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309 East Broadway Avenue Maryville, TN 37804 Phone: (865) 982-6192 FAX: (865) 982-6142 e-mail: office@broadwayumc.net |
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Discover Your Spiritual Gifts! Every Christian, uniquely created by the grace of God, has been given significant gifts and special abilities through the Holy Spirit to be used to serve and strengthen one another and to glorify God. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 1 Peter 4:10 Confirmation that we have a certain spiritual gift may come to us in several ways. - We are drawn to do what God has equipped us to do. - Others who benefit from our gifts will recognize those gifts in us. - We will be comfortable serving in our area of spiritual giftedness. - We will be effective when we exercise our gift. - The gifts are used for the greater glory of God!
Apostleship Scripture References: Ephesians 4:11-13; Acts 6:2-4; 2 Peter 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:6 The divine ability to build the foundation of new churches by preaching the Word, teaching others to live by Christ's commandments through the examples of their own lives and preparing the people to serve one another. Persons with this gift are eager to bring the Gospel to those who have never heard it. They enthusiastically approach new ministries, churches, or settings, and realize the need to adapt methods of evangelism and service to widely different environments. People with this gift envision themselves as missionaries, or they may accept and exercise leadership over a number of new churches. Assistance/Helps Scripture References: Hebrews 6:10; Acts 24:23; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philippians 2:25-30 The God-given ability to work alongside others in performing practical and often behind-the-scenes tasks to sustain and enhance the Body of Christ. A person with this gift receives spiritual satisfaction from doing everyday necessary tasks; he or she may prefer to work quietly and without public recognition. When a need is seen, the helper frequently takes care of it without being asked. The helper's work often frees up other persons so that they may carry out their own ministries. Discernment of Spirits Scripture References: 1 John 4:1; Acts 13:8-12; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Acts 17:11 The divine ability to recognize what is of God and what is not of God - to distinguish between good and evil, truth and error, and pure motives and impure motives. People with this gift usually can rely on instincts or first impressions to tell when a person or message is deceptive or inconsistent with biblical truths. They can sense the presence of evil, and question motives, intentions, doctrine, deeds, and beliefs. These people must take care to use their gift in a way that brings good to the Body of Christ - to judge with mercy and understanding rather than to condemn. Evangelism Scripture References: Acts 5:42; Luke 9:6; Acts 16:6-10; Acts 8:26-40 The divine ability to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ so that unknowing persons respond with faith and discipleship. People with this gift speak comfortably about their faith; nonbelievers are drawn into this circle of comfort. These people enjoy many friendships outside of their Christian community. They enjoy helping others see how Christianity can fulfill their needs. They eagerly study questions that challenge Christianity. They respond clearly in ways that connect with individuals. Exhortation (Encouragement) Scripture References: Acts 14:22; Acts 20:1-2; Acts 15:31-33; 2 Timothy 4:2The God-given ability to encourage, help, intercede for, and be an advocate for others in a way that motivates others to grow in their faith and urges them to action. Exhortation takes many forms, and can be done through personal relationships, music, writings, intercessory prayer and speaking to name a few. People with this gift encourage others to remain faithful, even in the midst of struggles. They are sensitive and sympathetic toward another person's emotional state, and exhort selflessly, with affection, not contempt. They can see positive traits or aspects that other persons overlook, and often have more faith in other persons than they have in themselves. Faith Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8- 9; 1 Timothy 6:11; Acts 14:22; Matthew 9:2, 22 The divine ability to recognize what God wants done and to act when others fall back in doubt. Even in the face of barriers that overwhelm others, people with this gift simply know that God will see it done. Believing deeply in the power of prayer, they also know that God is both present and active in their lives. People with this gift, by their works and by their words, show others that God is faithful to God's promises. Generosity Scripture References: Luke 3:11; Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:8 The God-given ability to give material wealth freely and joyfully, knowing that spiritual wealth will abound as God's work is advanced. People with this gift usually manage their finances well, may have a special ability to make money, and tend to be frugal in their lifestyle. They use these skills to increase their support for God's work, and trust that God will provide for their needs. They are often comfortable and successful in approaching others for contributions. Instead of asking, "How much of my money do I give to God?" they ask, "How much of God's money do I keep?" Healing Scripture References: Matthew 4:23, Luke 9:11, Acts 10:38, Acts 4:28-30 The divine ability to bring wholeness - physical, emotional or spiritual - to others. People with this gift listen skillfully as they seek God's guidance to learn the needs of the sick and to determine the causes and nature of an illness. They believe that God can cure and that prayer can overcome any negative forces at work. (They also know that God might have a different agenda.) Their tools include prayer, touch and spoken words. This gift shows God's power; at the same time, it is to His glory. The goal of healing in the New Testament is not healing itself, but spreading the gospel by pointing to the power of Jesus Christ, and to show the glory of God. Interpretation of Tongues Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:10; 14 The divine ability to translate the message of someone speaking in tongues. People with this gift enable the gift of tongues to build up the church, by interpreting God's message for the people. Leadership/Administration Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 6:1-7; Titus 1:5 The spiritual gift of administration or leadership is the God-given ability to organize and manage information, people, events and resources to accomplish the objectives of a ministry. People with this gift handle details carefully and thoroughly. They are skilled in determining priorities and in planning and directing the steps needed to achieve a goal. They feel frustrated when faced with disorder, and are uncomfortable with inefficiency. Leadership/Leading with Diligence Scripture References: Philippians 3:17-21; John 13:12-17; Hebrews 13:7, 17 The divine ability to motivate, coordinate and direct people doing God's work. People with this gift are visionaries who inspire others to work together to make the vision a reality. They take responsibility for setting and achieving goals; they step in where there is a lack of direction. They build a team of talented persons. Then they empower them. These persons are called to be servant-leaders. Held to a high moral standard, they lead by the example of their own lives. Mercy/Compassion Scripture References: Matthew 9:36; Luke 10:30-37; Colossians 3:12-15 The God-given ability to see and feel the suffering of others and to minister to them with love and understanding. More simply, this gift is compassion, moved to action. People with this gift are called to reach out to someone who is hurt or rejected. easing the suffering. They feel fulfilled when they can show others that God loves them. They are skilled at gaining the trust of those in need and enjoy finding ways to comfort them. Effecting of Miracles Scripture References: John 2:11; 6:2; Acts 2:22; 8:6, 13; Hebrews 2:4 The divine ability to perform miracles that testify to the truth of the Gospel. People with this gift perform miracles among the people for the purpose of getting their attention, so as to point to the mighty works of God, testifying to the validity of the message being spoken. The performance of these miracles leads to listening, following and believing in the message by those who witness them. Pastor-Teacher (Shepherding) Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:1-4; John 10:1-16; Jeremiah 3:15; 17:16; Ezekiel 34; Ephesians 4:11-16 The divine ability to guide, protect and care for other Christians as they experience spiritual growth. People with this gift enjoy working with groups of people and nurturing their growth over an extended period of time. Because of these long-term relationships, they establish trust and confidence, and are able to take the time to care for the "whole person." They can assess where a person is spiritually and then develop or find places where that person can continue a journey of faith. They model compassion. Prophecy Scripture References: Ephesians 4:11-13; Revelation 19:10; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 14:3 The God-given ability to proclaim God's truth in a way that makes it relevant to current situations and to envision how God would want things to change. The goal may be to bring about repentance, correction, or enlightenment. People with this gift listen carefully to God for what God wants them to say. They warn people of the immediate or future consequences of not accepting God's truths. They see sin or deception that others overlook. Prophets speak to the people, bringing edification, exhortation, and consolation. Teaching Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 1:28; James 3:1; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 1:7-11 The divine ability to understand and clearly explain God's truths, and to show how we can apply these in our lives. People with this gift enjoy studying the Bible and inspire listeners to greater obedience to God's word. They prepare through study and reflection, and pay close attention to detail. In addition to communicating facts, they are careful to show that the Scriptures have practical applications. They can adapt their presentation in order to communicate God's message to a particular audience effectively. Tongues Scripture References: Acts 2:11; 1 Corinthians 14 The divine ability to speak a message from God to the people in a language one has not naturally learned. The gift of tongues is a sign to unbelievers showing the power and glory of God. There seems to be three types of tongues: speaking in a language the speaker does not know, but the listener does; speaking in a language neither the speaker nor the listeners understand, which requires an interpreter and a private prayer language. The fIrst two build up the Body of Christ. The third edifies only the speaker, who should not use it in church but only practice it in private. Utterance of Knowledge Scripture References: Proverbs 1:7; Jeremiah 3:15; Malachi 2:7, 2; 2 Peter 1:2-11; Romans 10:2-3 The God-given ability to understand, organize, and effectively use information to advance God's purposes. The information may come either from the Holy Spirit or from sources around us. People with this gift enjoy studying the Bible and other sources to gain facts, insights and truths. They use this information for projects, ministries or teaching. They organize it in order to pass it to other persons for their use and benefit. The Holy Spirit appears to be at work when these people show unusual insight or understanding. Utterance of Wisdom Scripture References: Colossians 1:9-12, 28; 2:3; 3:16; James 3:13 The God-given ability to understand and apply biblical and spiritual knowledge to complex, contradictory, or other difficult situations. People with the gift of Word of Wisdom have an ability to understand and live God's will. They share their wisdom with others through teaching and admonition. People with this gift speak God's truth as found in Scripture, in order to provide clarity and direction to people who are struggling with which way they should go. They make practical application of biblical truths. They are, in effect, a "compass" for the Body of Christ.
Sharing Your Spiritual Gifts! Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. I Peter 4:10 Think about the gifts God has given to you, particularly the spiritual gifts. We are very blessed as a country, as a church, and as individuals. What better way is there to show our appreciation than to give back to God? It is our fervent prayer that each person, upon discovering what your gifts are, that you will seek out your niche here and begin to apply those gifts to your daily living. Further, that you will choose an activity here at Broadway and serve with us, serving Christ and the community. If you need help deciding where to share your gifts, call our church office to speak to our Pastor. He will be more than happy to prayerfully counsel and help you to discover who you are in Christ. *Other resources regarding Spiritual Gifts may be found on the United Methodist Church website... CLICK HERE |
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