NCYM Spiritual Gifts Assessment Gift Descriptions Apostleship Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. Romans 1:5 Literal Meaning: to be sent with a message Description: the gift of Apostleship is the divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures. Note: While the office of apostle that the original disciples of Christ held is unique and no longer exists, the role of apostle continues today and functions through the Spiritual Gift of Apostleship. People with this gift: Pioneer and establish new ministries or churches Adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware Desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries Have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches Demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church Traits: Adventurous Entrepreneurial Persevering Adaptable Culturally sensitive Risk-taking Cause-driven Cautions for People with this gift: Should be aware that misusing their authority an quench the Spirit in others Need to be affirmed and sent by the church Can be demanding and pessimistic 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, Ephesians 4:11-12, Romans 1:5, Acts 13:2-3
Administration But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:40 Explanation: To pilot or steer a ship, the ability to organize, plan, and carry-out projects Description: The gift of administration is the God-given ability to understand what makes an organization function, and the special ability to plan and carry-out procedures that accomplish the goals of the ministry. Develop plans to reach goals Assist ministries in becoming more effective Manage a variety of responsibilities Organize people and/or events Need to be open to change and adjustment of their plans. Could use people simply to accomplish a goal without concern for the growth of others. May fail to see God s purposes being fulfilled in the process of accomplishing a task. 1 Corinthians 12:28, Acts 6:1-7, Exodus 18:13-26
Craftsmanship And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Exodus 31:3-5 Explanation: To craft, design or build Description: The gift of craftsmanship is the God-given ability to design and/or construct items to be used for ministry. Work well with wood, paint, cloth, and other materials Make things that can assist others as they minister Design and build items for ministry use Work with different kinds of tools Skilled with their hands Creative Handy Resourceful Helpful May fail to see the importance of their gift as a spiritual contribution to a ministry. Exodus 31:35, Exodus 35: 31-35, Acts 9:36-39, 2 Kings 22:5-6
Creative Communication Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. Matthew 13:34 Explanation: To communicate artistically Description: The gift of Creative Communication is the divine enablement to communicate God s truth through a variety of art forms. Use the arts to communicate God s truth Develop and use artistic skills as drama, writing, art, music, etc. Use variety and creativity to captivate people and cause them to consider Christ s message Challenge people s perspective of God through various forms of the arts. Demonstrate fresh ways to express the Lord s ministry and message Expressive Imaginative Idea-oriented Artistic Creative Unconventional Sensitive Need to remember that art is not for art s sake, but it s to glorify God and edify others Could find evaluation and constructive criticism difficult to accept Might be uncooperative (because of ego, pride or individualism) and need to work at being a team player Psalms 150:3-5, 2 Samuel 6:14-15, Mark 4:2 & 33
Discernment But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. John 16:13-14 Explanation: To separate or make a distinction Description: The gift of Discernment is the God-given ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, or to determine God s leading and direction. Distinguish between right and wrong, pure and impure motives Identify deception in others Sense the presence of evil Perceptive Insightful Sensitive Truthful Challenging May have trouble expressing their feelings or insights Could be harsh in confronting others rather than speaking the truth in love Need to be careful to confirm their leadings before speaking 1 Corinthians 12:10, Acts 5:1-4, Matthew 16:21-23
Encouragement But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Luke 6:35 Explanation: To raise confidence Description: The gift of Encouragement is the God-given ability to present the truth in a way that strengthens, comforts, or builds the confidence of others. Work with those that are discouraged to reassure them Challenge others to trust and hope in the promises of God. Urge others to action Motivate others to grow Emphasize the promises of God Positive Motivating Reassuring Supportive Trustworthy May offer too many compliments without urging others to grow. May just want to say positive things without addressing other issues. Romans 12:8, Acts 11:22-24, Acts 15:30-32
Evangelism "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 Explanation: To bring good news Description: The gift of Evangelism is the God-given ability to communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith. Clearly communicate the good news of Christ Seek opportunities to speak with unbelievers about spiritual matters Challenge people to become devoted followers of Christ Sincere Spiritual Confident Respected Influential Passionate One must be sensitive and avoid judging others. Should avoid becoming critical of others do not share their same gift. Need to be able to listen carefully, as the same evangelical method will not be appropriate for everyone. Ephesians 4:11, Acts 8:26-40, Luke 19:1-10
Faith By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen Hebrews 11:3 Explanation: To trust, have confidence, believe Description: The gift of Faith is the divine enablement to act on God s promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God s ability to fulfill his purposes. Believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same Act in complete confidence of God s ability to overcome obstacles Demonstrate an attitude of trust in God s will and his promises Advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not Ask God for what is needed and trust him for his provision Prayerful Optimistic Trusting Assured Positive Inspiring Hopeful Need to act on their faith Should remember that those who speak with reason and desire to plan do not necessarily lack faith Should listen to and consider the counsel of wise and spirit-filled believers 1 Corinthians 12:9, 13:2, Hebrews 11:1, Romans 4:18-21
Giving Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 Explanation: To give or share Description: The gift of Giving is the God-given ability to give money, resources, energy, and/or time to the work of the Lord with gladness. Manage finances well Limit personal indulgences in order to support ministries Trust in God for His provisions Provide resources for ministry Give generously and cheerfully Generous Resourceful Disciplined Trusting in God Responsible Need to guard against greed Need to remember that ministries are determined by church leadership and not by the giver of their gift Must remember that their gift IS a spiritual contribution to ministry One should give without expectation of reciprocal gifts or strings attached Should discern from God when to give Don t brag about gifts that were given Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 6:8, Luke 21:1-4
Helps And whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:27-28 Explanation: To take the place of someone Description: The gift of helps is the God-given ability to accomplish necessary tasks which free up or meet the needs of others Serve behind-the-scenes See things that need to be done and enjoy doing them. Realize there is a spiritual value in practical service Support the gifts and ministries of others Available Willing Helpful Reliable Loyal Dependable May not always realize that their gift is a spiritual contribution to a ministry Find it hard to say no Need to remain responsive to leadership instead of their own agendas May be easily distracted when a need arises Can procrastinate with routine tasks 1 Corinthians 12:28, Romans 12:7, Acts 6:1-4, Romans 16:1-2
Hospitality Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 Explanation: The friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers; the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way. Description: The gift of Hospitality is the God-given ability to care for others by providing food, shelter, and fellowship. Provide a place where people feel loved Meet new people and help them feel welcomed Create a safe and comfortable setting where others feel loved Friendly Gracious Caring Trusting Responsive Warm Need to remember to ask God who He would have them befriend or serve Need to consider their own family when inviting others into the home Be careful of gossiping or talking too much when gathered Don t judge others for not being hospitable as it may not be their gift 1 Peter 4:9-10, Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:1-2
Intercession And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 Explanation: To step-in on behalf of someone, to intercede Description: The gift of intercession is the God-given ability to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, demonstrating hope and faith Earnestly pray for others Have an awareness of spiritual needs and pray for them Pray in response to a leading from God, whether they understand it or not Walk in a faith that believes God directly answers prayer Caring Sincere Spiritually Sensitive Trustworthy Burden-baring Should avoid using prayer as an escape from other responsibilities. Must remember that God hears the prayers of everyone, not just those with this gift. Need to realize that this gift is a ministry and an important spiritual contribution to the body of Christ. Romans 8:26-27, John 17:9-26, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Colossians 1:9-12, Colossians 4:12-1
Leadership Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Explanation: To stand before; to naturally lead and speak in a crowd Description: The gift of leadership is the God-given ability to motivate and direct others in accomplishing the purposes of God. Provide direction for God s people Motivate others to perform to the best of their ability Take responsibility of a ministry Establish goals Motivating Trustworthy Diligent Influential Visionary Need to remember that relationships are important for effective leadership. Should remember that servant leadership is the Biblical model. Do not have to be in a leadership position to use this gift. Can be too pushy Romans 12:8, Hebrews 13:17, Luke 22:25-26
Mercy Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:34-36 Explanation: To have compassion Description: The gift of mercy is the God-given ability to help those who are suffering or in need. Focus on reducing the sources of pain or discomfort in the suffering Meet the needs of the lonely Show love and grace to those facing hardships Encourage those hurting and help them to recognize their value Romans 12:8, Matthew 5:7, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 10:25-37 Caring Compassionate Kind Sensitive Responsive Burden-baring Need to remember that God sometimes works through our pain. Should guard against becoming defensive or angry about the sources of other people s pain. Need to realize their value, even if it isn t always voiced.
Shepherding The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. John 21:17 Explanation: To nurture and guide Description: The gift of shepherding is the God-given ability to nurture, care for and guide people into a relationship with Christ. Assume the responsibility of nurturing a person in their walk with God Provide guidance to God s people Model with their life what it means to be a devoted follower of Jesus Establish trust and confidence in relationships Nurturing Guiding Protective Supportive Relational Discipling May have a hard time saying no because of their desire to nurture others. Need to realize that some of those being nurtured may grow beyond the shepherd s ability and need to released. Need to avoid over-confidence and appearing as one with all wisdom. Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Peter 5:1-4, John 10:1-18
Teaching He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. Acts 18:25 Explanation: To instruct Description: The gift of teaching is the God-given ability to understand, explain, and apply the word of God, motivating Christ-like transformation in the listeners. Communicate biblical truth that inspires obedience to the word. Challenge listeners with the truths of scripture Prepare for speaking through times of study and reflection. Give attention to detail and accuracy Disciplined Teachable Practical Well-Spoken Authoritative Should avoid being prideful about their extensive biblical knowledge May become too focused on details rather than life applications Should remember that spirituality is not measured by how much they know. Remember greatest influence comes through relationships Romans 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, Acts 18:24-28, 2 Timothy 2:2
Wisdom Therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have. 2 Chronicles 1:12 Explanation: To apply truth practically. Description: The gift of Wisdom is the divine enablement to apply spiritual truth effectively to meet a need in a specific situation Focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take. Receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body Provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion Hear the Spirit provide direction for God s best in a given situation Apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways Sensible Insightful Practical Wise Fair Experienced Common Sense Could fail to share the wisdom that God has given them Need to avoid having others develop a dependence upon them, which may weaken their faith in God Need to be patient with others who do not have this gift 1 Corinthians 12:8, James 3:13-18, 1 Corinthians 2:3-14, Jer. 9:23-24