Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
Statement of Belief
We believe that the Holy Spirit bestows a variety of spiritual gifts and callings upon believers for the edification of the Church and the fulfillment of its mission.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 — Ephesians 4:11-16 — 1 John 4:1 1)
Additional Information
We believe the gifts of the Spirit are divine empowerment.
The Holy Spirit graciously and generously bestows spiritual gifts upon believers for the edification of the Church and the fulfillment of its mission (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11-16). These gifts, distributed by the same Spirit, are given for the common good and the building up of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7).
As the Apostle Paul so eloquently teaches in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, “Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.” This passage highlights the diversity of gifts and their singular purpose: the benefit of all and the glory of God.
The variety of spiritual gifts includes wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). These gifts are not given to exalt the individual but rather to serve the Church and manifest the power and love of the Holy Spirit.
Moreover, Ephesians 4:11-16 expounds on the ministries bestowed by Christ for the Church's growth and unity. These ministries include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, all working together to equip the saints for works of service, building up the body of Christ. The ultimate goal is to achieve unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, attaining maturity and Christ-likeness.
God's intention is for every believer to discover and develop their spiritual gifts, using them to serve others and contribute to the Church's overall health and growth. By exercising these gifts, believers participate in the divine work of the Holy Spirit, extending the Kingdom of God on earth.
It is crucial for believers to discern their spiritual gifts and cultivate them under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the mentorship of spiritual leaders. As we grow in our understanding of these gifts, we should remain humble and teachable, allowing the Spirit to guide us into deeper dimensions of our calling.
It is equally critical to discern the spiritual gifts of others (1 John 4:1) so as not to be deceived by false prophets. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus Himself warns us to be mindful of them. Understand that false prophets refers to all claiming to have a gift, be it as a prophet, an apostle, a teacher, a preacher, and so forth. We, as Christians, are encouraged to discern the gifts of others to avoid deception. However, it's also important to understand that such discernment should be done in a spirit of love, humility, and community, not out of suspicion or judgment.
In conclusion, the spiritual gifts and ministries are divine empowerments graciously granted by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the Church and the fulfillment of its mission. These gifts reveal the multifaceted nature of God's work within the Church, enabling believers to participate in the divine plan for humanity. By embracing and utilizing our spiritual gifts, we contribute to the unity and maturity of the Body of Christ, fulfilling our purpose as members of God's family.