Unit 5. Spiritual Gifts and Servant Leadership
Every spiritual gift empowers each of Christ’s followers in the consistent practice of servant leadership! The cluster and variety of gifts contribute to the health and ministry of the whole body of Christ. Little wonder we are encouraged to desire, excel, and express gifts to build up the church, not to neglect them!
The ten gifts discussed in this Unit–out of the 22 to 24 usually identified–are selected for special focus on servant leadership. As you study each one of these leadership-focused spiritual gifts, think about your own leadership behavior. Then thoughfully evaluate the level your leadership consistently demonstrates that gift.
Activity/Survey:
Download and save the Survey to your computer. After you finish reading through each one, rate the way in which your leadership practice demonstrates the listed spiritual gifts–from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and enter the values on your survey. When you have finished, record the elements you rated with a 1 or a 2 on your Action Plan to be referred to for future review and development.
1) Leadership – Focus on the Mission
- This spiritual gift empowers believers to work within the body of Christ, motivating them to pursue the goals, objectives and strategies of the Church’s kingdom mission.
- Romans 12:8 ” … if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; … ” (see also 1 Tim. 3:13; 5:17; Heb. 13:7).
- Leadership = (literally) “the one standing in front;” “the one taking the lead;” to be a protector, guardian, to give aid; to be put before, to have charge; to be set over, superintend, rule, preside, govern, exercise authority. “with diligence” = with haste, zeal, correctness.
2) Administration – Focus on Organization
- Some are gifted by the Spirit to lead the church body to organize its ministries, resources, and tasks to move forward together toward the larger purpose.
- 1 Cor. 1:8 ” … those with gifts of administration…” (see also Acts 6:1-7; Luke 14:28-30; Matt. 9:35-37; 10:1-4; Mark 6:30-44).
- Administration = governing, governments, wise counsels, organizers, wise guidance, those with power to guide, or to get others to work together, managers.
3) Pastor/Shepherd – Focus on Spiritual Caring
- Some are gifted with disposition and skills to understand and care for the spiritual welfare of the “flock of God,” and to do so in the pattern of Christ, our good and great Shepherd.
- Ephesians 4:11 “… and some to be pastors and teachers…” (see also 1 Peter 5:1-4; John 10:11-16; Acts 20:28).
- Translations: (from the word meaning “to protect”) shepherds, pastors, the ability to guide and teach others; a pastor is a shepherd with the essential function of protection patterned after Christ the Great Shepherd; overseers of Christian assemblies.
4) Faith – Focus on Bold Expectation
- Faith as a grace gift is to boldly claim the presence and promise of God to do mighty things; to trust God with servant conviction as you live your life in relationship to God; such faith also encourages others to attempt the impossible in human strength.
- 1 Cor. 12:9 “…to another faith by the same Spirit…” (see also 1 Cor.13:2; Matt. 17:20; 21:21; Heb. 11:1).
- Translations: “a grace gift,” “special faith,” “wonder-working faith,” a faith-to-move-mountains.
5) Prophecy/Prophet – Focus on Proclamation
- This spiritual gift empowers some to interpret, proclaim, and foretell the saving message of God with insight, boldness, and passion, calling hearers to believe, to be transformed and the church to be built up.
- 1 Cor. 12:10 – “…and to another prophecy…;” 1 Cor. 12:28 – “…secondly prophets…;” Romans 12:6 – “…whether prophecy, according to the proportion of the faith…;” Ephesians 4: 11 – “…some prophets …”
- Translation: prophets, “one who speaks forth;” one moved by the Spirit who becomes a spokesman for God, especially regarding matters of His kingdom; inspired preachers, not always one who predicts the future.
6) Teaching – Focus on Discipleship
- Some are gifted by the Spirit with an ability to communicate God’s truth with clarity through example and instruction to point the way to salvation, to instruct in the way to live, and to build up the body of Christ.
- Eph. 4:11 – “…pastors and teachers…;” 1 Cor. 12:28 “…thirdly teachers…;” 1 Peter 4: 11 – “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God…” (see also Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 13:1; James 3:1).
- Interpretation: Teacher = (literally) one who teaches, instructs, discourses with others; those gifted with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit to do so.
7) Service/Helps – Focus on Service to Others
- This special gift is to identify the needs of others, joyfully providing those helps and support, often without recognition, but with rewarding satisfaction, and to the glory of Christ.
- Romans 12:17 (Commentary) – “If it is serving, let him serve;…” 1 Cor. 12:28 – “those able to help others,…”; 1 Peter 4: 11 – “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,…” (see also 1 Cor. 12:5; Galatians 6:1-2; Matt. 25 :34-40; Acts 6: 1-6).
- Service: ministry (noun) especially those who execute the command of others; the office of deacon; helps: ministrations, aids, helps mutual acceptance, a laying hold of (to assist); assistants, those who help others.
8) Hospitality – Focus on Belonging
- This spiritual gift enables believers to open their hearts, homes, and the congregation to generously accept guests, newcomers, and fellow church-members, drawing them joyfully into the larger fellowship and tending their immediate needs.
- 1 Peter 4:9 – “…offer hospitality and tending their immediate needs.” Romans 12:13 – “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality ….” (see also Acts 16:13-15; 1 Cor. 16:23; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8; Heb. 13:2).
- Hospitable: (literally) love (philos) of guests, friends, travelers, strangers, foreigners, aliens, even friends and members of the body of Christ.
9) Wisdom – Focus on Understanding
- Some have the gift of wisdom, the special ability to understand God’s message, to discern the mind of Christ, to recognize the working of the Spirit, and to make this known in practical ways within the body of Christ.
- 1 Cor. 12:8 “…For to one through the Spirit is given a word of wisdom …” (see also Luke 21:12-15; 1 Cor. 2:4-6; Eph. 1:8-9; James 1:5; 3:13-17).
- Translation: wisdom – (that’s it, wisdom!); broad, full, spiritual intelligence.
10) Exhortation – Focus on Motivation
- Some are gifted to stimulate the faith of others, to stir up their enthusiasm, to encourage and challenge them in the life and service of Christ.
- Romans 12:8 “…if it is encouraging, let him encourage;…” (see also Acts 4:36-37; 11:23-24; 14:21-22; 1 Tim: 4:11-16; Heb. 10:24-25).
- Translations: a calling near (alongside), summons (especially for help), supplication, entreaty, admonition, encouragement, consolation, comfort, solace.
Reflection:
- Which spiritual gifts do you discern and express?
- Which spiritual gifts do you discern, but neglect, and need to nurture?
- Do you gather around you those who have a diversity of gifts?
