Simple Church Pattern DNA: Spiritual Gifts
Summary: All followers of Jesus have a responsibility to minister to one another, through the Holy Spirit, so that the church is edified, grows healthy, and multiplies.
At his ascension, Jesus did not leave his followers orphans on earth, but sent the Holy Spirit to minister to us and through us. One way the Holy Spirit does this is by giving spiritual gifts to believers so that the church is edified, grows healthy, and multiplies.
The gifts are intended to be used by every believer, regardless of social status, abilities, family, education, race, gender, or economic status. Because his gifts are for everyone, not just a favored few, they keep the church in unity in the midst of its diversity. The spiritual gifts include:
teaching, giving, leadership, service, administration, gospel sharing and making new disciples, wisdom, faith, healing, prophecy, spiritual languages, and discernment.
One way all believers can operate in the spiritual gifts is in small groups because small group meetings give an opportunity for full participation. Though large group meetings are impacting and inspiring, it is in a small context where believers can practice, be trained, have space to try, and space to ask questions. They will be able to watch others as they model listening to the Spirits guidance and stepping out to serve through His power. Believers will not only grow in confidence, but they will also stay humble because in a small group others can watch their life and share mistakes. When ministry is limited to the platform, believers miss out on the vulnerable blessing of community – for gentle correction, practical guidance and encouragement.
The more the Holy Spirit empowers every believer, the more the message of Jesus will be shared. The more believers minister to other believers, the more the church will be healthy and expand to those who do not yet know Jesus. Operating in the spiritual gifts is vital for us to see multiplication.
