Evangelism and Faith: Gifts in Ministry IV}
In Ephesians 4:11, as Paul lists various gifts, he says, “And He [God] gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers…” Although we are all called to share the good news with those who do not know Jesus, some within our midst have the Spiritual Gift of Evangelism. According to the God.Gifts.You. and Your Unique Design curriculum, “those with the spiritual gift of Evangelism are people who seem to be always seeking to build meaningful relationships with non-believers and are often able to steer their conversations with these “neighbors” to spiritual things. They are enabled, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to communicate the good news of Jesus to unbelievers in such a way that they see people believe and commit to following Christ. These people just can’t not share their faith.”
One person with the God-given gift of Evangelism says: “Knowing that God has a purpose for everything, anytime I meet a person I think in terms of an opportunity to share Jesus' love and message. I try to talk, give an evangelistic brochure, or leave an open door for further conversation. I have seen many come to Jesus and there is no bigger joy.”
In some of Paul’s other writings, this time to the Corinthians, he lists spiritual gifts and includes one you might not expect—Faith: “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 12:8-9) Having the gift of faith is having that extra measure of confidence in God and His promises, helping inspire others to greater belief.
Many in the Body of Christ have the faith gift. As G.O. says: “God's gift of faith enables me to accept His will for my life, knowing that He will work all things for good for me because I love Him. (Rom. 8:28) As poet and artist Sister Corita Kent says: ‘Believing in God means knowing that all the rules are fair and there will be wonderful surprises.’”
T.V. explains it this way: “For me, having faith means never having to worry about anything. No matter how bad things may be in any particular moment, I have confidence that everything will ultimately be o.k. Psalm 91 helps me remember that the Lord cares for, and takes care of, his followers – especially verses 4, 5, 6, and 14: ‘He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.’”
And, C.H. adds: “To me, faith is at the very core of my Christian walk, and Christianity is at the very core of my being. God has responded to my prayers without fail (not always in my way or my time, but always in the context of His perfect will) and the comfort of knowing the truth of this condition has, on occasion, been the only thing that has allowed me to go on. As we grow older, I believe that many of us tend to be increasingly cynical about the world around us. Through an active, thoughtful and outgoing faith, God leads us back to His will and His way, and saves us from falling into despair.”
Be encouraged by those to whom God has given the gifts of Evangelism and Faith! Together with the other spiritual gifts given by His Holy Spirit, His Body (the church) can function as it is supposed to—with great diversity, yet with powerful unity--to His glory.
If you would like more information about gifts, get the God. Gifts. You. workbook (includes access to six online videos) and review additional resources at GodGiftsYou.com. Shirley Giles Davis is also happy to consult with your church on implementing an effective discovery process that aids in people-engagement. Contact Shirley.