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Spiritual Gifts "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ)
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Our working definition is:
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.
Why Are Spiritual Gifts Important?
Because they are from God! The Holy Spirit grants us these gifts to enable, empower, and build up the ministry of the Body of Christ - our local church. Every Christian is called to be a part of ministry. Everyone is called to serve. But your service will be much more effective and enjoyable if you serve in a way that brings to bear your Spirit-empowered gifts.
Who Has Spiritual Gifts?
The Holy Spirit has given every Christian who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior specific spiritual gifts. Some have multiple gifts. Some have gifts in varying degrees. But every Christian has a gift, or a mix of gifts.
Not all believers are given the same gifts. Just as each of us has a unique personality, we each have a unique gift, or set of gifts, or gift and personality mix. Two people with identical gifts will bring different service to the community, because they are different people.
Each believer is the steward of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are for the edification of the body and the glory of God. We are not given these gifts to use for our own glorification, or by our own strength and energy. When we use spiritual gifts, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
How Do We Know What Our Spiritual Gifts Are?
We must actively seek them. We may do this in a variety of ways. Paul calls us to "think of yourselves with sober judgment." In prayer and contemplation, you can get an idea of your gifts. People you know well also have an idea of the gifts you possess. Perhaps the best way - the way the Church used for generations - is simply working in various ministries, developing over time a clear idea where your gifts lie.
A more recent approach is to use a spiritual gifts discernment exercise. Inventories of this nature can point us in the right direction, and help us figure out where to start. Inventories aren't divine themselves - they simply allow a systematic approach to thinking through the common elements of specific gifts.
Either way, the proof of your gifts is "in the pudding". Using your gifts will confirm them.
Who May Use the Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool?
Anyone may take advantage of this feature ... it is a public site unaffiliated with Bethany Covenant Church. As such, all Christians are welcome - indeed encouraged - to use this opportunity to identify their spiritual gifts.
Whether you attend Bethany Covenant Church or are simply checking out the website, we hope you will find this questionnaire helpful.
For more information, see our recommended web links and books.
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