Identifying Your Spiritual Gifts
THE WAYS GOD HAS WIRED US FOR HIS GLORY AND OUR GOOD
GOD’S GOOD GIFT
God has appointed different gifts in each of us so that together we can actively participate in building up His body of believers. The Apostle Paul addressed this beautifully when he wrote to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), explaining that the body of Christ functions much like the human body. Every part is essential; the whole cannot thrive unless each member fulfills its role.
Paul writes, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’… On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (1 Corinthians 12:21, 22). He reminded the Ephesian church that the body grows and builds itself up in love “when each part is working properly” (Ephesians 4:16).
When you faithfully use the gifts God has given you, you are not only strengthening the body—you are weaving love into its very fabric. And in a skeptical age, that love speaks volumes.
LET’S GET MOVING
We have identified 19 spiritual gifts from God. Our objective is simple: to help you identify the gifts God has given you and so you may use those gifts effectively.
Here’s what we have discovered after nearly thirty years of working with churches: the healthiest congregations intentionally deploy people into inward- and outward-facing ministries that align with their unique gifts, personalities, and passions to advance the Kingdom.
THE RESULT OF IDENTIFYING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
In this environment, you will thrive. Burnout fades. You will most likely reprioritize your time, because serving God and others energizes you and gives you a purpose far beyond yourself. You will stand shoulder to shoulder with a team pursuing the same goal: advancing God’s Kingdom in ways that are both strategic and uniquely suited to your church. Remember, you are on the winning team. Christ is returning, and the victory is already His. You get to play a meaningful part in that victory by actively advancing His Kingdom today.
THE BLESSING IT WILL BE TO YOUR CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
This approach also blesses your pastors and leaders. They are freed from the constant, desperate scramble to “find people” for ministry slots. No longer do they have to plug someone in just to fill a spot. It will also allow your church to minister to more people in better ways.
Everyone wins, except Satan. He loses.