The Apostle Paul said in his letter to the church in Ephesus,
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesian 2:10.
Before He began to speak the universe into being, God knew us and put into place a plan for our lives so that we would have the opportunity to live rich, meaningful and significant lives. The hard truth is, that we cannot live those lives outside of Christ and we live them to the fullest within the context of the Church. We are created to glorify God by loving and serving Him as well as loving and serving one another. The tools He gave us to get the job done are the Spiritual Gifts. Every believer was given at least one gift at the moment of their salvation.
Please prayerfully consider the list of gifts below. Do any of them seem to fit? If you’re not sure ask family members and friends if they see you living them out in church and your community.
Leadership
Leadership aids the body by leading and directing members to accomplish the goals and purposes of the church. Leadership motivates people to work together in unity toward common goals (Rom. 12:8).
Administration
Persons with the gift of administration lead the body by steering others to remain on task. Administration enables the body to organize according to God-given purposes and long-term goals (1 Cor. 12:28).
Teaching
Teaching is instructing members in the truths and doctrines of God’s Word for the purposes of building up, unifying, and maturing the body (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11).
Knowledge
The gift of knowledge manifests itself in teaching and training in discipleship. It is the God-given ability to learn, know, and explain the precious truths of God’s Word. A word of knowledge is a Spirit-revealed truth (1 Cor. 12:28)
Wisdom
Wisdom is the gift that discerns the work of the Holy Spirit in the body and applies His teachings and actions to the needs of the body (1 Cor. 12:28).
Discernment
Discernment aids the body by recognizing the true intentions of those within or related to the body. Discernment tests the message and actions of others for the protection and well-being of the body (1 Cor. 12:10).
Shepherding
The gift of shepherding is manifested in persons who look out for the spiritual welfare of others. Although pastors, like shepherds, do care for members of the church, this gift is not limited to a pastor or staff member (Eph. 4:11).
Faith
Faith trusts God to work beyond the human capabilities of the people. Believers with this gift encourage others to trust in God in the face of apparently insurmountable odds (1 Cor. 12:9).
Evangelism
God gifts his church with evangelists to lead others to Christ effectively and enthusiastically. This gift builds up the body by adding new members to its fellowship (Eph. 4:11).
Service/Helps
Those with the gift of service/helps recognize practical needs in the body and joyfully give assistance to meeting those needs. Christians with this gift do not mind working behind the scenes (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7).
Mercy
Cheerful acts of compassion characterize those with the gift of mercy. Persons with this gift aid the body by empathizing with hurting members. They keep the body healthy and unified by keeping others aware of the needs within the church (Rom. 12:8).
Giving
Members with the gift of giving give freely and joyfully to the work and mission of the body. Cheerfulness and liberality are characteristics of individuals with this gift (Rom. 12:8).
Hospitality
Those with this gift have the ability to make visitors, guests, and strangers feel at ease. They often use their home to entertain guests. Persons with this gift integrate new members into the body (1 Pet. 4:9).
Once you have identified your area of giftedness, take a moment to check out the list of specific opportunities we have for you, here at Northeast!
Ready to dig a little deeper?
If you are not already serving, reach out to a ministry leader in an area that you feel God calling you to and begin the conversation that will make you part of that team. If you are still unsure of your gifting please consider joining our SHAPE class coming Spring of 2020 or contact us for more information and resources.
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