Spiritual Gift Categories: Equipping Gifts, Part 2

The equipping gifts are listed, as church roles, in Ephesians 4:11,12. “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Apostleship
A believer with the spiritual gift of apostleship is “one sent forth.” It’s when the Holy Spirit works through believers to undertake specific and needed work. Their underlying drive is the desire to go somewhere and do something God wants. Some of them are sent to deliver a message, such as sharing the Good News. These people tend to serve as short or long-term missionaries. Others are sent by God to start something new. They tend to be church planters and the founders of new Christian ministries.

Jim has the gift of apostleship. He explains that, “Apostles are the pioneers that get things moving, but tend to become bored once things are in motion. Then they start looking for something else to start or revitalize.”

Prophecy
The literal meaning of the spiritual gift of prophecy is “speaking forth the mind and counsel of God.” The underlying drive is to declare God’s rebuke, comfort or revelation. It’s when the Holy Spirit works through believers to: 1) convict of sin; 2) console people in sorrow; or 3) declare God’s plans.

Debbie has the gift of prophecy. When a friend was struggling with his faith, she challenged him pointedly. “I’m going to ask you four questions: Is there a God … or not? Does He love you … or not? Does He have a plan for your life … or not? Will you trust Him … or not? It’s your choice.”

Evangelism
The literal meaning of evangelist is a “bringer of good tidings.” It’s when the Holy Spirit works through believers to share the gospel with others. Their underlying drive is to introduce others to Christ. All Christians are commanded to evangelize, but not every Christian has the gift of evangelism. Believers with this gift love to tell others about Jesus Christ and lead them to Him. They have spiritual radar that spots evangelistic opportunities; moreover, they find it natural to initiate spiritual conversations and invite people to receive Christ.

Steve has the gift of evangelism. He says, “Evangelism is the supernatural ability to help people understand faith and come to a commitment to Christ.” He believes, “All the gifts are the heart of God, but evangelism is the side of God where He goes out of His way to find the Lost Sheep.” He concludes by emphasizing, “The gift is all about creating an environment where great conversations can happen.”

Shepherding
The spiritual gift of shepherding literally means “to guide, nurture, and protect a flock.” It’s when the Holy Spirit works through believers to oversee the spiritual welfare of a group of believers. Shepherds assume responsibility for a group of believers over a period of time. They help people grow spiritually and intervene when struggles, pain or needs threaten a member’s progress.

Marty is a shepherd’s shepherd. He defines shepherding simply as, “Caring for people.”  It means having ears and eyes to see and respond a situation where a person needs some care – making a call; sending a card; or giving a pat on the back.

Teaching
The spiritual gift of teaching literally means “to give instruction.” It’s when the Holy Spirit works through believers to make the Bible so clear that people understand and use it. The underlying drive is to clarify truth so people use it in their lives. Believers with this gift not only preach, they teach Sunday school, Bible classes, and small groups.

Sibyl has the gift of teaching. She explains, “It’s a great privilege and responsibility to be a teacher.” “She emphasizes that, “You can teach content, but who you are comes through. You can’t separate out the person from the subject. You teach as much about who you are as about what you know.”

 © 2013 Designed to Serve®