Discover Your S.H.A.P.E
At Grace Community we believe that every Christ-follower is a minister, uniquely designed to serve, contribute to a team, and engage in meaningful relationships with other people. Every person plays a crucial role in God’s purposes at Grace Community, not just those who are called “staff”, or are compensated for their ministry among us. As a matter of fact, we believe that those who are in staff positions are called to equip and release people to minister and not simply do works of ministry themselves (Ephesians 4:7-16). The way we talk about it is that every person has been given a unique S.H.A.P.E. by God, and their fulfillment in life, ministry and relationships is greatly enhanced by discovering this S.H.A.P.E., and finding opportunities to advance God’s kingdom that are a good fit for them. The acronym S.H.A.P.E. stands for … S piritual gifts which are supernatural motivations given to every Christ-follower by God. Everyone doesn’t receive the same gift. We believe the Bible lists 23 spiritual gifts, of which you have at least one if you’re a follower of Christ. Click HERE to learn more about these 23 spiritual gifts and their potential usage at Grace Community. H eart or passion – those issues, needs or causes that create a fire in your soul; That which causes a “holy discontent” when you consider the ministry of the church or the needs of the world. How might God be opening doors of opportunity of kingdom impact for you by celebrating and pursuing this passion? A bilities – are those 500-750 unique skills in your life’s toolbox. These skills may be the result of career training or some other skill development that you have received and can now use for serving. P ersonality or personal style – your preferred style of doing things and relating to people. E xperiences are those things in your life that God has allowed to occur for the purpose of developing you. God never wastes an experience, and wants to redeem even those painful experiences to authenticate a vital ministry. Finding a Ministry That Fits Your S.H.A.P.E. To find a place of ministry at Grace Community that fits your S.H.A.P.E., it would be helpful for you to have a working understanding of your shape and just by spending some time this web site will help you gain an idea of where you can best serve. The next step is to jump and try serving. You will discover whether its a good fit and will know if its the place God wants you. And if you aren’t sure, don’t sweat it! We will work with you find exactly the right place. For Further Equipping and Study Network Class: Taking the Team Ministry Spiritual Gifts Assessment: Two Good Reads: S.H.A.P.E.: Finding and Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose in Life, by Erik Rees
Doing Church As a Team, by Wayne Cordeiro
23 SPIRITUAL GIFTS OVERVIEW:
1. ADMINISTRATION Literal Meaning: To pilot or steer a ship Gift Definition: The gift of Administration is the supernatural ability to guide the work of the ministry by organizing and managing people, and/or tasks. People with this gift are motivated by a desire to help the church achieve a more efficient ministry impact. Distinctives: People with this gift: Develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals Assist ministries to become more effective and efficient create order out of organizational chaos Manage or coordinate a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task Organize people, tasks, or events. Traits: Thorough Objective Responsible Organized Goal oriented Efficient Cautions: People with this gift: Need to be open to adjusting their plans, so that they don’t stifle a leader’ s vision. Could use people simply to accomplish goals without being concerned for their growth in the process. Conscientious process Could fail to see God’s purposes being fulfilled in the process of meeting a goal Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:28, Acts 6:1-7, Exodus 18:13-26 2. APOSTLESHIP / PIONEERING Literal Meaning: To be sent with a message Gift Definition: The Gift of Apostleship/Pioneering is the supernatural ability to think “outside the box” in developing new ministries and churches, specifically in cross-cultural contexts, or places where Christ might not be known. NOTE: While the “office” of apostle that the original disciples of Christ held is unique and no longer exists, the “role” of apostle continues today and functions through the Spiritual Gift of Apostleship. Distinctives: People with this gift Pioneer and establish new ministries or churches Adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware Desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries Have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches Demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church Traits: Adventurous Entrepreneurial Persevering Adaptable Culturally sensitive Risk-taking Cause-driven Cautions: People with this gift Should be aware that misusing their authority can quench the Spirit in others Need to be affirmed and sent by the church Can be demanding and pessimistic. Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, Ephesians 4:11-12, Romans 1:5, Acts 13:2-3 3. CRAFTSMANSHIP Literal Meaning: To craft, design, build Gift Definition: The Gift of Craftsmanship is the supernatural ability to design and/or make things that will be used for ministry. Those with this gift are often described as being “handy”. Distinctives: People with this gift Work with wood, cloth, paints, metal, glass and other raw materials Make things which increase the effectiveness of others’ ministries Enjoy serving with their hands to meet tangible needs O Design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use Work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands Traits: Creative Designer Handy Resourceful Practical Behind-the-scenes Helpful Cautions: People with this gift Could fail to see that their gift is significant and one that make a spiritual contribution to the body Could use people to get things done instead of helping them grow in the process Should remember that the things they produce are just a means to the end and not the end itself Bible Verses to Review: Exodus 31:3, 35:31-35, Acts 9:36-39, 2 Kings 22:5-6 4. CREATIVE COMMUNICATION Literal Meaning: To communicate artistically Gift Definition: The Gift of Creative Communication is the supernatural ability to communicate God’s truth through drama, art, writing, music, dance, media, graphics design, and other creative venues. Distinctives: People with this gift Use the arts to communicate God’s truth Develop and use artistic skills such as drama, writing, art, music, etc. Use variety and creativity to captivate people and cause them to consider Christ’s message Challenge people’s perspective of God through various forms of the arts Demonstrate fresh ways to express the Lord’s ministry and message Traits: Expressive Imaginative Idea-oriented Artistic Creative Unconventional Sensitive Cautions: People with this gift Need to remember that art is not for art’s sake, but it’s to glorify God and edify others Could find evaluation and constructive criticism difficult to accept Might be uncooperative (because of ego, pride, or individualism) and need to work at being a team player Bible Verses to Review: Psalm 150:3-5, 2 Samuel 6:14-15, Mark 4:2,33 5. DISCERNMENT Literal Meaning: To separate or make a distinction, differentiate Gift Definition: The Gift of Discernment is the supernatural ability to see through a lot of confusion and pinpoint problems and solutions from God’s perspective. Those with this gift are spiritually skilled at distinguishing truth from error, pure from impure motives, right from wrong, light from darkness. Distinctives: People with this gift Distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure Identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness Determine whether a word attributed to God is authentic Recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message or interpretation Are able to sense the presence of evil Traits: Perceptive Insightful Sensitive Intuitive Decisive Challenging Truthful Cautions: People with this gift May struggle with how to express their perceptions, feelings or insights Could be harsh when confronting others, instead of speaking the truth Need to confirm their perceptions before speaking Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:10, Acts 5:1-4, Matthew 16:21-23 6. ENCOURAGEMENT / EXHORTING Literal Meaning: To come along side of Gift Definition: Those with the Gift of Encouraging/Exhorting have the supernatural ability to present truth in support and comfort of those who are wavering in their faith or are hurting. Distinctives: People with this gift Come to the side of those who are discouraged to strengthen and reassure them Challenge, comfort, or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God Urge others to action by applying biblical truth Motivate others to grow Emphasize God’s promises and to have confidence in his will Traits: Positive Motivating Challenging Affirming Reassuring Supportive Trustworthy Cautions: People with this gift Can sometimes be overly optimistic, too simplistic flattering Should first take time to understand where others are and what they really need May want to just say “positive” things to others and avoid being confrontational when it’s needed Bible Verses to Review: Romans 12:8, Acts 11:22-24, Acts 15:30-32 7. EVANGELISM Literal Meaning: To bring good news Gift Definition: People with the Gift of Evangelism have the supernatural ability to communicate the Gospel message to non-believers so they are able to embrace the Gospel and respond in faith to Christ. Distinctives: People with 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 and to become fully devoted followers of Christ Adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual’ s needs Seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers Traits: Sincere Candid Respected Influential Spiritual Confident Commitment-oriented Cautions: People with this gift Need to remember the Holy Spirit, not guilt, is the motivator in a person’ s decision for Christ Should avoid becoming critical of others by remembering that we are all “witnesses,” but we are not all “evangelists” Need to listen carefully, because the same approach is not appropriate for everyone Bible Verses to Review: Ephesians 4:11, Acts 8:26-40, Luke 19:1-10 8. FAITH Literal Meaning: To trust, have confidence, believe Gift Definition: Those with the Gift of Faith have the supernatural ability to help others act on God’s promises with confidence, encouraging a clear God-focus and deeper trust in Him. Distinctives: People with this gift Believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same Act in complete confidence of God’s ability to overcome obstacles Demonstrate an attitude of trust in God’s will and his promises Advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not Ask God for what is needed and trust him for his provision Traits: Prayerful Optimistic Trusting Assured Positive Inspiring Hopeful Cautions: People with this gift Need to act on their faith Should remember that those who speak with reason and desire to plan do not necessarily lack faith Should listen to and consider the counsel of wise and spirit-filled believers Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:9, 13:2, Hebrews 11:1, Romans 4:18-21 9. GIVING Literal Meaning: To give part of, share Gift Definition: The Gift of Giving is the supernatural ability to sacrificially contribute money or resources to advance God’s Kingdom on an ongoing basis. Distinctives: People with this gift Manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in order to give as much of their resources as possible Support the work of ministry with sacrificial gifts to advance the Kingdom Meet tangible needs that enable spiritual growth to occur O Provide resources, generously and cheerfully, trusting God for his provision May have a special ability to make money so that they may use it to further God’s work Traits: Stewardship-oriented Responsible Resourceful Charitable Trusts in God Disciplined Cautions: People with this gift Need to esteem their gift, remembering that giving money and resources is a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ Need to remember leaders determinethe church’s agenda, not by the giver’s gift Need to guard against greed Bible Verses to Review: Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 6:8, Luke 21:1-4 10. HEALINGS Literal Meaning: To restore instantaneously. NOTE: The word is actually plural, “healings,” which indicate that different kinds of healings are possible with this gift (i.e., emotional, relational, spiritual, physical, etc.). Gift Definition: The Gift of Healing is the supernatural ability to restore people to physical, emotional, spiritual or relational wholeness, as a means of communicating God’s healing presence. Distinctives: People with this gift Demonstrate the power of God Bring restoration to the sick and diseased Authenticate a message from God through healing Use it as an opportunity to communicate a biblical truth and to see God glorified Pray, touch, or speak words that miraculously bring healing to one’s body Traits: Compassionate Trusts in God Prayerful Full of faith Humble Responsive Obedient Cautions: People with this gift Need to remember that it is not always their faith or the faith of the sick that determines a healing, but God who determines it Need to realize that God does not promise to heal everyone who asks or is prayed for Should remember that Jesus did not heal everyone who was sick or suffering while he was on the earth Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28,30, Acts 3:1-16, Mark 2:1-12 11. HELPS /SERVING Literal Meaning: To take the place of someone Gift Definition: Those with the Gift of Helps / Serving have the supernatural ability to minister faithfully behind the scenes. Those with this gift love to support others in a variety of ways, enabling them to minister in more visible roles. Distinctives: People with this gift Serve behind the scenes wherever needed to support the gifts and ministries of others See the tangible and practical things to be done and enjoy doing them Sense God’ s purpose and pleasure in meeting everyday responsibilities Attach spiritual value to practical service Enjoy knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God has called them to do Traits: Available Willing Helpful Reliable Loyal Dependable Whatever-it-takes attitude Cautions: People with this gift Need to esteem their gift, remembering that doing practical deeds is a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ Find it difficult to say “no” Need to be responsive to the priorities of leadership instead takes attitude of setting their own agendas Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:28, Romans12:7, Acts 6:1-4, Romans 16:1-2 12. HOSPITALITY Literal Meaning: To love strangers Gift Definition: The Gift of Hospitality is that supernatural ability God has given to some for opening their home, or providing fellowship, food or shelter in an environment where individuals feel loved and cared for. Distinctives: People with this gift Provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for Meet new people and help them to feel welcomed Create a safe and comfortable setting where relationship: can develop Seek ways to connect people together into meaningful relationships Set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings Traits: Friendly Gracious Inviting Trusting Caring Responsive Warm Cautions: People with this gift Should avoid viewing their gift as just “entertaining” Need to remember to ask God who he wants them to befriend and serve Should be careful not to cause stress in their own family when inviting others into their home Bible Verses to Review: 1 Peter 4:9-10, Romans12:13, Hebrews 13:1-2 13. INTERCESSION Literal Meaning: To plead on behalf of someone, intercede Gift Definition: The Gift of Intercession is the supernatural ability to engage in prayer for others with urgency and passion, uniquely convinced of God’s attentiveness and power to answer. Distinctives: People with this gift Feel compelled to earnestly pray on behalf of someone or some cause Have a daily awareness of the spiritual battles being waged and pray Are convinced God moves in direct response to prayer Pray in response to the leading of the spirit, whether they understand it or not Exercise authority and power for the protection of others and the equipping of them to serve Traits: Advocate Caring Sincere Peacemaker Trustworthy Burden-bearer Spiritually sensitive Cautions: People with this gift Should avoid feeling that their gift is not valued, by remembering that interceding for others is their ministry and spiritual contribution to the body of Christ Should avoid using prayer as an escape an escape from fulfilling responsibilities Need to avoid a “holier than thou ” attitude sometimes caused by extended times of prayer and spiritual intimacy with God Bible Verses to Review: Romans 8:26-27, John 17:9-26, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Colossians 1:9-12., 4:12-13 14. INTERPRETATION Literal Meaning: To translate, interpret Gift Definition: The Gift of Interpretation is the supernatural ability to translate and make known specific messages from God that are spoken in unknown tongues by those possessing the Gift of Tongues. Distinctives: People with this gift Respond to a message spoken in tongues by giving an interpretation Glorify God and demonstrate his power through this miraculous manifestation Edify the body by interpreting a timely message from God Understand an unlearned language and communicate that message to the body of Christ Are sometimes prophetic when exercising an interpretation of tongues for the church Traits: Obedient Responsive Devoted Responsible Spiritually sensitive Discerning Wise Cautions: People with this gift Need to remember that that the message being interpreted should reflect the will of God and not man Should remember that this gift is to provide edification, it’s to build up the church Use it in conjunction with tongues and it should be used in an orderly manner Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:5, 14:26-28 15. KNOWLEDGE Literal Meaning: To know Gift Definition: The Gift of Knowledge is a supernatural ability to bring biblical truth to light through direct spiritual insight from God and/or the diligent study of His Word. The goal of this gift is that people receive the truth about God and His Word. Distinctives: People with this gift Receive truth which enables them to better serve the body Search the scriptures for insight, understanding, and truth Have an unusual insight or understanding that serves the church Organize information for teaching and practical use Gain knowledge, which was not attained by natural observation or means Traits: Inquisitive Responsive Observant Reflective Studious Truthful Cautions: People with this gift Need to be careful of this gift leading to pride (“knowledge puffs up”) Should remember that it’s God message, not theirs, when they give a word of knowledge to the church Need to remember with the increasing of knowledge comes the increasing of pain Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:8, Mark 2:6-8, John 1:45-50 16. LEADERSHIP Literal Meaning: To stand before Gift Definition: The Gift of Leadership is the supernatural ability to influence others in Kingdom pursuits. They have an effectiveness for casting vision, drawing out the passions of others, and directing people as they work together toward a common goal. Distinctives: People with this gift Provide direction for God’s people or ministry Motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities Present the “big picture” for others to see Model the values of the ministry Take responsibility and establish goals Traits: Influential Diligent Visionary Trustworthy Persuasive Motivating Goal-setter Cautions: People with this gift Should realize their relational credibility takes time and is critical for leadership effectiveness Should remember that servant leadership is the biblical model, the greatest being the servant of all Do not need to be in a leadership “position ” to use this gift Bible Verses to Review: Romans 12:8, Hebrews 13:17, Luke 22:25-26 17. MERCY Literal Meaning: To have compassion Gift Definition: The Gift of Mercy is the supernatural ability to compassionately serve those who are suffering, in need, or experiencing oppression. Distinctives: People with this gift Focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people Address the needs of the lonely and forgotten Express love, grace, and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis Serve in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully Concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people Traits: Empathetic Caring Responsive Kind Compassionate Sensitive Burden-bearing Cautions: People with this gift Need to be aware that rescuing people from their pain may be hindering work in them Need to guard against feeling “unappreciated,” since some of the people helped will not show or express any appreciation Should guard against becoming defensive and angry about the sources of others’ pain Bible Verses to Review: Romans 12:8, Matthew 5:7, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 10:25-37 18. MIRACLES Literal Meaning: To do powerful deeds Gift Definition: The Gift of Miracles is obvious in those who do powerful deeds. They have the supernatural ability to authenticate the person or work of Christ and, by faith, mediate supernatural acts that glorify God. Distinctives: People with this gift Speak God’s truth and have it authenticated by an accompanying miracle Express confidence in God’s faithfulness and ability to manifest his presence Bring the ministry and message of Jesus Christ with power Claim God to be the source of the miracle and Glorify him Represent Christ and through the gift point people to a relationship with Christ Traits: Bold Venturesome Authoritative God-fearing Convincing Prayerful Responsive Cautions: People with this gift Need to remember that some miracles are not necessarily caused by faith Should avoid viewing this gift as a personal responsibility, remembering that God determines the location and timing of his deeds Need to guard against the temptation to call on the Lord’s presence and power for selfish purposes Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28-29, John 2:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 19. PROPHECY Literal Meaning: To speak before Gift Definition: People with the Gift of Prophecy have the supernatural ability to receive a spontaneous message from God, coupled with the ability to communicate this message with clarity and sensitivity, leading to strengthening, encouragement and comfort. Distinctives: People with this gift Expose sin or deception in others for the purpose of reconciliation Speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance, and edification See truth that others often fail to see and challenge them to respond Warn of God’s immediate or future judgment if there if no repentance Understand God’s heart and mind through experiences he takes them through Traits: Discerning Compelling Uncompromising Outspoken Authoritative Convicting Confronting Cautions: People with this gift Need to be aware that listeners may reject the message if not spoken with love Need to avoid pride which can create a demanding or discouraging Spirit that hinders the gift Should remember that discernment and scripture must support and agree with each prophecy Bible Verses to Review: Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:10,28,13:2, 2 Peter 1:19-21 20. SHEPHERDING Literal Meaning: To shepherd a flock Gift Definition: The Gift of Shepherding is the supernatural ability to nurture, care for and guide people to ongoing spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness. Distinctives: People with this gift Take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God Provide guidance and oversight to a group of God’s people Model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Establish trust and confidence through long-term relationships Lead and protect those within their span of care Traits: Influencing Nurturing Guiding Discipling Protective Supportive Relational Cautions: People with this gift Should remember that God judges those who neglect or abuse their oversight responsibilities Need to be aware that the desire to feed and support others can make it difficult to say “no” Should realize that some of those being nurtured will grow beyond the shepherd’s own ability and need to be freed to do so Bible Verses to Review: Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Peter 5:1-4, John 10:1-18 21. TEACHING Literal Meaning: To instruct Gift Definition: People with the Gift of Teaching have the supernatural ability to communicate God’s Word in such a way as to help people understand it more completely, and apply it to their lives more consistently. Distinctives: People with this gift Communicate biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the word Challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of scripture Present the whole counsel of God for maximum life change Give attention to detail and accuracy Prepare through extended times of study and reflection Traits: Disciplined Perceptive Teachable Authoritative Practical Analytical Articulate Cautions: People with this gift Should avoid pride that may result from their “superior” biblical knowledge and understanding Could become too detailed when teaching and fail to make life application Should remember that their spirituality is not measured by how much they know Bible Verses to Review: Romans12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, Acts 18:24-28, 2 Timothy 2:2 22. TONGUES Literal Meaning: Tongue, language Gift Definition: The Gift of Tongues is the supernatural ability to communicate with God in syllables that are not understood by them. Distinctives: People with this gift Express with an interpretation a word by the Spirit, which edifies the body Communicate a message given by God for the church Speak in a language they have never learned and do not understand Worship the Lord with unknown words too deep for the mind to comprehend Experience an intimacy with God which inspires them to serve and edify others Traits: Sensitive Prayerful Responsive Trusting Devoted Spontaneous Receptive Cautions: People with this gift Should remain silent in the church if there is no interpreter Should avoid expecting others to manifest this gift which may cause in authenticity of the Spirit Should remember that all the gifts, including this one, are to edify others Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28-30,,13:1, 14:1-33, Acts 2:1-11 23. WISDOM Literal Meaning: To apply truth practically Gift Definition: The Gift of Wisdom is the supernatural ability to use knowledge in a practical way. Those with this gift are able to clearly hear from God and keenly apply biblical truth to individuals or a unique set of circumstances. Distinctives: People with this gift Focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take Receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body Provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion Hear the Spirit provide direction for God’ s best in a given situation Apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways Traits: Sensible Insightful Practical Wise Fair Experience Common Sense Cautions: People with this gift Could fail to share the wisdom that God has given them Need to avoid having others develop a dependence upon them, which may weaken their faith in God Need to be patient with others who do not have this gift Bible Verses to Review: 1 Corinthians 12:8, James 3:13-18, 1 Corinthians 2:3-14 |
