Spiritual gifts are “special abilities distributed to all believers by the Holy Spirit for the common good of the Body of Christ.”  These gifts are related to our spiritual birth as opposed to natural talents, which derive from our physical birth.

A: Administration

• The divine ability to organize, plan and execute goals.

• Traits: Organized, Efficient, Goal Oriented

• Example: Persons who organize details and promote efficient execution of program goals (e.g.- fellowship coordinator, team leader, elder).

• Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 6:1-7; Exodus 18:13-26

• The divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures.

• Traits: Adventurous, Culturally Sensitive, Cause Driven

• Example: People who initiate and cast a vision for new ministries (e.g.- charter leaders at Grace).

• References: 1 Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 1:5; Acts 13:2-3

• The divine enablement to creatively design or construct items to be used for ministry

• Traits: Creative, Resourceful, Helpful

• Example: Persons who create furniture and furnishings to benefit ministries. (e.g. – habitat)

• References: Exodus 3:1-3; 35:31-35; Acts 9:36-39; Kings 22:5-6

• The divine enablement to communicate God’s truth through a variety of art forms

• Traits: Expression, Artistic, Imaginative

• Example: People who use artistic abilities to focus members on the theses of the church (e.g.--choir, instruments, clowns, artists, puppetry, etc.).

• References: Psalms 150: 3-5; Samuel 6:14-15; Mark 4:2, 33

• The divine ability to distinguish between truth and error, good and evil, right and wrong.

• Traits: Intuitive, Insightful, Perceptive, Truthful

• Example: Persons who are able to understand what is not readily visible and pinpoint reality (e.g.- Christian counselor, Stephen minister, elder)

• References: 1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 5:1-4; Matthew 16:21-23

• The divine enablement to present truth so as to strength, comfort, or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.

• Traits: Positive, Motivating, Affirming, Reassuring

• Example: Persons who provide affirmation and are “cheerleaders” within a ministry or relationship (e.g.- Stephen Ministry, Greeters)

• References: Romans 12:8; Acts 11:22-24; Acts 15:30-32

• The divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.

• Traits: Respected, Influential, Spiritual

• Example: Persons who are comfortable in telling others of their experience and relationship with Christ (e.g.- new member ministry, mission trip teachers).

• References: Ephesians 4:11, Acts 8:26-40; Luke 19:1-10

• The divine enablement to act on God’s promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God’s ability to fulfill his purpose.

• Traits: Prayerful, Trusting, Hopeful, Optimistic

• Example: Persons who are confident of God’s presence and direction for the future (e.g.- leaders in the development of the church’s mission, prayer minister).

• References: 1 Corinthians 12:9; 13:2; Hebrews 11:1; Romans 4:18-21

• The divine enablement to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality.

• Traits: Stewardship Oriented, Resourceful, Charitable

• Example: Persons who eagerly share their financial resources and promote others to do the same (e.g.- financial stewardship leaders).

• References: Romans 12:8; Corinthians 6:8; Luke 21:1-4

• The divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free up, support and meet the needs of others.

• Traits: Reliable, Helpful, Available

• Example: Persons who willingly work behind the scene to make ministries run smoothly (e.g.- money counters, assisting office staff, baby-sitters, community watch, habitat).

• References: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Romans 12:7, Acts 6:1-4; Romans 16:1-2

• The divine enablement to care for people by providing fellowship, food and shelter.

• Traits: Gracious, Friendly, Inviting, Caring

• Example: Persons who make others feel welcome (e.g.- greeters, registrar, Duke Thanksgiving meal).

• References: 1 Peter 4:9-10; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:1-2

• The divine enablement to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent and specific results.

• Traits: Caring, Sincere, Burden Bearer, Advocate, Trustworthy

• Example: Persons who eagerly seek God’s power to effect positive change within the Body of Christ (e.g.- prayer ministers).

• References: Romans 8:26-27; John 17:9-26; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Colossians 1:9-12; Colossians 4:12-13

• The divine enablement to bring truth to the body through a revelation of biblical insight.

• Traits: Studious, Insightful, Truthful, Responsive

• Example: Persons who creatively enable others to understand the truth of the gospel (e.g.- teachers, worship leaders).

• References: 1 Corinthians 12:8; Mark 2:6-8; John 1:45-50

• The divine enablement to cast vision, motivate and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of the church.

• Traits: Influential, Diligent, Persuasive, Goal Setter

• Example: Persons who see a clear picture of future ministry and have the ability to inspire others to adopt this picture (e.g.- ministry team leaders).

• References: Romans 12:8, Hebrews 13:17, Luke 22:25-26

• The divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or are in need, compassion moved to action.

• Traits: Compassionate, Empathetic, Responsive, Burden Bearing

• Example: Persons who desire to relieve others who are in times of pain and suffering (e.g.- mission team members, meals for the sick, caregivers).

• References: Romans 12:8; Matthew 5:7; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 10:25-37

• The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance or edification.

• Traits: Discerning, Authoritative, Convincing, Compelling

• Example: Persons who inspire others through their presentation of the gospel in various ministry settings (e.g.- retreat speaker, worship preaching, teaching).

• References: Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28, 13:2; 2 Peter 1:19-21

•  The diving enablement to nurture, care for and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming Christ like.

• Traits: Influencing, Nurturing, Guiding

• Example: Persons who enjoy caring for groups of believers and building their faith (e.g.- small group leaders, mentors).

• References: Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 5:1-4; John 10:1-8

• The diving enablement to understand, clearly explain and apply the work of God, causing greater Christ likeness in the lives of listeners.

• Traits: Disciplined, Authoritative, Articulate, Perceptive

• Example: Persons who communicate the Bible clearly resulting in changed hearts (e.g.- teacher, disciplers).

• References: Romans 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, Acts 18:24-28, 2 Timothy 2:2

• The diving enablement to apply spiritual truth effectively to meet a need in a specific situation.

• Traits: Insightful, Wise, Experienced, Common sense

• Example: Persons who are able to make insightful decisions on behalf of and to benefit others (e.g.- church officers and leaders).

• References: 1 Corinthians 12:8, James 3:13-18; 1 Corinthians 2:3-14; Jeremiah 9:23-24