SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
1 Corinthians 12:1
Spiritual gifts or charisms are uniquely given by the Holy Spirit for the specific purpose of ministry, and for building up the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts may overlap with the talents and experiences, which we use and develop in our daily life, or they may be quite different. No one person has all the charisms. Consequently, we need each other and the gifts that God gives to each of us to do ministry, as we carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world.
Review the Ministries Catalogue. Each ministry has a list of spiritual gifts, and the time required to exercise those gifts. If you believe that God has given you one or more of the spiritual gifts listed (and described below), you should prayerfully consider making the time to participate in that ministry.
Administration
The gift that enables us to organise people and resources in the way that allows them to do the greatest good for the work of God. Administrators are good with details that will allow the goals of the ministry to be accomplished. Administration includes the ability to direct others in the completion of the project. Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 12:28, Acts 6: 1-7
Apostleship
Anglicans affirm the apostolic nature of the church but are hesitant about designating the title ‘Apostle’ on individuals within the contemporary church. The Apostles of the New Testament are unique as they were sent and empowered by the Spirit to help lay the foundation for the early church. Nevertheless, there is a gift of the Spirit, which enables us to start and initially oversee the development of new ministry structures. Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, Ephesians 4:11-12
Discernment
The gift that motivates us to seek God's will and to separate God's will from the popular thought patterns of our times, which contradict God’s truth (‘the spirit of the age’.) or from powers that actively work against God. This gift includes the ability and willingness to seek a better understanding of God's purpose and apply that purpose to our everyday lives as well as our Christian community. Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 12:10
Evangelism
The gift that inspires us to share the gospel to the unchurched as well as those who claim to be believers. This gift includes the willingness to spread God's word in a variety of ways. Evangelists do not force their faith on others but offer a relationship with God as a gift, which they are willing to share so that others may feel encouraged to become disciples of Christ and deepen their involvement in the Christian community. Biblical reference: Matthew 28:16-20, Ephesians 4:11-16
Exhortation
The gift that inspires us to present the truth to strengthen, comfort, or urge to action those who need to do a greater work for Christ as well as those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith. Biblical reference: Romans 12: 8
Faith
The gift that enables us to know what we hope for, having the conviction about things that God has promised but at present we cannot see and knowing God's purpose will prevail. Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 12: 9 Hebrews 11:1-3
Giving
The gift of humble selflessness - recognising a need and providing a solution with exceptional willingness. Giving can include energies, abilities, and material resources for the work of the church, community, and humanity. Biblical reference: Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Healing
The gift that enables us to act as God’s instruments for a restoration of health and the bringing of wholeness. This gift includes the relief and restoration of people with psychological or physical ailments. However, the gift of healing is not restricted to physical cures as healing also helps the sick and suffering grow in grace and faith. This gift involves a healthy prayer life and a strong belief in God’s saving power. Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
Hospitality
The gift that enables us, out of a concern for the comfort of others, to make people, especially strangers, feel welcome and at ease, and to provide cheerful fellowship, including food and shelter. Biblical reference: Romans 12:13, Romans 26:23, Matthew 25:35
Intercession
The gift that enables us to pray for others, having confidence that God acts in response to our prayers. Intercession includes the ability to be patient and persistent in prayer and supplication, even when change is not evident and often involves a continuing responsibility to pray for people and situations. Biblical reference: Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18
Knowledge
The gift that drives us to learn, analyse, and uncover new information and insights regarding the Scriptures, Tradition and Reason. Plus, using knowledge of a practical skill to help in the service of others. Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 12:8, 1 Corinthians 14:6, Roman 12:2
Leadership
The gift that gives us confidence to step forward and the capability to effectively give direction and provide motivation that helps people accomplish the purposes of God. Biblical reference: Romans 12:8
Mercy
The gift that inspires us to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need and then act to meet that need. Biblical references: Romans 12: 8 Matthew 25:34-36
Miracles
This gift enables persons to act as God’s instruments in ways that transcend what nature regularly accomplishes on its own and is an extraordinary sign of God’s saving power. Miracles are, by definition, extraordinary and are therefore rare. Those with this gift always affirm, “God’s will be done” and resist, through persistent prayer, any temptation to call on the Lord’s deeds of power for self-serving purposes. Biblical reference 1 Corinthians 12:10
Prophecy
The gift that enables us to speak, or communicate through action, an urgent message from God, as moved by the Spirit. The message is for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification as the messenger speaks forth with authority, “Thus says the Lord”. Such messages must be tested. Biblical reference: Romans 12:6, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Corinthians 4:10, 1 Corinthians 12:28. 1 Corinthians 41:2-33
Shepherding
The gift that provides us with the confidence and capability to provide spiritual leadership and direction to individuals or groups. This gift includes teaching, compassion, protection, and nurturing. For lay ministry, this includes those who work closely with members of the ordained ministry in terms of pastoral care as well as those called to a ministry of shepherding Christ’s lambs in the Children ministries. Biblical reference: Ephesians 4: 11-12, I Timothy 4: 12-16
Service / Helps / Forms of Assistance
The gift that enables us to do whatever needs to be done. This gift enables us to work behind the scenes to support the overall functioning of the church so that God's work may be fulfilled. The church needs to esteem this gift, remembering that doing the practical, commonplace deed (unlike miracles) is still a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ. Hence this gift is suited for every ministry at Christ Church Parish Church. Biblical reference: Romans 12:7, Romans 16:1-16, 1 Corinthians 12:28
Teaching
The gift that enables us to communicate effectively via voice, the written word, example, or other means, in order that others can learn and understand. Biblical references: Roman12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
Tongues (Glossolalia)
According to St. Paul, this is a genuine but minor gift that should not be used inappropriately. This gift enables us to praise or pray through ecstatic utterances, which do not rely on the mind, as a sincere outpouring of emotion (e.g., intense joy) to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Biblical Reference: 1 Corinthians 14:1-19
Interpretation of Tongues
The use of the word ‘interpretation’ rather than ‘translation’ of tongues is important as it reveals the difference between tongues as ecstatic utterances (glossolalia) and tongues as different (diverse) languages. The valid interpretation of tongues is the gift that accurately identifies for the body of Christ the reason for the joy that the tongues are expressing. People who possess this gift are not translating a secret language. Their interpretation arises from an openness to God and how the Holy Spirit moves the hearts of believers. Biblical Reference 1 Corinthians 14: 22-28
Diverse Tongues (Languages)
This gift allows people to communicate in diverse (foreign) languages and convey concepts they may not have formally studied. People with this gift can communicate the gospel across the boundaries of language, culture, and national origin. This gift may include communicating in the languages of those with special needs. Biblical references: Acts 2:4 ‘other tongues’; 1 Corinthians 12:28 ‘diverse or different kinds of tongues'
Wisdom
The gift that enables us to understand God's will especially when analysing the challenges and dilemmas of life. To exercise this gift for the body of Christ is to help others to discover the wisdom they have within them, as inspired by the Spirit of truth. This gift includes knowledge, discernment, active listening, and perception. Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 12:8, John 14:17
The gifts listed above are specifically mentioned as charisms in the New Testament. However, some spiritual gifts are implied, e.g., MUSICIAN - 1 Corinthians 14:26, while others are mentioned in the Old Testament, e.g., ARTISTIC DESIGN/CRAFTSMANSHIP - Exodus 31:1-5
You may speak to the rector about the Spiritual Gifts Discernment Process if you need help identifying your spiritual gift and area for ministry.