Applying Your Spiritual Gifts (even if you have no idea what they are)

SITREP So there you were, broken and keenly aware of your failures and spiritual poverty. And yet, something (spoiler: it's the Holy Spirit) compelled you to find a church that provided the help, hope, and healing you sorely needed.

And now you suspect the Holy Spirit is at it again, prompting you to Pay it Forward. But... you? Really? You've never attended seminary or grown up in the church. You can't quote Bible verses like Dallas Cowboys trivia. What can you offer, other than a few dollars each week? You're unqualified, inexperienced, and -let's be honest- a little bit intimidated.

Relax. You are a unique and wonderful soul. But this is not a unique and wonderful problem. Heavy thinkers have solved it, and you have already started solving it, too.

• Socrates says that awareness of ignorance is the beginning of wisdom, and just recognizing your ignorance signifies an openness to learning.

• Dr. Jordan Peterson says if you don't know what to do, DO SOMETHING. And it's better if that something is hard rather than easy.

But it's Hard to Do Hard Things!

Don't worry. The Logical Theological has a process, and we start by ripping off Socrates one more time: Know Thyself. Understanding your own character, motivations, limitations, and spiritual gifts can help you choose a volunteer spot that’s likely to yield an early win. And early wins keep you coming back for more (don't make me quote Thorndyke, Peterson!). What are Spiritual Gifts? Do I Have Any? Spiritual Gifts are unique attributes and expertise bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon every Christian believer. These gifts enable believers to help one another, strengthen the church, and spread the gospel. And yes, you have a spiritual gift, and probably many more; your mileage may vary from one gift to another, though. We can't all be Fred Rogers.

Stop Stalling! What Are The Spiritual Gifts?

Lifeways' Spiritual Gift List has identified multiple spiritual gifts that benefit the modern church and gospel. Take a quick look below and see which Spiritual Gift appeals to you or you think you’re good at.

Later, you can fill out their Spiritual Gifts Survey to determine if your initial impressions are accurate. Do you "know thyself"? We'll see... and, as always, No Wagering! Spiritual Gifts (Finally!)

Leadership serves the church by guiding and directing members to fulfill the church's mission and goals. Leaders inspire people to work together in unity toward shared objectives (Rom. 12:8).

Administration - Those with the gift of administration serve the church by helping others stay focused and on task. This gift enables the church to organize effectively in accordance with God's purposes and long-term goals (1 Cor. 12:28).

Teaching involves instructing members in the truths and doctrines of God's Word to build up, unify, and mature the church (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11).

Knowledge is expressed through teaching and discipleship training. It's a God-given ability to learn, understand, and explain the truths of God's Word to others. A word of knowledge is a truth revealed by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:28).

Wisdom enables a person to recognize the Holy Spirit's work in the church and apply God's teachings and guidance to meet the church's needs (1 Cor. 12:28).

Prophecy is the ability to boldly proclaim God's Word in ways that build up the church and bring conviction of sin. It's typically expressed through preaching and teaching (1 Cor. 12:10; Rom. 12:6).

Discernment helps the church to identify the true intentions of those within or connected to the body. It helps believers evaluate the messages and actions of others to protect and preserve the church. (1 Cor. 12:10)

Exhortation encourages church members to actively and enthusiastically participate in the Lord's work. People with this gift excel at counseling and motivating others toward service.

Shepherding is demonstrated by caring for the spiritual well-being of others as well as providing a safe and secure worship environment. This gift is not limited to pastors or church staff members (Eph. 4:11).

Faith is taking God at His word. Believers strong in Faith inspire others to trust God even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances (1 Cor. 12:9).

Evangelism enables believers to effectively and enthusiastically lead others to Christ. This gift builds up the body by bringing new members into the fellowship (Eph. 4:11).

Apostleship sends out church members to plant new churches and serve as missionaries. Apostles inspire the body to look beyond its own walls to fulfill the Great Commission (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11).

Service/Helps identify practical needs in the church and joyfully assists in meeting them. Believers with this gift are content to serve behind the scenes (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7).

Mercy is defined by acts of compassionate kindness. People with this gift serve the church by empathising with hurting members and keeping others aware of needs within the body, which helps maintain the church's health and unity (Rom. 12:8).

Giving involves contributing freely and joyfully to the church's work and mission. It involves not only money, but also effort and time. People with this gift are characterized by cheerfulness and generosity (Rom. 12:8).

Hospitality makes visitors, guests, and strangers feel welcome and comfortable. People strong in hospitality often open their homes to others and help integrate new members into the church (1 Pet. 4:9).

Next Time After completing the Spiritual Gifts Survey, we'll explore which roles at City on A Hill align naturally with these gifts. However, keep in mind that God doesn't always call us to places where we feel most comfortable or capable—sometimes, like Jonah, He sends us where we're most needed.

Sometimes your greatest ability is your AVAILability. How do ya think I got this blog, anyway?

During Covid, the author rediscovered cityonahilldfw.com. Post-vaccination he snuck into a service and felt zero social pressure. He's a member now and everyone knows he sucks at small talk. They don't care: it ain't that kind of church.