First United Methodist Church Carrollton

MINISTRY GIFTS

Paul gives us different instruction about the category of gifts known as diaconia, or what I like to call “Ministry Gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:5, 28-30; Ephesians 4:11-12). A ministry gift is a gift given to a Christian through the ministry and confirmation of the pastoral leaders in the church. You will be given a ministry gift when you are prepared to receive it. You may receive more than one ministry gift and God may give you different ministries at different times throughout your Christian life (1 Timothy 2:7; Acts 6:5; 8:40; 13:1-2). There are many ministry gifts mentioned in different passages in the New Testament. New ministries came on the scene as the need for them arose and that process is probably ongoing.

1. APOSTLE – There are the 12 Apostles and then there are other apostles mentioned in the Bible. All apostles are “sent out” from their local church to carry the gospel to others who have not heard it. Usually this involves cross-cultural ministry (Acts 13:1-4; 14:14).

2. PROPHET – A prophet is normally assigned to give God’s word to His people, calling them to repentance and right living.

3. EVANGELIST – An evangelist is assigned to share the gospel with lost people in his own area or culture.

4. PASTOR – A pastor or elder or bishop is assigned to shepherd a local church.

5. TEACHER – A teacher is assigned to teach God’s Word to God’s people.

6. DEACON – A deacon is assigned to administer the physical and material resources of the local church and to minister to widows and orphans and the elderly within the church.

7. MIRACLE WORKERS – God assigns miracle workers to pray for miracles.

8. HEALERS – God assigns healers to pray for healings.

9. HELPERS – God assigns helpers to physically assist the church and its members.

10. ADMINISTRATORS – Administrators are assigned to oversee and coordinate activities within the church.

11. SPEAKERS OF TONGUES are called by God to a ministry of praise and prayer in a language they have not learned.

12. INTERPRETERS OF TONGUES are assigned to interpret should anyone be lead to speak in tongues in a church service.

Obviously, our member gift will influence which ministry gifts God may give us. The Bible instructs us to desire and pray for the ministry that would be most useful to God and His church, based upon the abilities and gift that He has already given us. There are some ministry gifts that are more useful than others (1 Corinthians 12:28-31a).

THE GREATEST GIFT

None of the spiritual gifts that God gives us (member gifts, ministry gifts or manifestation gifts) are useful to God unless they are motivated by genuine love (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13).