The word "administration" is closely related to someone who is like a pilot or captain who steers a group of people toward the intended destination. With this gift, the Holy Spirit enables certain Christians to organize, direct, and implement plans to lead others in the various ministries of the Church. This gift is closely related to the gift of leadership but is more goal or task oriented and is also more concerned with details and organization. They are skilled at developing new strategies for keeping the church well organized so that the body of Christ functions in an orderly way. See also I Corinthians 12:28, Titus 1:4-5.

Those with this gift are often unafraid to take initiative in order to help lead and execute ministry plans. They often have an eye for organizational gaps in the church and humbly seek ways to provide order and direction.

Examples in the Church:

• Serving at the Welcome Centre/Guest Services/Ushering/Church Administration
• Helping to recruit and place serving volunteers
• Assist in keeping the church organized for services, events and general operations
• Help improve church organization and remove any disorder that may be present
• Assists with the administrative tasks of a specific ministry (Children’s, Worship, Production, Women’s, Men’s, Outreach, Sunday Services etc.)

This gift is limited to those who were directly commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ to plant churches and carry the Gospel forward into the earth. It would specifically refer to the 12 disciples and the Apostle Paul. This gift was needed to help nurture and grow the early church as seen in Ephesians 2:20. Apostles were confirmed and authenticated by unique miracles, signs and healing at the time. Since the Word of God was not fully written yet, God specially marked the Apostles to confirm that their words and teaching were true. It helped to purge the early church of false teachers and doctrines and get us to a place of a having a full Bible in our hands.

While there are no longer any authoritative apostles today, some carry the same qualities of that leadership by planting churches, doing mission work, or discipling other leaders and pastors. The word “apostle” simply means “one who is sent”. Today, we would not call them apostles to eliminate confusion. Rather we recognize their unique gift as one of a missionary or church planter. See also Ephesians 4:11, I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 9:1.

Examples in the Church:

• Join the Mission’s and Local Outreach Teams
• Find ways to minister to small churches locally and around the globe
• Work closely with pastoral team to establish new ministries for the gospel
• Work with pastors and leaders in discipleship, training and equipping

The word discernment describes being able to distinguish, discern, judge or appraise a person, statement, situation, or environment. The Holy Spirit gives the gift of discernment to enable certain Christians to clearly recognize and distinguish between the influence of God, Satan, the world, and the flesh in a given situation. The church needs those with this gift to warn believers in times of danger, or keep them from being led astray by false teaching or those with false motivations in the church. See I Corinthians 12:10, Acts 5:3-6; Acts 16:16-18; 1 John 4:1.

Those who have the gift of discernment are those who have a deep understanding of scripture and therefore shepherd their gift in wisdom and humility. They prayerfully and impartially discern false prophets, false teachers, and corrupt spirits in and outside the church.  

Examples in the Church:

• Gently warning Church leaders of false teachers and false doctrine
• Praying and fasting with leadership about big decisions in the church
• Join the Board of Directors or the Prayer intercessory team
• Assist in the direct discipleship of new believers to keep them growing in a healthy way

The word evangelize means to proclaim the good news of the gospel with others. All believers are commanded to share the gospel as told to us in numerous New Testament scriptures (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14-17).

The church being filled with converted Christians does not need evangelism. However, the church needs those who can equip and encourage others to evangelize. There will also be nonbelievers who attend church services that do need evangelism. Those with that gift are ready to share the good news with clarity and effectiveness. They love giving free treasure away for Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:7), and it brings them great joy knowing that the “feet that bring good news” are beautiful to those who believe (Isaiah 52:7). See Ephesians 4:11, Acts 8:5-12, 26-40, 21:8.

Those with the gift of evangelism are encouraged to grow in the field of apologetics, sound reasoning and biblical doctrines. The Bible constantly tells us that the apostles reasoned with non-believers all day to demonstrate the trustworthiness of Christ and the gospel.

Examples in the Church:

• Joining the Mission’s Team and Evangelism Teams for events
• Sharing the Gospel with nonbelievers who attend church services or events
• Help to create unique ways for the church to evangelize to the community around us
• Help disciple other believers in how to skillfully evangelize
• Join our children and youth ministries to evangelize to the next generation

The spiritual gift of encouragement or exhortation means to beseech, exhort, call upon, to encourage and to strengthen. The primary means of exhortation is to remind the hearer of the powerful and amazing work of God in Christ, particularly in regard to the saving work of Jesus in the atonement. We see Paul commanding Titus to use this gift in Titus 1:9 and throughout chapter 2, particularly Titus 2:11-15. He also charges Timothy with the same in 2 Timothy 4:2.

The Spirit of God gives this gift to people in the church to strengthen and encourage those who are wavering in their faith. Those with the gift of exhortation can uplift and motivate others as well as challenge and rebuke them in order to foster spiritual growth and action. The goal of the encourager is to see everyone in the church continually built up and glorifying God. This gift is very much verbal, joyful and charismatic, always seeking to warn off discouragement and sorrow however they can. See also Romans 12:8, Acts 11:23-24; 14:21-22; 15:32.

Examples in the Church:

• Serving as a greeter, parking attendee or at the welcome centre
• Leading the church in the weekly announcements, opening scripture and giving
• Praying and talking with those who are burdened, hurt, grieving or struggling
• Joining the worship team, children, youth or senior’s ministry

The gift of faith may be defined as a special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God’s power, so they can take heroic stands for the future of God’s work in the church. The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, and His promises. Examples of people with the gift of faith are those listed in Hebrews chapter 11.

Those with the gift of faith are an inspiration to their fellow believers, exhibiting a simple confidence in God that shows in all they say and do. Extraordinarily faith filled people show a humble godliness and reliance on God’s promises, often so much so that they are known to be quite fearless and zealous. They are convinced that all obstacles to the gospel and to God’s purposes will be overcome and confident that God will secure the advancement of His cause. They are very rarely shaken by trials, troubles and suffering. Many go to such people in their time of doubt and difficulty so their faith can be strengthened again and again.

These people are not the source of healing or miracles but rather consistently point to God as the answer for all of life’s circumstances.

Examples in the Church:

• Serving in the prayer ministry team
• Serving on the worship team or senior’s ministry
• Encouraging the church to believe in God’s faithfulness and miracle working power
• Serving on the church leadership team or at the board of director level

The Holy Spirit imparts this gift to some in order to meet the various needs of the church and its ministries, missionaries, or of people who do not have the means to provide for themselves. Those with this gift love to share with others the overflow of blessings God has given them. They are typically very hospitable and will seek out ways and opportunities to help others. They are also excellent stewards and will often adjust their lifestyles in order to give more to the spread of the Gospel and the care of the needy. They are grateful when someone shares a need with them and are always joyful when they can meet that need. They are also passionate about the financial well-being of God’s church and seek to support the ministry as much as they can. See Romans 12:8, 13, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:6-15; Acts 4:32-37, Galatians 4:15, Philippians 4:10-18.

Examples in the Church:

• Serving on Sidewalk Care or the Care & Encouragement team
• Consistent in regular tithing and financial offerings
• Ready to give material resources for the sake of the Gospel
• Serving at the Board of Directors level to help with financial stewardship and fundraising

Those who have this gift are compassionate toward the sick and pray over them regularly. They have great faith and trust that God can and will heal some and are not deterred when He chooses not to. They are motivated knowing that God’s revealed power will draw people to faith in Jesus. Their ultimate concern is the spiritual well-being of those being healed and their relationship with Jesus. They yearn for the day that there will be no more pain and suffering, and sin will no longer wreak havoc on the people of God. See 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28, 30, James 5:13-16.

These people understand that God is the great healer and do not bring glory to themselves. Such persons have extraordinary boldness in praying for the healing of other believers and non-believers. They are persistent in praying for the needs of others.

Examples in the Church:

• Serving on the Prayer ministry team, particularly on Sunday mornings
• Joining in hospital or home visits to pray and encourage the sick and ill
• Inspiring faith in others to believe for God’s healing power
• Serving on Mission’s Trips and Evangelism outreaches to pray for the sick and ill

Those who have this gift share an intense burden for the weak, poor, hurting, broken and those that are grieving. They are compassionate, loving and hospitable to anyone they meet. This is closely linked to the gift of encouragement listed above. The only difference is that this gift is much more action oriented rather than in speaking.

Those with the gift of mercy constantly look for ways to offer relief and deliverance to those that are struggling. They are swift to act and offer a helping hand. They model much of what Jesus described in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). They love praying with others and loving giving of themselves and their resources to bless people. See also Matthew 5:7; Matthew 25:35-36; 1 Peter 4:8-9; Romans 12:13-15.

Examples in the Church:

• Join the Care & Encouragement Ministry
• Serve on the Prayer Team
• Serve on Mission Trips and Evangelism Outreaches
• Assist Pastors in caring for the needs of the congregation

The gift of tongues and interpretation is normally in reference to other languages that exist around the world but may not be known to the person. In the early church it was used to help foreign believers hear the Word of God in their own language in a miraculous way.

The gift of tongues requires an interpretation for it to be edifying to the church. Paul places strict guidelines for its usage in the church in 1 Corinthians 14. Tongues are not a sign that someone is saved and baptized by the Holy Spirit because not everyone receives this gift. Paul encourages the church to seek to be intelligible in their worship so that the Word of God may be clearly heard.

Those with these gifts work together to help minister to believers who may not speak the native language. These languages are not acquired naturally but come supernaturally in a moment of need. Tongues should not be confused with a prayer language that one might have privately with the Lord. Even that should be limited so as to not bring about any confusion in large assemblies. See also 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30, 14:4, 39, Acts 2:4, Acts 19:6.

Examples in the Church:

• Praying for the supernatural ability to speak and understand foreign languages that exist around our city and community
• Serving on Mission Trips and Evangelism Outreaches so that we might preach the gospel without any hindrance
• Interpreting the foreign language of a church congregant so that whatever is shared may be edifying to the rest of the believers gathered

This gift means to teach, instruct, instill doctrine, explain, and expound. Those with the spiritual gift of teaching love to study the Word of God for extended periods of time. They consume the Scriptures as food for their hearts, souls and minds with the expressed purpose of knowing Him and then making Him known to others. They want to know what God has revealed of Himself and what He requires of us as people created in His image. They take great joy and satisfaction in seeing others learn and apply the truth of God’s Word to their lives. They love to see how the Gospel is woven throughout the Scriptures and how it glorifies and magnifies Jesus Christ in the hearts and lives of those who love Him by grace.

The spiritual gift of teaching is one that carries a heavy responsibility in the church. In fact, James 3:1 warns, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” They should study to show themselves approved by God as told in 2 Timothy 2:15. They also must be humble servants in all that they do.

Examples in the Church:

• Leading or teaching various bible studies in the church  
• Writing and editing biblical material or curriculum
• Serving in the Children or Youth ministry
• Preach on Sunday Mornings or other services
• Help prepare teaching material for the church

The gift refers to any act of service done in genuine love for the edification of the community. The Greek word “antilepsis” is translated “helping” and is found in 1 Corinthians 12:28. It has a similar meaning: to help or aid in love within the community.

The Holy Spirit endows some believers with this gift to fill the many gaps of ministry and meet the needs of the church as it fulfills the Great Commission. The goal is to energize the church and free up others to use their gifts to the fullest. The result is the continued edification of the church and the added ability to see beyond its own needs and reach out into the community.

Those with this gift do not seek recognition or a position in the “spotlight,” they just love to help out. They are content with serving in the background knowing that their contribution will bless the church, display the love of Christ to the world, and bring glory to God. See also Romans 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; 28, Acts 20:35; 2 Timothy 4:11; Revelation 2:19.

Examples in the Church:

• Serving on the Worship or Production team
• Serving as an Usher, Greeter or Parking Attendee
• Serving at the Welcome Centre or Care & Encouragement Ministry
• Serving in cleaning, building maintenance, setup, tear-down, etc.
• Helping in decorations for different seasons
• Serving on the Sidewalk Care Ministry
• Assisting in the Children’s ministry
• Signing up to serve at different church events

The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of leadership to some in the church to care for God’s people and lead them into deeper relationship with Christ and each other. They base their success on how well they help others succeed and grow in their spiritual walk with Jesus. They are able to accomplish many different tasks and objectives as they lead, but they will always lead relationally and with a deep concern for the well-being of others. They are “visionary” and often work closely with the spiritual gift of administration. Many are entrepreneurial and willing to take risks to see the kingdom of God advanced through the church. They will go to great lengths to protect those under their care and are well-equipped to lead through crisis situations. See also Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 3:4-5, 12; 5:17.

Examples in the Church:

• Becoming a ministry leader or assisting current ministry leaders
• Beginning new ministry initiatives in the church to edify the believers
• Serving on the board of directors
• Training to become a pastor/elder or deacon of the church

The goal of the pastor is to reveal the glory of God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit to a people who need God’s grace for life. The primary way the pastor will do this is by teaching the Word of God to the church and shepherding them. The gift of pastor is directly linked to the gift of teaching in Ephesians 4:11 and elsewhere. In fact, this gift could be called the gift of pastor-teacher. The ability to teach the Scriptures is also one of the many requirements of being an overseer (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9). By teaching the Scriptures to the church, the pastor feeds the “sheep” of God.

The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of pastor to some in the church to humbly teach them, guide them, protect them, and to lead them in the mission that God has for His church. The pastor loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ and puts it at the center of their life and ministry. Pastors do not seek fame or recognition for themselves, but they are placed in a position of authority by the Holy Spirit. See also Ephesians 4:11; Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28; John 10:11-18.

Examples in the Church:

• Joining the pastoral team in congregant visits
• Preaching and Teaching at various services
• Biblical Counselling, Discipleship and Training
• Training to become a Pastor/Elder of the church

Those with the gift of wisdom/knowledge have a deep understanding of the holiness of God and the lack of holiness in their own hearts. They can recognize this in others as well and have the compassion and boldness to share that truth with them. They are able to take from their own life experiences as well as the word of God to influence others for their betterment. They can easily recognize where a decision or action may lead and can warn against those that may be harmful or unfruitful. They can often see through the confusion of a situation and can give immediate direction that would help an individual or group obtain a God-glorifying goal. They are highly observant, prayerful and watchful over the church people and activities. The church needs those with the spiritual gift of wisdom to guide her through uncertain or difficult times. See also 1 Corinthians 1:17-31, 2:1-16, 12:8; Colossians 1:9-10, 2:1-3; James 3:13-18.

Examples in the Church:

• Often study and train to become Christian Counselors
• Assist in bringing biblical guidance to other believers in discipleship
• Serving in Children, Youth or other Small Group Ministries (Men’s/Women’s)
• Serve at the Board of Director level to help with decision making

To prophecy simply means to proclaim a message from the Lord. Often, these messages are timely, relevant and accurate to specific situations or people. The gift of prophecy was used specially in the early church because the full Word of God had not been complete yet. Therefore, God divinely spoke through some in the church to bring about a message from God. These messages still had to be tested and affirmed by apostles, church elders and the broader church to be valid. See 1 Corinthians 14:29-33; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21; 1 John 4:1-3.

We no longer need various prophets to speak these new revelations from God because the full written Word is given to us. The Bible is sufficient, authoritative and absolutely relevant today and forevermore. There is no more new revelation needed because the Bible is complete.

However, there still remains the need for voices like this in the church today. There are times when something specific and Biblical is extremely relevant to a person or situation and may be used to warn or edify. There are other times where a person may feel strongly about sharing something with a person or small group. Each message shared must be tested against the Bible before it is accepted as worthy and edifying (1 Thess. 5:20-21). This would be close to what the gift of prophecy is in the church today. It is not new revelation to be added to Scripture, but rather something specific for our immediate church context. Believers with this gift should be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and ready to renounce their statements if they are proven to be unworthy according to the church.

This person is not a prophet but is simply being sensitive to the Holy Spirit in bringing truth to those that need it. Those with this gift do not use it as a means to exact their own personal plans and will for other people. Rather, they are very cautious and prayerful, always ensuring that their words serve to build the body of Christ (even if it is a warning). This sensitivity only comes through fellowship with the Lord and constant meditation in the Word of God.

We would encourage those with this gift to avoid using language such as “The Lord told me” or “God is telling you”. Rather, they should humbly share whatever information they believe the Holy Spirit is prompting within them in a delicate and honouring way. They should always verbally encourage the believers present to test their words to see what may be true and edifying. They shouldn’t be discouraged from exercising the gift if the words shared are not deemed relevant or beneficial by the people. This will keep this gift preserved in a healthy and God-honouring way. It will also greatly encourage the body of believers when used rightly.

Because this gift is greatly abused and misused in the church today, we will give a more real-life example to aid your thoughts:

A believer is in a church setting and believes that the Holy Spirit has impressed something particular on their heart and mind for a person or small group. This believer may be fairly certain or even unsure of this particular message. It is advised that this person share their thoughts in a neutral and humble way. Without saying “God told me” or “God said”, this believer states as a preface: “I am not 100% sure if these words mean anything to you - if they don’t, please disregard it. This is something that is just on my heart and I would like to share it with you for you to judge it.” The believer will then share the information and allow the person or group to assess it. The believer should feel completely free that they were obedient in that moment and shared what felt necessary to share. The church members will do the rest in measuring the words shared.

It is highly beneficial to become wiser and more knowledgeable in exercising this gift. Just as teachers will be judged for their words, so will we if we speak prophetically without humility and discernment. If your message isn’t Biblical, it is surely not from the Lord. Those with this gift should also do the work of assessing their own messages against the Bible.

Examples in the Church:

• Serving on the Prayer ministry team
• Join the Worship Team
• Occasionally preaching or teaching at specific times when prompted
• Working closely with the pastoral team to discern when messages should be shared
• Being active in Bible Study groups to share with others
• Work with pastoral team in discipleship, training and equipping