Glossary of Spiritual Gift Terms
6/13/02  

Definition of?
 
A God-given ability from the Holy Spirit which fits uniquely every disciple to serve effectively the people of God (and others) and bring personal joy.
 
Biblical references for?
 
I Corinthians, chapters 12-14; Romans 12: 3-8; I Cor 7:7;Ephesians 4: 7-16; I Peter 4: 10-11; I Timothy 4: 14; II Timothy 1:6-7;  Hebrews 2: 4.
 
Putting the person before the church because of ?
 
Spiritual gifts reverse church tradition. Usually, churches ask for members to fill jobs and positions that facilitate the functioning of the institution. People serve the church.

Spiritual gifts change the direction of service. Instead, the church serves the members. The church helps people to understand and discover their spiritual gifts so they may serve others through the church for Christ's glory. The church releases people into ministry, often beyond the church walls. Some church slots will not be filled.
 
The place of the pastor with?
 
See Ephesians 4: 11, 12
 
Linking spiritual passion to?.
 
Knowing one's spiritual gifts is only part of the puzzle of knowing how best to serve. Spiritual passion directs where one's gifts can be put into play. Illustration: knowing my spiritual gift is fielding a baseball hit deeply into left field tells me the abilities I have with a mitt and a baseball. Knowing whether I should play baseball, or coach baseball, or write about my experiences with baseball, and with what age group, etc. is my spiritual passion, my arena of service.
 
Theological basis for ?
 
God hard-wires each person for a spiritual gift(s). Discovering, Discerning and Deploying my spiritual gifts in service fulfills part of my purpose in life, helps others and brings me joy and purpose. It is God-given, God-selected and God-infused.
 
Best resource for ?

Network. The only resource I have seen in the last 15 years that links spiritual gifts, spiritual passion and personal style in a coordinated, thought-through process for a congregation.
 
- Cliff Jones, Country Club Christian Church, Kansas City, MO