Gifts of the Spirit

The Ministry Gifts   

The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are often (not always) excercised in a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer. A good way to remember the ministry gifts is through the five finger analogy: 

 

• Apostle 
  • An apostle establishes and builds churches; he’s a church planter. An apostle may function in many or all of the ministry gifts.
  • thumb,” the strongest of all of the fingers, able to touch every finger.)
• Prophet
  • Prophet in the Greek means to “forthtell” in the sense of speaking for another. A prophet functions as God’s mouthpiece, speaking forth God’s Word.
  • index finger,” or pointer finger. He points to the future and points out sin.)
• Evangelist
  • An evangelist is called to be a witness for Jesus Christ. He works for the local church to bring people into the body of Christ where they can be discipled. He may evangelize through music, drama, preaching, and other creative ways.
  • middle finger,” the tallest one who stands out in the crowd. Evangelists draw a lot of attention, but they are called to serve the local body.)
• Pastor
  • The pastor is the shepherd of the people. A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
  • “ring finger.” He is married to the church; called to stay, oversee, nurture and guide.) 
• Teacher
  • The teacher and the pastor are often a shared office, but not always. The teacher lays the foundation and is concerned with detail and accuracy. He delights in research to validate truth.
  • pinky finger.” Though seemingly small and insignificant, he is designed specifically for digging into tight, dark places, shining a light and picking apart the Word of truth.)

   

 

 The Manifestation Gifts   

The manifestation gifts serve to reveal the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature. They can be further subdivided into three groups: utterance, power, and revelation. 

 

• Utterance – These gifts say something.
• Power – These gifts do something.
• Revelation – These gifts reveal something. 

 

 

 Utterance Gifts   

• Prophecy – This is the “forth-telling” of the inspired Word of God primarily to the church, for the purpose of confirming the written Word and building up the entire body. The message is usually one of edification, exhortation or consolation, although it can declare God’s will in a particular circumstance, and in rare cases, predict future events.
• Speaking in Tongues – This is a supernatural utterance in an unlearned language which is interpreted so that unbelievers may see and hear of the wonders of God. Tongues may also be a sign to unbelievers.
• Interpretation of Tongues – This is a supernatural interpretation of a message in tongues, translated into the known language so that believers may understand what is spoken and be edified.

   

 

 Power Gifts   

• Faith – This is not the faith that is measured to every believer, nor is it “saving faith.” This is special, supernatural faith given by the Spirit to receive miracles or to believe God for miracles.
• Healing – This is supernatural healing, beyond natural means, given by the Spirit.
• Miracles – This is the supernatural suspension of the natural laws or an intervention by the Holy Spirit into the laws of nature. 

   

 

 Revelation Gifts   

• Word of Wisdom – This is supernatural knowledge applied in a godly or correct way. One commentary describes it as “insight into doctrinal truth.”
• Word of Knowledge – This is supernatural knowledge of facts and information that can only be revealed by God for the purpose of applying doctrinal truth.
• Discerning of Spirits – This is the supernatural ability to distinguish between spirits such as good and evil, truthful or deceiving, prophetic versus satanic. 

 

 

 Other Spiritual Gifts   

Besides ministry and manifestations gifts, the Bible also identifies

service gifts

Prophecy – Believers with the motivational gift of prophecy are the “seers” or “eyes” of the body. They have insight, foresight, and act like watch dogs in the church. They warn of sin or reveal sin. They are usually very verbal and may come across as judgmental and impersonal; they are serious, dedicated, and loyal to truth even over friendship. 

 

Ministering/Serving/Helps – Those with the motivational gift of serving are the “hands” of the body. They are concerned with meeting needs; they are highly motivated, doers. They may tend to over commit, but find joy in serving and meeting short-term goals. 

 

Teaching – Those with the motivational gift of teaching are the “mind” of the body. They realize their gift is foundational; they emphasize accuracy of words and love to study; they delight in research to validate truth. 

   

Giving – Those with the motivational gift of giving are the “arms” of the body. They truly enjoy reaching out in giving. They are excited by the prospect of blessing others; they desire to give quietly, in secret, but will also motivate others to give. They are alert to people’s needs; they give cheerfully and always give the best that they can. 

 

Exhortation/Encouragement – Those with the motivational gift of encouragement are the “mouth” of the body. Like cheerleaders, they encourage other believers and are motivated by a desire to see people grow and mature in the Lord. They are practical and positive and they seek positive responses. 

 

Administration/Leadership – Those with the motivational gift of leadership are the “head” of the body. They have the ability to see the overall picture and set long-term goals; they are good organizers and find efficient ways of getting work done. Although they may not seek leadership, they will assume it when no leader is available. They receive fulfillment when others come together to complete a task. 

   

Mercy – Those with the motivational gift of mercy are the “heart” of the body. They easily sense the joy or distress in other people and are sensitive to feelings and needs. They are attracted to and patient with people in need, motivated by a desire to see people healed of hurts. They are truly meek in nature and avoid firmness.