Gift of Teaching (Romans 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:28)

This gift is the ability to communicate information in such a way that members of the Body of Christ understand how to apply spiritual principles to their own lives and ministries.

• There were positions in the New Testament church for some who had this gift. (Acts 13:1)
• As a result of the use of this gift, people will not just know more, but their behavior will actually change. (Acts 11:25, 26)
• Some may use this gift in a:
  • Large group – Acts 5:42; 19:11; 20:20
  • Small group – Acts 2:42; 5:42; 20:20
  • One-on-one – Acts 18:26; II Timothy 2:2
• Everyone is called to teach. (Matthew 19, 20)
• Exercising this gift carries with it a greater accountability for the teacher. (James 3:1)
• The goal of this gift is spiritual maturity. (Colossians 1:28-29; II Timothy 3:16-17)

Biblical Examples:

• Acts 18:24-28 — Apollos
• Acts 18:11; 20:20 — Paul
• II Timothy 2:2; 4:11 — Timothy

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• Your prayers are often for understanding for those you are teaching.
• You enjoy people.
• You have a genuine concern for those you are teaching.
• You have a great deal of patience for those who are learning from you.
• You have the ability to communicate scripture in an understandable way.
• You have seen others apply your teachings to their lives and grow as a result.
• You are not easily threatened by criticism when teaching.
• You enjoy spending time in study for your teaching.
• Your study is intended to help you clearly communicate with others.
• As a lay person, you find little time for other ministries in addition to teaching.
• You may communicate through the use of various media.
• You are concerned that precise words and illustrations communicate what you want to say.
• You are always learning and then wanting to teach it to others.
• You are able to apply truths to the lives of others.
• You sometimes feel you could communicate a point better than someone else who is teaching.
• You are a disciplined person.

Common Support Gifts:

Wisdom, Prophecy, Evangelism, Faith

Possible Ministries:

• Affinity Ministries (Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Legacy MOMS, Next Chapter Widows, Seniors, Young Pros, College, Recreation)
• KIDS (Nursery, Preschool, and Elementary Teachers, Curriculum Team, Camp/Retreat Teacher)
• Life Group Leader
• Missions (Local Missions Volunteer, Short Term Mission Trip Team)
• Student Ministries (Teacher, Small Group Leader, Camp/Retreat Teacher)

Gift of Shepherding (I Peter 5:1-4; Ephesians 4:11)

This gift is the ability to minister to an established group of people (believers) by caring for their spiritual welfare holistically on a long-term basis.

• Jesus is the Good and Ultimate Shepherd of all believers. (Psalms 23:1; John 10:11, 14; I Peter 2:25)
• Jesus has gifted some as under-shepherds to care for His followers. (I Peter 5:2)
• This gift is concerned with serving and caring for the needs of a small group of people. (I Peter 5:2-4)
• This gift is concerned with protecting the believers from attacks, both from within and from the outside. (Acts 20:29-31)
• This is not a passive or docile gift but must always be alert. (Acts 20:29-31)
• This gift is often combined with other gifts. (Ephesians 4:11)
• This is not the dominant gift of the Senior Pastor for a large growing church.

Biblical Examples:

• Acts 20:28-35 — Ephesian Elders

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• Your prayers are often comprised of requests for the deep hurts and needs of those whom you are shepherding.
• You are a people person and enjoy being around others.
• You tend to build deep relationships with others and do not enjoy superficial or casual friendships for very long.
• Others are attracted to you because they sense that you truly care for them.
• People see you as a warm person with a real concern for the welfare of others.
• You are frustrated with tasks that take you away from ministering to those around you for very long.
• You can feel frustrated by those who are too involved in their own goals to care for others.
• You do not feel comfortable in a tightly regimented time schedule.
• When you share with others, you often focus on the relational aspects of the Christian life.
• You feel inadequate to meet all the needs of those to whom you minister.
• You have a great burden to protect those around you from non-Biblical influences.
• You feel frustrated when relationships with others do not last long-term.
• You enjoy being able to focus on a few rather than being “spread too thin.”

Common Support Gifts:

Mercy, Encouragement, Discernment

Possible Ministries:

• Affinity Ministries (Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Legacy MOMS, Next Chapter Widows, Seniors, Young Pros, College, Recreation)
• KIDS (Teachers and Helpers)
• Life Group Leader
• Ministry Team Leaders
• Special Buddies
• Student Ministries (Small Group Leader)

Gift of Service (Helps) (1 Corinthians 12:28, Romans 12:7)

This gift is the ability to unselfishly meet the needs of other people through practical service. It may be either ministering to the person himself or doing things to enable him to be free to do other ministries.

• This is the behind-the-scenes worker who loves to help in needed ways.
• Sometimes you feel guilty or envious because you do not have one of the more “obvious” or “visible” gifts that others seem to possess.
• This is one of the more important gifts and often the least practiced. Without it, all other gifts must perform functions out of their own gift mix, inhibiting their effectiveness. Therefore, people with the gift of service free others to use their own gifts.
• We all should exemplify this gift as characterized by Christ. But a person who truly has this gift personifies it to the extreme and is recharged by exercising it.

Biblical Examples:

• Acts 6 — Men relieved Apostles of work
• Acts 13:5 — John Mark helped Paul and Barnabas
• II Timothy 4:11
• I Peter 5:13
• Acts 19:22 — Paul had two other helpers
• Romans 16:1-4 — Priscilla and Aquilla
• Colossians 4:12, 13 — Epaphras

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• You have an uncanny ability to see needs.
• You work by yourself or in small groups.
• You have a desire to help others.
• You do not need to receive public recognition for what you do.
• You enjoy doing “little things” that can help other people, i.e., cooking a meal, set-up/teardown for a meeting, repetitive tasks, etc.
• You do not enjoy handling major leadership or overseeing responsibilities.
• You enjoy doing things for someone else that enables them to use their gifts more fully.
• You do not have to ask what needs to be done; you can see needs.
• You have the ability to sense the temporal needs of others.
• In the church, you have a willingness to do jobs which will allow leadership gifts to be used in a fruitful way.

Common Support Gifts:

Mercy, Encouragement, Discernment, Administration

Possible Ministries:

• Broadcast Team (Broadcast Operator, Camera Operator, Video Switch Director)
• Creative Arts Team (Brainstorming Team, Video Creation and Editing, Graphic Design, Social Media Moderator, Drawing, Photography, Lighting Design, Stage Design, Floral Design, Painting, Building, Constructing, Script Writing)
• Facility Volunteer Team (Baptistry Care, Building Maintenance, Grounds Beautification, Lights Out and Lock Down, Set Up and Tear Down)
• Food Service for Events and Special Programs
• Guest Services (Safety Ministry Team, Finance Team)
• KIDS (Tech Team, Classroom Preparation Team, Curriculum Preparation Team)
• Legacy Online Team
• Missions (Local Missions Volunteer, Short Term Mission Trip Team, BRIGES Missionary Care Team)
• Office Assistant
• Office Technology Assistant
• Prayer Team
• Special Buddies
• Student Ministries (Tech Team)
• Worship Arts (CG Operator, Sound Operator, Lighting Operator)

Gift of Prophecy (Romans 2:6; I Corinthians 12:10, 28-29; Ephesians 4:11)

This gift is the ability to proclaim God’s word publicly or privately such that people are convicted, consoled, encouraged, challenged, or strengthened. Another angle also involves knowing and speaking God’s mind intuitively rather than, as with the teacher, deductively from scripture alone. Scripture is to always check this intuition.

• The primary function of this gift in the Old and New Testament is not to foretell the future but to tell forth the Word of God.
• As a result of the use of this gift, people are often strengthened and encouraged. (Acts 15:32)
• They are able to speak accurately with regard to the future (Acts 1:27-28); although they are not always correct. (Acts 21:10)
• What they say should be weighed by other prophets and the Word of God. (I Corinthians 14:29-32)
• The New Testament church had an office for this gift.

Biblical Examples:

• Acts 11:27-28; 21:10-11 — Agabus
• Acts 15:32 — Judas and Silas

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• Your prayers are often for courage to speak out against injustices and to help others understand God’s Word.
• You have an excellent grasp of God’s Word.
• You do not mind someone challenging you.
• You do not like bureaucracies.
• You are able to stand alone against the tide.
• You have courage to confront issues with insights God has given you.
• You have a good understanding of many social and political trends of our time.
• You are interested in applying God’s principles to social and political injustices.
• You have the ability to see through surface issues to the true spiritual problem.
• People have different responses to your messages; some are convicted, others are encouraged, but few are neutral.
• You always seem to be quoting the Bible to others.
• Your “… words carry God’s authority and have the power to build by stimulating and encouraging. Often this gift reflects special insight into the truth and calls men back to the obedience of faith.” (A. W. Tozer)
• You see events which will occur if people do not act now on God’s Word.
• Sometimes people see you as a negative person.

Common Support Gifts:

Discernment, Wisdom, Knowledge

Common Support Gifts:

• Creative Arts Team (Brainstorming Team, Social Media Moderator)
• Life Group Leader
• Missions (Local Missions Volunteer; Short Term Missions Trip Team)
• Prayer Team
• Student Ministries (Small Group Leader)
• Worship Team

Gift of Mercy (Romans 12:8)

This gift is the ability to empathize with those in need (especially those suffering and miserable) and to manifest this empathy in such a way as to encourage those that are in need.

• The gift is to be used with cheerfulness; that is, joyousness which is ready to do anything. (Romans 12:8).
• This mercy will be manifested in good deeds. (James 2:15,16)
• All believers are commanded to have mercy. (Matthew 9:13; Luke 10:37)
• Biblical Examples: Acts 9:36 — Dorcas

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• Your prayer life includes the needs of the many personal struggles you know people are experiencing.
• You find it easy to identify with the feelings of someone in pain.
• You cry easily or show emotions when you see or hear things that sadden you.
• When someone is sharing something deep with you, you find yourself crying when they do.
• Your immediate reactions when you see someone in difficulty is to want to reach out and help.
• You sometimes become bitter because of the injustices someone else suffers.
• Most people would see you as an empathetic person.
• People come to you with problems not because of some practical things you do, but because you have the ability to understand what they are going through and can console them.
• You have the ability to “cheer up” people who are going through deep personal struggles.
• When you are finished having someone share with you, many times you find yourself emotionally drained.
• You enjoy calling on people in the hospital or who are sick or going through some difficulty.

Common Support Gifts:

Pastor, Service, Encouragement

Possible Ministries:

• Affinity Ministries (Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Legacy MOMS, Next Chapter Widows, Seniors, College, Young Pros)
• KIDS (Nursery Teachers and Caregivers)
• Guest Services (Greeters, Hosts, Café)
• Life Group Leader
• Missions (Local Missions Volunteer, BRIDGES Missionary Care Team, Short Term Mission Trip Team)
• Prayer Team
• Special Buddies
• Student Ministries (Small Group Leader)

Gift of Mentoring (Ephesians 4:11)

This gift is the ability to instruct, guide, and care for a local expression of the Body of Christ, such that the members are prepared to reach out in ministry to others, both inside and outside the Body.

• This gift is a combination of Shepherding and Teaching. (Ephesians 4:11)
• The primary responsibility of this gift is preparing the members of the Body for ministry. (Ephesians 4:12) Only as others use their gift is the Body built up. (Ephesians 4:12,13)
• The offices of Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists also include preparing others for works of ministry.
• The teaching should correct, rebuke, encourage, and contain careful instruction, and considerable effort and time will be spent accordingly.
• This gift should not neglect evangelism. (II Timothy 4:5)
• This position may be supported financially to facilitate preaching and teaching. (I Timothy 5:17-18)
• Biblical Examples include I & II Timothy — Timothy

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• Your prayers are for your leadership of the flock with which you have been entrusted.
• People look to you for leadership.
• You are a disciplined person.
• You often feel internal tension between the task at hand and the people problems which impede progress.
• You are goal-oriented, but people focused.
• You are successful at preparing and motivating others to become involved in using their gifts in ministry.
• You train leaders well.
• You articulate your thoughts well.
• Your desire is to please God first, people second.
• You are an example of a godly lifestyle.
• You are able to offer decisive leadership to the Body you are shepherding.
• You are frustrated when you do not see others growing into maturity or using their gifts for the building of the Body.
• You are concerned that all the needs of the Body are met, though not necessarily by yourself.

Common Support Gifts:

Pastor, Teaching, Wisdom, Encouragement, Leadership

Possible Ministries:

• Affinity Ministries (Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Legacy MOMS, Next Chapter Widows, Seniors, College, Young Pros)
• KIDS (Teachers and Helpers)
• Life Group Leader
• Missions (Local Missions Volunteers, Short Term Mission Trip Team)
• Student Ministries (Small Group Leader)
• Ministry Team Leaders

Gift of Leadership (Ruling – Romans 12:8)

This gift is the ability to set Godly goals, make decisions, and then communicate them to the Body of Christ, such that others will voluntarily follow and joyously work to accomplish these goals.

• This gift is to be used diligently. (Romans 12:8)
• This gift is, in part, exercised by the Elders Board. (I Timothy 5:17)
• Those using this gift must first exemplify spiritual maturity and ministry fruit. (I Timothy 3; Titus 1)
• Age is not a determining factor in using this gift. (I Timothy 4:12)
• One should be tested before assuming such a position (I Timothy 3:10)

Biblical Examples:

• 2 Corinthians — Paul
• 1 & 2 Timothy — Timothy
• Titus — Titus

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• You are often setting an example in behavior for others.
• Your prayers consist of tasks which need accomplishing.
• Others readily follow you, and they see you confidently knowing what to do next.
• If a male, your family also responds well to your leadership.
• You are a well-disciplined person.
• You will not ask others to do what you will not do yourself.
• You are relaxed when in leadership positions.
• You delegate well.
• You do not enjoy maintaining a program or administering details.
• You tend to “take over” in a situation where there is not a designated leader.
• People look to you for leadership and direction.
• You remain calm under pressure.
• You do not allow criticism to distract from the task at hand.
• You desire to see things move quickly to a conclusion; then you want to move on to a new challenge.

Common Support Gifts:

Faith, Wisdom, Teaching, Knowledge

Possible Ministries:

• Affinity Ministries (Recreation Ministry Leader, Women’s Ministry Leader, Men’s Ministry Leader, Legacy MOMS Leader, Next Chapter Widows Leader, Seniors Ministry Leader, College Age Life Group Leader, Young Pros Life Group Leader)
• Broadcast Team Leader
• Facilities Team Leader
• Guest Services Team Leaders
• KIDS Supervisors
• Life Group Leader
• Missions (Local Missions Campus Leader, Short Term Mission Trip Leader; BRIDGES Missionary Care Team Leader)
• Prayer Team Leader
• Student Ministries (Small Group Leader)
• Worship Arts Team Leader

Gift of Knowledge (I Corinthians 12:8)

This gift is the ability to discover, analyze, accumulate, systematize, and articulate ideas that are essential for growth and edification of the Body of Christ. This especially involves the ability to concretely expound upon Old and New Testament history as well as the history of the Church.

• This gift is intended to be communicated. This is why it is called the “message of knowledge.” (I Corinthians 12:8)
• This gift sometimes “puffs up” if kept to yourself. (I Corinthians 8:1)
• All believers should exemplify some knowledge. (Colossians 1:9-12)
• Sometimes this gift requires a person to set aside human knowledge. (I Corinthians 1:19-20; 2:14-16)
• Biblical Examples include much of Jesus’ teachings.

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• Your prayers typically involve deep theological truths and often seek God’s aid in understanding more.
• You are able to grasp spiritual truths quickly.
• You enjoy reading the Bible and studying it in depth.
• You enjoy reading books and articles.
• You are eager to learn and have a long attention span.
• You can absorb and remember large quantities of information.
• You tend to neglect other types of Christian activities and family responsibilities because of your desire to learn and study.
• When listening to a message, you listen for deep truths which are being communicated.
• When you engage in a discussion about spiritual issues, you find yourself with your Bible in hand.
• You are more comfortable with ideas than people.
• You like to take time by yourself to think.
• When faced with a decision, you ask yourself what Biblical principles are involved.
• You are greatly disturbed by people thinking “the end justifies the means.”
• People see you as more ideological than practical.
• You are aware of times when people say things that contradict spiritual principles.
• You continually try to reconcile different truths from scripture so you can understand how they relate.

Common Support Gifts:

Teaching, Faith, Leadership

Possible Ministries:

• Life Group Leader
• Sermon Guide Writer
• Script Writer

Gift of Hospitality (I Peter 4:9)

This gift is the ability to reach out to others and welcome them into your home and life in a loving, warm manner, while providing food and lodging, such that the guests feel “at home” in your presence.

• This gift is not clearly delineated with other gifts and may be a specific application of the Gift of Service. (I Peter 4:9-11)
• All believers are to exhibit hospitality. (Hebrews 13:2)
• Hospitality in general is a qualification for spiritual leadership (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) and for widows who are supported by the church. (I Timothy 5:10)
• This gift is to be used to provide for itinerant ministers (missionaries, etc.). (III John 5-8)
• The people with this gift need to see themselves as an extension of their guest’s ministry and, therefore, as accountable for their guest’s teachings.

Biblical Examples:

• Acts 16:15 — Lydia
• Acts 21:4,7,8,16 — Paul’s accommodations
• Romans 16:23; III John 5-8 — Gaius
• Philemon 2:22 — Philemon

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• You often pray that God will use your home to accommodate visitors.
• You enjoy meeting new people.
• You enjoy having visitors in your home, and often have people staying with you.
• You enjoy preparing meals for guests.
• You are relaxed entertaining people in your home and enjoy having people over who you do not know well.
• You are quick to invite people you have just met to your home.
• People feel very comfortable in your home and do not feel as if they are imposing. They often “kick off their shoes” and find it easy to relax.
• You are not upset if your home is not in perfect order when someone drops in.
• Many people just stop by.
• You often open your home for Bible studies and social functions.
• You enjoy asking neighbors over.
• Others see you as a friendly and open person.

Common Support Gifts:

Service, Mercy, Encouragement

Possible Ministries:

• Food Service for Events and Special Programs
• Guest Services (Greeting, Guest Hospitality, Café, Hosts)
• Office Assistant
• Missions (Local Missions Volunteer, BRIDGES Missionary Care Team)
• Student Ministries (Hospitality Team)
• Use my home to host a Life Group
• Event and Lobby Party Planning Team

Gift of Giving (Romans 12:8)

This gift is the ability to give liberally to meet the needs of others and support God’s ministry with that which God has entrusted to you.

• This gift is not to be associated only with wealthy people. (II Corinthians 8:1,2)
• This gift is to be exercised with “liberality.” The word means “simplicity” or “sincerity” or “purity.” (Romans 12:8)
• The use of this gift will many times be used at considerable cost to the giver. (Luke 21:1-4)
• This gift should be used in secret as much as possible. (Matthew 6:2-4)

Biblical Examples:

• The purposes for which this gift is to be used are:
  • To meet the needs of believers within your local assembly. (Ephesians 4:28; Galatians 6:10; I John 3:17)
  • To meet the needs of believers in other assemblies. (Romans 15: 25,26)
  • To meet the needs of those who labor in preaching and teaching. (I Timothy 5:17, 18; Philippians 4:10)
  • To meet the needs of non-believers.

Possible Characteristics of this Gift:

• You have an inner sense of unrest when you see someone in financial or material need.
• You have a reluctance to let the person helped know where the help came from.
• You sense real joy when giving to meet someone’s need.
• You have the ability to make wise purchases and investments.
• You are burdened because you do not see others sacrificing financially to meet needs you see to be important.
• You want to be a part of the work or project to which you give.
• You do not need to be pressured to give.
• You avoid the spotlight that sometimes comes to those who give significant amounts of money.
• You willingly live a life of personal sacrifice so that others may have their basic needs met.
• You are sometimes taken advantage of by people in need.
• You tend to think about others before you think about yourself.
• You realize that all of what you have belongs to God and that you are only a steward of what you “possess.”
• When giving, you do not think about tax advantages before deciding to give to something.

Common Support Gifts:

Discernment, Mercy, Administration

Possible Ministries:

• Blessing Tree
• Missions (Local Missions Volunteers, Short Term Missions Trip Team; BRIDGES Missionary Care Team)
• Special Project Giving