Leadership Thought: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Part 2.

Dear Friend.

You are saved to serve. Each one of us has a ministry, and to discover that ministry, we need to be aware of our spiritual gift(s). The Bible reminds us that, “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other.” (1 Peter 4:10 TLB)

Have you discovered that gift or gifts?

Paul states that we are “God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:20 (NIV)

The word for God’s “handiwork” in Greek is the word “poema,” from which we get the word “poem.” You are God’s poem, his work of art. You are uniquely designed to fulfill His plan and purpose. and he has granted you spiritual gifts to accomplish this goal.

Every believer has been sovereignly provided at least one spiritual gift at the time of conversion. You might possess the gift of administration, leadership, encouragement, teaching, helps, hospitality, mercy, wisdom, knowledge, giving, evangelism…

Some scholars list as many as 27 spiritual gifts, so you have plenty of choices to explore. To assist you in discovering your gift(s) just go to "Wagner-Modified Houts Questionnaire." and complete the Spiritual Gift Inventory. This test will assist you in narrowing down your spiritual gift(s)

This assessment is not a fool proof guaranteed. but only a guide to provide you with an idea of the gift(s) you might possess.

Once you have competed the test, select your top three or four gifts, and consider if there are areas in the church where you could utilize those gifts. Then jump in and use them in ministry.

Here are a few hints in exercising your gift(s):

1. Pray that God would reveal which of the gift(s) you might possess.
2. Experiment in areas of service where those gifts might be naturally used.
3. As yourself if you enjoy using your spiritual gift. It doesn’t make sense that God would provide us gifts that we don’t enjoy using.
4. Evaluate whether you are effective in the area where you are using your gift(s).
5. Note whether others are affirming your gift(s). Sometimes other people are the best resource for evaluating the gift(s) we have been given.

I hope you will be encouraged to complete the Spiritual Gifts Inventory and that, if anything, completing the test will encourage you as you realize that God has uniquely equipped you for greater service.

Please let me hear from you as I will be anxious to learn of your gift(s) and how you are using them.

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom