SpiritualGifts - St. Paul Lutheran Church

What Is A Spiritual Gift?

“A spiritual gift is a special attribute given by the Holy Spirit to every member of the Body of Christ according to God’s grace for use within the context of the Body.”¹

A spiritual gift is defined as a “special attribute or ability.” The term “spiritual gift” nearly always has reference to a particular capacity or skill that one has been given.

The importance of the body as the context for the discussion of spiritual gifts is emphasized.

Every Christian has been given at least one gift.

These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit at a particular point in time simultaneously with or subsequent to one’s conversion.

¹C. Peter Wagner, Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow (Ventura: Regal Books, 1979)

Why Spiritual Gifts?

The church is a body with many different members—each of which needs to be healthy and functioning for the body to be healthy and growing. Spiritual gifts are the key to the mobilization of the membership. This mobilization spurs the growth of the body.

Spiritual gifts are a means to the mission and ministry of the body of Christ. While the use of spiritual gifts is no guarantee that a church will grow, as other factors may also prohibit growth, the mobilization of God’s people will bring about a perceptible change in the internal and external growth of the church. In addition to contributing to the growth of the church, the discovery of one's spiritual gifts may enhance the Christian's life.

What is the purpose of helping each person find a place within the church?

What Are My Spiritual Gifts?

What gifts has God given me in my Baptism to be used for the benefit of His Church?

Spiritual gifts are God given abilities for Christians to fulfill the Great Commission to reach, baptize, and teach as well as to minister to one another. Every Christian receives at least one gift at when they come to faith. They are neither rewards nor talents.

Spiritual gifts are expressed through various ministries which, in turn, accomplish a variety of results. A spiritual gift is the means by which the Holy Spirit accomplishes Christ's work through the believer empowered by His Word. Spiritual gifts are tools for building Christ's Church. A source of joy in your Christian life, they influence our Christian motivations.

God has gifted you to do what He has called you to do, and, He has called you to do what He has gifted you to do. Here is a great way to identify your spiritual gifts!! Discover your spiritual gifts by taking this Spiritual Gifts Analysis!

Discovering My Spiritual Gifts (WELS)

Free Spiritual Gifts Analysis (CGI)

When you have discovered your gifts, please discuss them with your pastor!

Disclaimer: The above spiritual gift inventories are a useful tool in assessing an individual Christian's specific spiritual gifts to be used within the congregation. The use of these inventories neither gives nor implies acceptance or approval of the doctrinal foundation of the organization, its dogmas, practical applications, or opinions.