and 12:8; 2 Cor 11:6; Colossians 2:2-3).
17. THE WORD OF WISDOM
The special ability God gives to some 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 in the Body of Christ. (Acts 6:3-10; 1 Cor 2:1-13; 1 Cor 12:8; James 1:5-5; 2 Peter 3:15).
SIGN GIFTS
18. MIRACLES
The special ability God gives to some to serve as a human intermediary through whom He please to perform acts of super-natural power that are recognised by others to have altered the ordinary course of nature and authenticated the divine commission. (Acts 9:36-42; Acts 20:9-12; 1 Cor 12:9; Hebrews 2:4).
19. HEALINGS
The special ability God gives to some to serve as a human instrument through whom it please Him to cure illness and restore health apart from the use of natural means. (Acts 3:1-10; Acts 14:8-10; 1 Cor 12:9; Philippians 2:25-30; James 5:14-16).
20. TONGUES
The special ability God gives to some to speak in a language they have never learned in prayer and praise and /or to communicate a message from God to His people. (Acts 2:1-13; Acts 19:1-7; 1 Cor 12:10; 1 Cor 14:13 and 19).
21. INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
The special ability God gives to some to make known in the vernacular the message of one who speaks in tongues.
OTHER GIFTS
22. MISSIONARY
The special ability God gives to some to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture. (Acts 13:2-3; Ephesians 3:1-7; Romans 10:15; 1 Cor 9:19-23).
23. CELIBACY
The special ability God gives to some to remain single and enjoy it; to be unmarried and not to suffer undue sexual temptation. (1 Cor 7:7-8 and 32; Matthew 19:10-12).
24. INTERCESSION
The special ability God gives to some 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 22:31; Colossians 1:2-12; and 4:12-13; 1 Timothy 2:1-2).
25. MARTYRDOM
The special ability God gives to some to undergo suffering for the faith even to the point of death while consistently displaying a joyous and victorious attitude which brings glory to God. (1 Cor 13:3; Acts 7:54-60; Acts 12:1-5).
SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND MINISTRIES FOLLOW-UP FORM
This form can be used to follow up with youth who have just begun to identify their spiritual gift. It will help them to find a ministry in which they can most effectively use their gift.
1. Write down the top five gifts that you identified in the questionnaire:
A. ______________________________________________
B. ______________________________________________
C. ______________________________________________
D. ______________________________________________
E. ______________________________________________
2. List the ministries you are performing (formally or informally) in the body:
______________________ ________________________
______________________ ________________________
______________________ ________________________
3. Do you feel you are not specifically gifted for any of these ministries?
______________________ ________________________
______________________ ________________________
4. Is there any ministry you would like to exercise that you are not engaged in?
______________________ ________________________
______________________ ________________________
5. Would you like to spend time with a spiritual gifts co-ordinator to talk about your ministry in the body. Yes / No
Name:
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