A Summary of Gifts

Just as the fruit of the Spirit (listed in the fifth chapter of Galatians) should be found in every Christian's life, so we are all counselled to practice the gifts of the Sprit. "Through love serve one another" (Service -- Gal. 5:13). "Teach and help one another" (Teaching -- Col. 3:16). "But exhort one another daily" (Encouragement -- Heb 3:13). "Give and it will be given to you" (Giving -- Luke 6:38). "Be merciful in action, kindly in heart, humble in mind!" (Mercy--Col' 3:12).

Discernment

I'm able to assist others in determining' spiritual problems
If I see a problem, I tend to render 'u rather than helping others to change
I could effectively choose or nominate church members for positions where they would serve well
I can correctly distinguish a spirit of truth from a spirit of error before that difference is apparent to others

Encouragement

It is easy for me to genuinely comfort someone who is hurting
I can make effective appeals by publicly urging certain courses of action
I am quick to encourage others
I help strengthen positive behaviour rather than criticising negative behaviour

Evangelism

I'm at ease asking people to make a decision for Christ
People often ask me how to become a Christian
Through the Holy Spirit I lead people to a commitment to Jesus
I am more interested in the end results of soul winning than in how people are led to decision

Faith

I rely upon God for all my needs
I am often impatient with methodical, cautious thinking
I am convinced that seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished
I typically see hope in apparently hopeless situations

Giving

My gifts to others are often answers to specific prayers
I have the ability to make wise investments with the ultimate aim of sharing my gains.
I am sensitive to the material needs of others and desire to meet those needs without publicity
I am able to give without expecting something in return and without insisting on determining how the gift is used

Hospitality

It is more natural for me to meet people's immediate needs than to aid them in planning to meet long-term needs
I enjoy meeting strangers and having them in my home
People look forward to being part of large gatherings in my home
If someone were in need of lodging, I would offer my home to meet the need.

Knowledge

I'm able to mentally grasp how separate pieces of biblical information fit into the great themes of the scripture
I have a tendency to measure spiritual maturity on the basis of biblical knowledge
I can probe to deep levels in Bible topics
I enjoy answering and discussing Bible questions

Leadership

People look to me when opinions are being sought
I tend to assume responsibility if no structured leadership exists
I can lead out in discussions, harmonise various points of view, draw conclusions, and delegate authority
When I am in charge, there is a good spirit of unity and enthusiasm

Mercy

People share their inward struggles with me because they see me as sympathetic and understanding
I often lack firmness and decisiveness because I am sensitive about offending others
I am moved with compassion toward society's outcasts (such as drunks, unwed mothers, mentally retarded)
I condemn others only if they are insensitive to personal needs

Teaching

I care a great deal about the accuracy of information
I'm able to communicate well on the level of my listeners
Bible teachings come quickly to mind whenever I deal with a problem
I'm able to foster much participation and interest in presenting a spiritual subject

Wisdom

I know when to take an uncompromising stand and when to change a position
I can predict with excellent accuracy the long term results of decisions
I can apply what I learn to practical life situations
I view all of life from a scriptural perspective.

Now Find Your Niche

Here are some ideas about where you can help out in your local church program. There are many other possibilities, of course, but these might help you to visualise how your gift can be used in a specific church office or function.

Keep in mind that one position may require more than one gift. For example, an effective administrator requires the gifts of leadership and organisation, a pastor should possess the gifts of shepherding and preaching. The possible gifts combinations are nearly beyond computing.

Discernment

Elder
Nominating Committee
Pastors' lay advisory committee
School board
Membership Committee

Encouragement

Hospital Visitation
Church nurture Visitation
Prison ministry
Telephone counselling
Investment leader
Specific area counselling (marriage, teens, etc.)
Ingathering leader
Youth Ministries

Evangelism

Personal Ministries Leader
Give Bible studies
Lead out in Bible-oriented seminars
Church planting in new areas
Prison ministry
Branch Sabbath School (adult)
Visitor visiting
Follow up media interests

Faith

Building committee
Project development
Nominating Committee
School board
Evangelism Committee

Giving

Finance committee
Student aid committee
Investment leader
Community services board
Ingathering leader
Poor fund committee
Student missionary committee

Hospitality

Hospitality dinner co-ordinator/team leader
Social committee
Deacon/deaconess
Singles’ ministry

Knowledge

Give Bible studies
Help with seminars
Write on Bible topics

Leadership

General Sabbath School superintendent
Chairman of various boards and committees
Lay pastor
Elder
Head deacon/deaconess
Treasurer
Youth ministries leader

Mercy

Emergency preparedness committee
Community services (Dorcas)
Poor fund committee
Student aid committee
Counselling
Meals On Wheels

Missionary

Student missionary committee
Visitation committee
Refugee aid
Inner-city work
Cross-culture evangelism

Organisation

Church clerk
Treasurer
Nominating committee
Social committee
Telephone committee
Church secretary
Sabbath School superintendent
Publications/public relations

Prayer

Hospital visitation
Church nurture visitation
New project development
Elder
Prayer band leader
Follow up media interests

Preaching

Lay preacher/evangelist
Elder
Prison ministry
Lead out in seminars

Service

Deacon/deaconess
Music committee or participant
Telephone committee
Church librarian or tape librarian
Audio visual committee
Custodian/janitor
Publications/public relations
Meals On Wheels
Community service
Ingatherer

Pastoring/Shepherding

Church nurture visitation
Singles ministry
Study-group leader
Hospital visitation
Counselling
Social committee

Teaching

Sabbath School leader/teacher (in any division/level)
Youth activities leader
Vacation Bible School leader/teacher
Branch Sabbath School leader
Bible study leader

Wisdom

Church board chairman
Membership committee
Elder
Counselling
School board member