“Discovering the Gift” - Gifts of the Spirit
“Discovering the Gift”
David L. Sebastian, Dean
School of Theology
Anderson University
The person God calls to ministry, God equips for ministry. It is a comforting thought to realize that our effectiveness in ministry is not born of our own strength, but is according to God’s divine grace. There are many passages in the New Testament on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The doctrine of spiritual gifts is not located in a mere isolated verse of scripture but is supported by major portions of New Testament texts.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us; prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
—Romans 12:3-8
So that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
—1 Corinthians 1:7
I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has a particular gift from God, one having one kind and another a different kind.
—1 Corinthians 7:7
And there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
—1 Corinthians 12:5-11
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.
—1 Corinthians 12:28
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said,
“When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive
He gave gifts to his people.”
(When it says, “He ascended,” What does it mean, but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
—Ephesians 4:7-16
The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining, like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
‘1 Peter 4:7-11
While the Bible does not define a spiritual gift, the preceding scriptures help us to understand minimally that a spiritual gift is a special ability God gives. And God gives gifts—not the same gift—to every member of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7). Gifts are given without regard to gender, ethnicity, or status. The Prophet Joel foresaw the day when the Spirit would empower all people, young and old, male and female, in acts of service marking the last days. Today, ministers are serving in the latter days, the era of the Spirit, and receive the good gifts of God for effective service (Acts 2ff). All believers are given gifts for ministry, including those persons called to the set apart(ordained) ministry, in order to accomplish the task to which they are called. Ministers of the Gospel are given gifts, not for their own exaltation, but for the edification of the Church. “Paul argued that the gifts differ according to the grace given to us (Romans 12:6) and are intended for the benefit of the whole Christian Community (1 Corinthians 12:7). None gives grounds for individual boasting. If one is missing a particular gift, there is no reason to despair over it. For the Spirit is nurturing that gift somewhere else in the community, a cause for celebration” (Oden 1983, 74).
It is essential that ministers not only discover their own giftedness, but in turn help others unwrap their spiritual gifts as well. Ministers of the Gospel are stewards/managers of God’s gifts. When servant leaders realize gifts are received, and not achieved, then there is great freedom from pride or self-deprivation and proper credit can be given to the Creator who is the Giver of all good gifts. God has gifted ministers and whether a gift is large or small, public or private, it is to be used to the glory of God (1 Peter 4:11). When people’s gifts match their call to service, the results are fulfillment and effectiveness in the work of the Kingdom.
DISCERNING GOD’S WILL
Many persons considering ministry are interested to know whether they are in the will of God. One of the ways we can discover the will of God for our lives is through the discovery, development, and use of our spiritual gifts. The crucial question is “how do we practically determine whether we are accurately discerning God’s direction for ministry?”
Romans 12 is often quoted by those who are sensing a call to service. The call to ministry is a call to the surrendered life. Saint Paul reminds us “to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1b). The call to ministry embraces a willingness to consecrate all that we are to God. The text informs us that a formation needs to take place so that we are not “conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds” (Romans 12:2a). The surrendered and reformed life are foundational for helping a person “discern what is the will of God—what is good acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2b).
However, the consecration theology prescribed in Romans 12:1-2 must be connected to the gift theology described in Romans 12:3-8. The writer continues to develop the theme of discerning God’s direction for the surrendered life. The surrendered life is not to be an isolated life but an involved life that becomes a living sacrifice through acts of gifted service.
The surrendered, reformed, and gifted life is also an examined life. Paul reminds the servant to think soberly about oneself “not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think” (Romans 12:3a). Sober thinking encourages us to realize that we have strengths and weaknesses. When we understand that all have strengths and weaknesses then great freedom is released for ministry.
Paul reminds us that each servant is given “a measure of faith that God has assigned” (Romans 12:3b). Each person has been given a measure of faith that is unique for that person. The analogy of the human body is given so that we may understand how important it is to allow differing gifts to become complimentary rather than competitive. “For as in one body we have many members, and not all members have the same function, so, we who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another” (Romans 12:4-5).
When properly understood this passage helps us to understand that one way the will of God can be discerned is when we discover our purpose within the body. Giftedness differs “according to the grace given to us” (Romans 12:6). Since God has created us and gifted us according to divine will, then our quest is to discover that gift(s) and consecrate it to Kingdom service.
As a student associate I began sensing a spiritual leading to move into a preaching ministry. Part of this urging came not only from the prompting of the Holy Spirit but also from a careful observation of a senior pastor who took seriously the preaching of the Word of God. While his preaching was inspiring, it was also intimidating to one just beginning ministry.
On a weekly basis we had a conversation about preaching. My mentor asked, “Is preaching something you feel you must do? Is there an urgency to preach?” Yes, there was an urgency but at the same time an inadequacy to accomplish the task. My senior pastor talked about the negative aspect of gift comparison. Wisdom recognizes there will always be stronger and weaker preachers, teachers, administrators, etc. because people and gifts vary.
Since gifts are given according to the pleasure of God, servants must use gifts to the glory of God and the building up of the church. The discernment of the will of God seems best understood not in some abstract theory but in concrete discovery, development, and use of spiritual gifts. If we are placed in the body by God and use our gifts, then perhaps we can say with confidence, we have discovered the will of God for this particular time and place.
PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD GIFT DISCOVERY
Preparation for ministry involves many things. One crucial dimension of preparation is to discover spiritual giftedness. “Nothing would delight the heart of the Giver of life more than a huge unwrapping party. We determine our gifts, not by just trying to be a clairvoyant with God, but by examining our heritage, our situation, and our individuality” (Hubbard 1985,19).
STEP 1 EXAMINE THE SCRIPTURES
The first step in unwrapping your spiritual gift is to examine the numerous biblical texts on spiritual gifts. In the manual “Discover your Gifts[1]” (Shumate and Hayes 1990-Section III), a partial listing of spiritual gifts is given. As you read through the following working definitions and scripture references, circle the response that is true of you:
Leadership • the ability to lead members of a group with carrying concern and foresight—The exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness (Romans 12:8).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Shepherding • the ability to oversee the spiritual lives of others and care for their spiritual needs by teaching and guiding them toward maturity—The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Teaching • the ability to communicate knowledge to others for the purpose of building them up—The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelist, some pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Evangelism • the ability to present the gospel to unbelievers in a clear and meaningful way that calls for response—The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Discernment • the ability to distinguish between truth and error, to know when a person or act is of God—To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Encouragement • the ability to motivate people through encouraging words to live practical Christian lives—The exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness (Romans 12:8).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Faith • the ability to envision what God wants to happen and to be certain the Lord is going to do it in response to prayer, even when there is not concrete evidence—And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Mercy • the ability to empathize with hurting people-that is, feel and sense their suffering-and to translate that into cheerful acts of service—The exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness (Romans 12:8).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Healing • the ability to serve as God’s channel in curing sickness and renewing health (physical, spiritual, emotional) through God’s healing power—To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Prophecy • the ability to proclaim and apply God’s truth so that believers may be edified, encouraged, and consoled, and so that non-believers may be convinced—To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, other various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10,28).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
Administration • the ability to organize and guide human activities so that Christ’s purpose is carried out—And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:28).
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
| Very little | Little | Some | Much | Very much |
This list is only a partial listing of the New Testament gifts. Some authors would identify as many as 19 (Flynn 1978) to 27 gifts of the Spirit (Wagner 1985). While no single list in the New Testament is exhaustive, neither is any book written about the number of gifts. However, gift discovery begins with a thorough biblical investigation.
STEP 2 EXPLORE WITH OTHERS
The second step in gift discovery is to talk with others (ministers) who have discovered their spiritual gifts. One of the crucial elements in effective ministry is to establish connections with other ministerial colleagues. What better way to begin those connections than by initiating a conversation about spiritual gifts? Schedule an appointment with several ministers you would like to get to know and ask the following questions:
- How did you sense your call to ministry? What were the internal and external validations of that call?
- What are your spiritual gifts?
- How did you discover your giftedness?
- How have you developed your gifts?
- How and where do you use your gifts?
As you listen to the stories of others, your own gift discovery will begin to develop. In turn, it is appropriate to share your story with others. One of the most effective ways to pass on our faith tradition is through shared stories.
STEP 3 EXPERIMENT WITH GIFTS
The third step in discovering your gift is through exploration and experimentation. Pray that God will reveal to you your area of giftedness. For example, through prayer and fasting, you may sense teaching is a special ability God has given to you. If so, then volunteer to teach a Sunday School Class. Possibly you have received a blessing by helping others accomplish a task or goal. If such is the case, then volunteer to be someone’s assistant. Support them in their ministry and perhaps you may discover that you have the gift of help. After prayer and study you may recognize you have an ability to organize and guide. In this instance you could volunteer for an administrative assignment in vacation Bible school or some other ministry opportunity. Generally speaking, God does not write our spiritual gift in the sky, but invites us to pray, study, and experiment with different gifts and ministries.
STEP 4 DETERMINE EFFECTIVENESS
Fourthly, determine over a period of time your effectiveness. Do not be tempted to quit too quickly. Simply because you have a spiritual gift does not mean there will not be times of frustration. If God has given you a gift, then you will be able to accomplish the ministry. In addition to accomplishing the task, there will be a sense of satisfaction in exercising your gift. For example, if God has given you a gift of teaching, then people will learn and fulfillment will come through such a gifted ministry.
STEP 5 EXPECT VERIFICATION
The last step of gifts discovery is to listen to others who recognize and affirm your giftedness. Gift recognition requires mature listening skills. We must not rush around asking everybody if they think that we are gifted in this or that. This could sound egocentric and boastful. Rather, over a period of time, we must listen for affirming words. Listen for confirmation such as, “Thank you for organizing this event, everything went so smoothly.”
If you are experimenting with a gift of teaching, watch for students to get excited about learning. Observe when they communicate, “what you taught really made sense and it had a life changing impact.” When such observations are made, make a mental note. Often, these affirmations come in order to confirm your spiritual gifts.
SPIRITUAL GIFT DEVELOPMENT
After you have discovered your gift(s), begin to develop them. Most ministers grow in effectiveness over time. Gifts can be rough and in need of polishing. Giftedness must never lead to pride or spiritual smugness, but rather to humility that leads to effective service.
Often courses in college and seminary can help to develop spiritual gifts. Perhaps, someone who has a spiritual gift of mercy would find that a course in mission education might be helpful to refine that gift. A person with a gift of discernment may allow that gift to be developed in a pastoral counseling class. Sometimes a spiritual gift of encouragement can develop in a class of preaching, teaching, or gospel singing. The development of spiritual gifts requires discipline and determination.
Spiritual gifts are to be used in the context of the body of Christ. Therefore, ministers must seek accountability in ministry. The set apart or ordained ministry recognizes the call and giftedness that comes from a gracious God. However, ordained ministry is also connected to the church. The church through its ministry of ordination is the human recognition of the call and the gifts that God has given to the minister within the context of the church. Thus, the minister has a dual accountability: first, to God the giver of gifts and ministry; secondly, to the church, who recognizes and holds in accountability both the minister and the gifts.
The gifts of the Spirit are absolutely essential for the health and development of the church. It is a tragedy when gifts are neglected. The parable of the talents is a warning of missed opportunity (Matthew 25:14-30). “The gifts of God’s Holy Spirit are precious and true. And the Lord of the church demandingly wants them treated as such. But they are neither like gold to be stored in Fort Knox nor like Rembrandt’s painting to be hung in a well-guarded museum. They are fuel to be converted into spiritual power; they are seedlings, which will grow into fruitful trees; they are ore to be refined into useful tools. Any less profitable use of them will find the Master calling us to account” (Hubbard, 1985, 88).
As ministers begin to prepare themselves for service, the discovery, development, and use of spiritual gifts is imperative. Why should discovery come before development or use? Logic would determine it is difficult to develop or use a non-existent gift. There are many gift inventories available, such as the Wagner-Houts and Shumate-Hayes Inventories, to help a person begin the discovery process. Also, colleges and seminaries exist to help those persons called by God to do the hard work of developing spiritual gifts for effective Kingdom service. Spiritual gifts must be unwrapped and used to the glory of God.
End Notes
Flynn, Leslie B., 19 Gifts of the Spirit, Victor Books: Fullerton, California, 1978.
Gifted and Called, Monograph Series, Church of God Ministries: Anderson, Indiana.
Hayes, Sherrill D., Charles R. Shumate, Discover Your Gifts, Board of Christian Education: Anderson, Indiana, 1992.
Hubbard, David Allen, Unwrapping Your Spiritual Gifts, Work Books: Waco, Texas 1985.
Oden, Thomas C., Pastoral Theology, Harper Collins: San Francisco, California 1983.
The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version, Zondervan Publishing House: Grand Rapids, Michigan1989.
Wagner, Peter C., Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow, Regal Books: Ventura, California 1994.
[1] Available through Warner Press: www.warnerpress.org.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
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