Encouragement & Evangelism

WHEN DOES A PERSON RECEIVE HIS/HER SPIRITUAL GIFT(S)?
Some believe we have our spiritual gifts from physical birth and tie them in with our personality traits. Others believe we receive our spiritual gifts at our new birth in Christ. Factors to keep in mind are that the Bible clearly teaches that spiritual gifts are a work of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-11). A person does not receive the Spirit until salvation. Personality traits are linked to genetics, tempered by our environment. Spiritual gifting is a manifestation of the Spirit, tempered by our walk with God.

As with yesterday, look at these spiritual gifts and list some people within our church who you believe exhibit these gifts.

Definition: The gift of Encouragement is the God-given ability to present words of comfort, consolation, and encouragement, so to strengthen, or urge to action, those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.
Scriptural Reference(s): Rom. 12:8, Acts 11:22-24, Acts 15:30-32
Distinctives of this gift:

• Comfort others to trust and hope in the promises of God.
• Motivate others to grow.
• Urge others to action by applying biblical truth.

Traits of this person: Positive, Motivating, Affirming, Reassuring, Supportive, Trustworthy
Potential Ministry Involvement: Children’s Ministry, Visitation to sick or shut-in, Counseling, Greeter, Support Group Facilitator, Prayer Ministry

Definition: The gift of Evangelism is the God-given ability to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.
Scriptural Reference(s): Eph. 4:11, Acts 8:5-6, Acts 14:21
Distinctives of this gift:

• Communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction.
• Seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters.
• Challenge unbelievers to faith in Christ.

Traits of this person: Sincere, Candid, Influential, Confident, Commitment-oriented
Potential Ministry Involvement: Visitor Calling, Door-to-Door Visitation, Outreach Events, Literature Distribution, Greeter

PRIMARY VERSE: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

SECONDARY VERSE: We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
Romans 12:6a